The Talents
Matthew 25 starts with the parable of the ten bridesmaids where Jesus teaches us to live ready for his return. Directly following it is the parable of the talents, which teaches us how we should spend the time we do have until we meet Jesus face to face.
In Jesus’ story, a man leaving on a long trip entrusts his money to his servants to manage while he’s away.
Matthew 25:15 | He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
Knowing each servant well, the master gave each one an amount that fit with their ability.
Matthew 25:19 | After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.
The servant with five bags of silver wisely invested the money and earned five more. He greets the master with the ten bags.
Matthew 25:21 | The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
The servant given two bags of silver worked hard and earned two more. He shows the master the four bags and again the master praises him and plans to trust him with greater responsibility in the future.
But the third servant, dug a hole and buried his bag of silver. When the master returned, the servant immediately begins making excuses. He blames the master and his own fear for the reason he didn’t do anything with the money.
The excuses don’t mean anything to the master. He calls the servant wicked and lazy. He takes the servant’s bag of silver away and gives it to the servant with ten bags and the lazy servant is thrown out into the darkness.
The master in this story is Jesus and the trip represents Jesus’ ascent into Heaven and pending return. Just like the servants in the story, we have been entrusted with various things according to our ability. God has given each of His followers talents, spiritual gifts, and treasures with which we need to be faithful. As Jesus says in this parable,
Matthew 25:29 | To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
Are you being faithful with the talents, gifts, and treasures entrusted to you? You do this by using the things entrusted to you to build God’s kingdom and to point others to Him. When you meet Jesus face to face, will he greet you with “Well done, my good and faithful servant?” Be faithful with the time, talents, and treasures God has given you.
How is Jesus like the master in the parable of the talents?
What has God entrusted you with — or made you responsible for — during your time here on Earth
What are your talents?
What are your treasures (the blessings/things of value you have been given)
What are your spiritual gifts?
Looking at your list from the last question, if Jesus returned today, would you be greeted with “Well done, good and faithful servant?” Why or why not?
In what ways have you been lazy or unfaithful with your time, talents, and treasure? What will you change this week?