J.C. Ryle discusses the Parable of the Pounds, emphasizing the misunderstanding of Jesus' disciples regarding the immediate establishment of God's kingdom. He highlights their error in overlooking the necessity of Christ's suffering before His glory, paralleling it with contemporary Christians who may misinterpret prophecies about Christ's second coming. Ryle urges believers to approach Old Testament prophecies with a literal understanding, warning against the dangers of spiritualizing texts that refer to Israel and Jerusalem. He calls for a renewed examination of prophetic scriptures, advocating for a balanced view of both Christ's first and second advents. Ultimately, Ryle stresses the importance of recognizing the literal fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the implications for the Church today.