Parables of Holy Week
“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 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. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.” Matthew 25:14-18
The Parable of the Talents is a study in faithfulness. A talent was a measure of weight for precious metals such as gold or silver—perhaps seventy-five pounds. The point of the parable is faithfulness. The master knew the skill levels of his servants. He allotted to each according to his ability. Quantities differed, but that didn’t matter. These talents were to be used faithfully in the master’s best interest. Later, when the master returned, he was pleased with those who had served faithfully.
The Lord gives to each of us different skills, gifts, and talents. There is no point in arrogantly or resentfully comparing ourselves with others. You are as God has made you. Faithfully use what you have been given—physical strength, intelligence, personality, stamina, skills with the hands, social ease, a soft heart, wealth, etc. He wants you to use them for yourself and others, always in service to life in His kingdom of forgiveness in Jesus.
The master in the parable was displeased with his “wicked and lazy” servant who didn’t care. He didn’t even put the money in the bank to draw interest for the master. He buried it. His excuses put the blame on the master! He was shown the door and more—the gates of hell. To squander, waste, or neglect your talents works against the kingdom of Christ the Savior. It displeases the Lord.
The Lord was pleased with the servants who invested their master’s gifts and worked hard at representing him well. Serve the Lord faithfully in your station in life. He has given you life, forgiveness, and blessings. Use them to extend His kingdom.
Lord, forgive my sins and count me faithful through Jesus. Amen.