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Secrets of the Kingdom Life  /  Chapter 38: The Point of the Story  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 3
In Luke 19:12–13 (“Do business till I come”), Bercot treats Jesus’ words as an expectation of ongoing kingdom labor; what do you think “doing business for our King” actually looks like in daily life, and how would an early Christian have recognized whether someone was truly “doing business”?
Another way to ask: In Luke 19:12–13, what does “doing business for our King” look like in normal daily life? How would an early Christian tell if someone was really doing it?

Direct Answer Based on Bercot’s teaching, “doing business for our King” means actively engaging in concrete forms of kingdom work—especially service to the needy and ministry in and through the church—rather than focusing mainly on building earthly wealth. An early Christian would likely recognize it by whether a person’s life vocation was “serving God and His kingdom,” even while working to provide.

Support from Transcript:

  • Luke 19 is presented as Jesus’ expectation: “He expects us to be working on His behalf until His return.”
  • He defines “the Lord’s business” by listing “twenty” types of kingdom work: feeding, giving drink, sheltering, clothing, calling on the sick, prison visits, preaching, church planting, teaching, leadership, discipling, intercession, peacemaking, comforting, hospitality, administration, caring for widows/orphans, encouraging, gifts of the Spirit.
  • He adds modern examples: Bible translation, medical care, curing diseases, agricultural help, literature, conferences, cleaning church buildings, babysitting, micro-loans, addiction help, caring for new mothers, shelters.
  • Early Christian perspective: “Their vocation was serving God and His kingdom,” not their job title.
  • Clement is cited: business for sustenance is “a small portion of time,” implying primary identity is spiritual labor.
Discussion Follow-ups Which of Bercot’s categories could be built into ordinary weeks (not just occasional events)? How would you tell the difference between “supporting a ministry by donations” and actually treating kingdom work as your vocation?

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