A parable is a type of story Jesus would tell so we would learn something from it. Theres afamous scene in the movie Chariots of Fire where future Olympian Eric Liddell feels a tension between his chance to be an Olympic runner and his calling to be a missionary in China. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. Parable Of The Talents, Matthew 25:14-30 KJV - KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE See, I have gained two more.' 23 His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! These verses are the opening to what is known as the parable of the talents. If this is the case, and we are to be at work until He comes, then why do we think that reaching a certain age entitles us to cease our labors for Him? Players take turns to roll a dice. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector? ~ Excerpt from Matthew Henry Commentary. Here, as in what was said to the faithful servants, our Saviour goes out of the parable into the thing intended by it, and this serves as a key to the whole. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. 11 If then you havent been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will entrust you with the true riches? First of all, let us be clear that we are not talking about salvation by works. retirement has become a socially acceptable form of burying ones talent. The Parable of the Talents Meaning and Significance for Today 12:11; Eph. In the parable, the gifts are given according to natural ability, but all who increase equally are rewarded equally. A talent of gold, for example, would be worth a whole lot more than a talent of bronze. And the longer the master was gone, the more interest was lost by the slaves inactivity. The first two servants quickly272 set to work with their masters money. [c] (K)You have been faithful over a little; (L)I will set you over much. The lazy, wicked slave in our parable is that person who refuses to go to work with the resources God has provided, to produce profit for the kingdom of heaven. I wonder how many of us are simply giving back money that we have not put to use. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from them, by human descent, came the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever! What is the meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan? Sharon Jaynes, Make the Most of Your Talents Re-read the passage, preferably in a different translation to get a clearer perspective on what the passage is communicating. I believe that this parable focuses on four major themes: resources, work, time and profit. The word hard, which this slave used to characterize his master, is far from flattering. This story is called the Parable of the Talents. NKJV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NKJV, Abide Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version. Jesus came into a world that was the devils domain (1 John 5:19) and claimed it for himself, despite opposition from demons and sinful people who disliked him calling out their flaws. In order to understand the meaning and the application of the parable of the talents, we must take note of the crucial terms and their meanings. 28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten. 7 And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life. 8 This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. If we were to make an equation of this parable, it would probably go like this: Resources (talents) + Labor (work) + Time = Profit. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? The parable of the talents is told in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:11-27. Dont blame it on God. Then he gives the one talent to the first servant, for to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away (Luke 19:26). 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. In the Matthew version, he gives one servant 10 talents (or bags of gold), another five talents, and the third one talent. a certain weight or 'talent'. He did not increase his masters money at all. master tells his unfaithful servant that he should have put the money in the bank. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. (1) Verse 13 does not really seem to fit with verses 1-12, or to contribute to their message. To give that up would be to hold him in contempt., This quote highlights that in the end, all talents are given by God to glorify him. In my opinion, nothing in our text compels us to think (or even imply) that this might be the case. The, the definite article. First, the master stayed away for a long time (Matthew 25:19). We should first consider the masters assessment of all three slaves: The first two slaves were commended as being both good and faithful. The term good is sometimes employed in a moral sense. It is the continuation of fruitful, profitable labor. After being gone a long time, the master returns to settle up with his slaves (verse 19). You have been faithful with a few things. Used by permission. From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit (Matthew 7:17-18). Please consider their relationship to our text, and to money, time, labor, and profit: 1 To the angel of the church in Sardis write the following: This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your deeds, that you have a reputation that you are alive, but in reality you are dead. In the parable of the talent, there are two clear references to time. Hank Hanegraaff, Economy of God My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die (Philippians 1:20). (4) The expression which begins verse 14 (Greek, w[sper ga.r) is employed 11 times elsewhere in the New Testament (Matthew 12:40; 24:27, 37; 25:14; Luke 17:24; John 5:21, 26; Romans 5:19; 6:19; 11:30; 1 Corinthians 11:12; 15:22; James 2:26). Both minas and talents were units of currency in the ancient Roman world. 30And cast the unprofitable servant (L)into the outer darkness. God made me for a purpose, for China, Liddell says, But he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure. Look, But his lord answered and said to him, You. 20 The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. It is a usual way of expressing the miseries of the damned in hell. What is the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares? The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Community Bible Chapel. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden - Bible Story, The Ten Commandments - Bible Verses and Importance Today, Parable of the Prodigal Son - Bible Story, The Resurrection of Jesus - Bible Story and Prophecy. Most of us find it hard to un-crack, especially given the third servant gets punished for doing nothing. The masters return presumably refers to the last days when Jesus will return, and at the final judgment unrepentant sinners will perish and those served God will be rewarded according to their actions (Revelation 20:11-15) (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). You have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. See, I have gained two more.' 23 His master replied, 'Well . It was not until after the fall of man that mans labor became toil: 17 But to Adam he said, Because you obeyed your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, You must not eat from it, cursed is the ground thanks to you; in painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Tounderstand this parable, we need to look at the parable in the context of Jesus surrounding teachings and the Bibles other teachings about giftings. 16He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. Each of these things (and many others) are given by God, to use in ways that glorify him and draws others toward him. See, I have gained five more. 21 His master answered, Well done, good and faithful slave! It would probably be unwise to study the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 without also considering a similar parable in Luke 19:11-27: 11 While the people were listening to these things, Jesus proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. One man may design a church building, a cathedral. Matthew 25:16 - The Parable of the Talents - Bible Hub Two of the slaves seem eager to show their master what they have accomplished in his absence. I am now inclined to say that verse 13 fits best with verses 14-30. I believe that there are other texts of Scripture which indicate that God has entrusted (by common grace, in some cases) certain assets to all men, and that all men are accountable to God for how they use (or do not use) these resources which God has entrusted to them. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Dragnet? 30 And throw that worthless slave into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:13-30). Playlist: Go to the Parable of the Talents (topic) playlist . 28So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. The one who does not have but yet does have (because what he has is taken away) is the one who has his masters money, but has made no profit from it. Before he goes, the master brings his servants together (three in the Matthew version, 10 in the Luke version). The Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25 - KJV - eBible 17And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. For example, this story is about talents which was a super large amount of money in Bible times. And,. 28 Father, glorify your name. Then a voice came from heaven, I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again (John 12:27-28). 269 Copyright 2005 by Community Bible Chapel, 418 E. Main Street, Richardson, TX 75081. Salem Media Group. In the parable of the talent, there are two clear references to time. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. In short, Jesus is a master who uses methods we dont always understand, which might even seem unfair. 14(A)For (B)it will be like a man (C)going on a journey, who called his servants[a] and entrusted to them his property. To be away from home, go into another country, be away, be abroad. Our labors for the Master should increase, not diminish, if we are kingdom minded. I have often been puzzled over these words, repeated several times in the New Testament: For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. Since help was available to him in the Church, the man had no excuse. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! It is as though he had said, I knew you were unreasonable, and that there was no way to please you, and so I decided not even to try.. There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. He admits he buried it in the ground because he was afraid to use it (Matthew 25:24-25, Luke 19:20-21). For less than $5/mo. What is the meaning of the parable of the friend in need (persistent neighbor)? Kathy Sweeny, Choices Determine Destinies In the end though, it doesnt matter whether we think Jesus is a hard or odd master, because we are neither all-knowing nor all-powerful. each according to his ability. The story in Matthew 25:14-30 unfolds as such: A man goes away on a trip. (M)There will be weeping and (N)gnashing of teeth.. First, they receive their masters commendation, Well done, good and faithful slave (verses 21, 23). Matthew 25:14-30 NRSV - "For it is as if a man, | Biblia Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. So, in modern terms, the ten servants each got $16,665. The second slave presents his master with four talents. The element of profit. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. They justified their rejection of Jesus by claiming that He was the problem. On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month of the year. Let me see if I can defend my allegation. It is used in 1 Samuel 25:3 to describe Nabal, Abigails husband, who is a stubborn fool.281 Isaiah (48:4) uses this term to describe Israels abstinence. The Parable of the Talents (Lk 19:11-27) 14 "For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents,f to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18; [John 15:2], NKJV, Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, 2nd Edition, Comfort Print: Growing in Knowledge and Understanding of God Through His Word, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Spirit-Filled Life Bible, Third Edition, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Kingdom Equipping Through the Power of the Word. Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:13-14), according to plans he laid out before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5), to glorify him forever. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. man allocates his resources to servants, expecting them to make a profit in his absence. Works that produce a profit for the kingdom282 are the basis for our rewards. 14 But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14). Theparable of the talents is told in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:11-27. His entertainment was to torment one of the tigers. Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. You have been faithful in a few things. Christ keeps no servants to be idle: they have received their all from him, and have nothing they can call their own but sin. The Gospels make it clear many times that Jesus was the king of the Jews, but came in a way they did not expect, preaching a message many didnt want to hear. He doubled the money his master entrusted to him. in Luke is there another group, in addition to the masters servants those who dont want this man to become their king, and who send a message asking him not to return. [14]For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. Remember, this is a parable, and all ofJesus parables are about a bit more than they seem. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. Neither group knew when the groom was coming. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. It was completed by more than twenty biblical scholars who worked directly from the best currently available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. He then tells the servants to put this money to work (Luke 19:13), invest it to make more money for him, and he would see their results when hes back. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions (Matthew 24:45-47). 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. If we grew up in cultures where the individual is primary, we also tend to think we can live as we please. Matthew 25:29 (NIV) ANSWERS. Let them go and collect straw for themselves. There is only one who is good. 274 If my concordance program is correct, this term occurs 526 times in the New Testament. 27So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Luke, the man who went away is a nobleman who leaves to obtain a kingdom; in Matthew, no such information is given. I wonder how many have given serious thought to what might be called the theology of retirement. I would like to challenge every Christian to rethink the subject of retirement. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Matthew 25:15 - The Parable of the Talents - Bible Hub Let us not envy sinners, or covet any of their perishing possessions. But none of them adequately explain it. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Pressing this matter just a little further, if the church were to be considered a business and every member were to be viewed as an employee, how many of us should reasonably expect to keep our jobs? For less than $5/mo. 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Burying the talent in the ground is an illustration of using one's God-given gifts for earthly pursuits. It is also found in Jude 1:15 to describe the harsh words the unbelieving have said against God. third servant does not make a profit for his master. The first servant has made the biggest return (10 minas from one mina, or 10 talents from five talents). 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 276 Needless to say, bankers and banking were not the same in those days. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? It is clear that our Lord Jesus intended for us to be found at work when He returns: 45 Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their food at the proper time? Bible Gateway Matthew 25 :: NIV The Christian should think about retirement in the same way he or she thinks of being single (if, indeed, you are): 32 And I want you to be free from concern. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. In our parable, money is given to us to use, to work with, not just to give back. Wrap a gift a number of times to create a few layers. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Wedding Feast? Bible Memory Verse. In our text, the good slave is the useful or beneficial slave, for he has gained a profit for his master.278 He is also faithful because he has been at work with his masters money from the time he left until the time he returned. It is the real Christian's liberty and privilege to be employed as his Redeemer's servant, in promoting his glory, and the good of his people: the love of Christ constrains him to live no longer to himself, but to Him, that died for him and rose again. 15 To one he gave five talents,[ b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you will have authority over ten cities. 18 Then the second one came and said, Sir, your mina has made five minas. 19 So the king said to him, And you are to be over five cities. 20 Then another slave came and said, Sir, here is your mina that I put away for safekeeping in a piece of cloth. 12 And if you havent been trustworthy with someone elses property, who will give you your own? (Luke 16:10-12). Did this third slave think that there would be no reward for his faithful service because his master was a hard man? This parable is not primarily about faith, nor is it about being willing to take a risk (this was merely the wicked slaves excuse). Lets begin with the end result profit. As I thought of this slaves attitude toward his master, I was reminded of this passage in the Book of Exodus: 1 Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Release my people so that they may hold a pilgrim feast to me in the desert. 2 But Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord that I should obey him by releasing Israel? Mat Mt). As Dorothy Sayers put it in her essay Why Work? if we follow God properly, all the work will be Christian work, whether it is Church embroidery or sewage-farming.. In Matthew, this is especially clear in 12:40; 24:27, 37. The first steward is given 5 talents, the second is given two talents and the third is given one. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. He said to him, Why do you ask me about what is good? After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. Is this not the way that our Lords adversaries looked at Him? 273 William Hendriksen, in his commentary on Matthew, finds enthusiasm and joy in the accounting the first two servants gave to their master. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? It has taken a while for the thrust of this parable to come into focus for me. The third servant did not invest his masters money at all; he dug a hole in the ground and buried his masters money. Matthew 25:15. Knowing that Jesus was describing servants being given huge amounts of cash to invest helps us to understand just how generous the master was being, the opportunity each servant was given. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. One. 270 I hate to have to disagree with the NET Bible translation here, but it seems to me that this translation does not adequately emphasize the force of our Lords carefully chosen words, especially in context. Today a talent might be worth a million dollars! Includes discussion questions and verse by verse commentary for small groups. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. Return to your labor! 5 Pharaoh was thinking, The people of the land are now many, and you are giving them rest from their labor. 6 That same day Pharaoh commanded the slave masters and foremen who were over the people: 7 You must no longer give straw to the people for making bricks as before. To them belong the adoption as sons, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. Bible Verses about Parable of the Talents - Church of the Great God From the parable of the talents we seem to be informed that unbelievers are entrusted with certain things, and that they will also give account for their stewardship.