Matthew 25: The Parable of the Talents

There was a Master who was travelling to a far country and gave his property to three servants for them to look after according to their abilities, and when he returned after a period this is what the three servants had done with what had been given to them. (Read Matthew 25: 14 - 30).

Here is what the Word of God says in Matthew 25 verses 14 to 19:

14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (New King James Version)

a) The first servant was given five talents and in turn doubled the Masters money to ten. The master told him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

See Matthew 25 verses 20 and 21:

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (New King James Version)

b) The second servant had two talents and in turn doubled the Masters money to four. The master replied with the same statement as the first that he could share in the master's happiness because he too was a good and faithful servant.

See Matthew 25 verses 22 and 23:

22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (New King James Version)

c) The third servant who had received one talent put the money in the ground and did nothing with it and in turn the master called him lazy and unproductive. The Master told him he did not understand the concept of reaping and harvesting, and was angry with him because He had not traded with the talent given to him, and had not produced anything.

See Matthew 25 verses 24 to 27:

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. (New King James Version).

The Parable concludes in verses 28 to 30 by saying "Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more and he will have abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". There are four key questions we need to ask ourselves today. 1. What are your natural and God given talents? 2. Are you putting these talents to full use as God would want you to? 3. Have you misused your God given talents like the third servant and need to repent? 4. Are you eager for God to bless you more so that you can turn small gifts into huge developments for the Kingdom of God?

God always settles accounts with us whether we are aware of it or not. That is why the people who are diligent and are using their talents for God effectively always seem to be expanding in resources, influence, and capacity. Whereas others who are not conscientious with their assignment appear to be stagnated, often with little to show for projects and for years of activity. This may just be the secret you need to unlock your greatness, enlarge your coast, and make satisfactory progress.

If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus and made Him Lord of your life, then that should be the first step to live your life to please God. You can do that right where you are by praying the salvation prayer from your heart, out loud. See the Salvation Prayer HERE.

Now that you are saved, you can ask God to do great things through you.

Prayer Lord Jesus, I give and lift up all my dreams, ambitions, skills, personal qualities before your Holy Throne, to humbly come before you to confirm this is the direction you want me to use these skills, that you are a God that can raise up yet also demote (verse 29) when we don't use these talents for your good. Lord I am hungry and eager for you to do amazing things in and through me. I pray that you will teach me to use the talents you have given me like the first two servants, that I will have an abundance of blessing according to your riches I pray in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

If you have any comments, queries or suggestions regarding this article please do not hesitate to contact me by email at mec980@yahoo.co.uk

(c) Mark E Crossley

Via Faith Writers