What does Luke 19:18 mean?

Jesus and a crowd of disciples are approaching Jerusalem for the Passover. He has spent a significant amount of time talking about the kingdom of God, how it has already come, and the place His disciples have in it. Right now, they're headed to Jerusalem. The people think He is about to do something grand, like drive out the Romans. They don't know He is marching to His death. Even after His resurrection, He will not claim the kingdom as they expect; He will return to His Father for a time. There's going to be a wait, and they need to be ready.

So, He tells them the parable of the ten minas (Luke 19:11–27). A nobleman gives ten servants the same amount of money. Then he leaves to be crowned king. When he returns, he calls on the servants to report how they have invested the money and what profit they have made.

The first servant is wildly successful. He took his one mina and made ten more. As a reward, the king gives him authority over ten cities. The second servant did very well, also. He made five more. Despite being less than the first servant, it's still an incredible feat. The king gives him authority over five cities.

Each servant received the same amount—the same treasure. Each member of the crowd has also received the same treasure. They've seen or heard of Jesus healing the blind (Luke 18:35–43) and restoring the sinner (Luke 19:1–10). They've heard Him teach. Soon, they will hear of His resurrection. All these are proof that He is the Messiah come to reconcile them to God. They need to accept that truth and spread the good news. When He returns, He will reward each person according to that person's faithfulness (1 Corinthians 3:10–15).