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As he approached Jericho, Jesus healed a blind man who had greeted him as the Son of David (i.e., the Messiah). It was a healing in response to the man’s faith (18:35-43). When Jesus entered Jericho, he gave recognition to Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, calling him by name and asking to be his guest. Jesus' ministry to Zacchaeus was part of his work as Savior of the lost (19:1-10).
Jesus told the parable of the ten minas (19:11-27), a mina being the equivalent of three months' wages for a laborer. The parable presented a challenge to both the opponents and the disciples of Jesus. And it has presented an equal challenge to Christians of later generations. It is a warning to them of the dangers in neglecting the spiritual heritage with which they have been entrusted.
The parable may also have an allegorical significance. The nobleman’s departure may signify Jesus' ascension. The enemies may be the opponents of Jesus. And the nobleman’s return may refer to the coming of Christ in the future.
Jesus told the parable because the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once (19:11). Even during his ministry some of his disciples expected a dramatic divine intervention into the course of history. And in Luke’s day, as well as in subsequent ages, members of the church have awaited the return of Jesus in the near future. With the passage of time such people begin to be restless. This parable gives them reassurance. The future kingdom may be delayed longer than they expect, but it will ultimately come.