The master rebukes the third servant for not even putting the money in the bank, where he could have gotten interest on it. parable in Luke is told when Jesus was near Jerusalem, before His triumphal entry; in Matthew, the parable is told when Jesus was in Jerusalem, a few days later. Look, there you have what is yours.. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Jesus made it clear that His return would not be immediate, but after much trouble and the passing of a considerable period of time. Weeping and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness must, on the other hand, involve spending eternity without God, and without joy. We find our true joy and place in life when we serve God with our gifts. 12 For though you should in fact be teachers by this time, you need someone to teach you the beginning elements of Gods utterances. 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. Proud member We naturally want to believe we can use our gifts as we please. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Enter into the joy of your master!' 24 Finally, the servant who had . 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, # 25:15 Greek five talents two talents one talent; also throughout this parable; a talent was worth about 20 years of a day laborer's wage. Assuming, for the moment, that the slave was correct in his assessment, why would he not be motivated by his fear to seek a profit for his master? 14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 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. Therefore, the master represents Christ, while the three servants represent those who serve him. Works that produce a profit for the kingdom282 are the basis for our rewards. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Leaven. Our receiving from Christ is in order to our working for him. God entrusted Israel, and especially its leaders, with the truth, and they did not use it properly. John Driver points out in his book Parable Church that at 2018s average household incomes, one talent would be about $1.2 million. I do not know the Lord, and I will not release Israel. 3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews has met with us. 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. Our Lords teaching in the parable of the talents is that God expects profit that is the product of our labors. 28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten. 282 I am trying to be careful here, because some works are not profitable for the kingdom, and these will not be rewarded, but will be destroyed. Such labor is, to a large degree, entering into the joy of our Master. 272 I am assuming that the second servant acted just as quickly as the first, because our Lord tells us that he acted in a similar manner. He said to him, Why do you ask me about what is good? 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. 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. Never, other than in our text (according to most versions), is it employed to begin a new paragraph. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Vineyard? All rights reserved. 20 For the creation was subjected to futilitynot willingly but because of God who subjected itin hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of Gods children. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. which was given to the third (unfaithful) servant is taken away and given to the faithful servant who gained the most for his master. Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao; a balance, i.e. 278 Actually, the good slave is both morally good and useful, but his usefulness is emphasized most in the context. Re-read the passage, preferably in a different translation to get a clearer perspective on what the passage is communicating. 10 For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them (Ephesians 2:8-10). And if our labors are joyful, we will delight in the thought of further labor. 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. The talents Jesus Christ spoke of in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant ( Matthew 18:21-35) and the Parable of the Talents ( Matthew 25:14-30) referred to the largest unit of currency at the time. This parable is not primarily about faith, nor is it about being willing to take a risk (this was merely the wicked slaves excuse). 17And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. Other, another (of more than two), different. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 274 If my concordance program is correct, this term occurs 526 times in the New Testament. 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.. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Wedding Feast? Enter into the joy of your master. 24He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, Master, I knew you to be (N)a hard man, reaping (O)where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Crucially, Jesus says that both the parable of the 10 virgins and the parable of the talents are about what the kingdom of heaven will be like in the last days (Matthew 25:1,14). Our Lords rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees is often couched in stewardship terms. The third slave is an entirely different matter. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. And,. After centuries of Israelites seeing themselves as Gods only favored people, he opened things up for Gentiles to become co-heirs (Ephesians 3:6). 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. And so he simply hid the money, and now he returned it, without any gain. They returned to their master with double the talents! In one of my early trips to India, I went to the zoo. 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit (Matthew 7:17-18). Playlist: Go to the Parable of the Talents (topic) playlist . 20 But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 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. (17) Because thou hast been faithful in a very little.--More literally, because thou didst become faithful. 5 The one who conquers will be dressed like them in white clothing, and I will never erase his name from the book of life, but will declare his name before my Father and before his angels. Faithful service led to increased responsibilities in the kingdom of heaven, and eternal joy in the presence of the Master, Jesus Christ. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions (Matthew 24:45-47). A small gain could have been obtained without great risk or effort on the part of the slave, but he chose to do nothing at all. And they were right because he praised them and invited them to join him as participants in his joy. What is the meaning of the parable of the friend in need (persistent neighbor)? Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. Some were saying, He is a good man, but others, He deceives the common people (John 7:12). These folks were a more honest (hopefully) version of money changer than those who did business in the temple precincts. 12:6; 1 Cor. And so it is that those who over time work with what they are entrusted, in order to make a profit for their master, are rewarded for their faithfulness. 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. 3 And there will no longer be any curse, and the throne of God and the Lamb will be in the city. Heaven is not a hammock; it is not a glorified vacation. 19Now (H)after a long time the master of those servants came and (I)settled accounts with them. He distributes his wealth among three servants, apportioned to them on the basis of their abilities. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 29(K)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. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, but you will eat the grain of the field. Look, But his lord answered and said to him, You. Luke has an interesting addition at the end, noting that after that, the master then executed the men who tried to keep him from becoming king (Luke 19:27). 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). 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. In that place (V)there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.. I am suggesting that we have come to view retirement as that time in life when we can greatly reduce or terminate our giving, and when we can cease our service. And part of the reward the faithful slave is entering into is the joy of his Master in bringing salvation to men. Mat Mt). [15]And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every . "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to . 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. Did this third slave think that there would be no reward for his faithful service because his master was a hard man? The parable begins with a master planning a trip (Luke describes him as going off to be made king of a distant land). Enter into the joy of your master. 24 Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. I wonder how many of us are simply giving back money that we have not put to use. He told his master that he was a harsh and cruel man, a man who was demanding, and who expected gain where he had not labored. And what should I say? Enter into (M)the joy of your master. 22And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more. 23His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your masters happiness! (Matthew 25:21). What is the meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan? One must surely conclude that this parable is not just an interesting story, but a message of eternal significance. 275 See William Hendriksen, The Gospel of Matthew (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1973), p. 879. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 5 Christians will spend all eternity at work, and this work will include ruling with our Lord and praising Him. Their trading of the talents signifies the faithful use that one should make of gifts and opportunities of service to God. However, the talents (or minas in Lukes version) represent more than just the monetary resources God gives us. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. Specifically, I am speaking of Matthew 25:13: Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour (Matthew 25:13). third servant hides what was entrusted to him. gained. (5) In the similar parable in Luke 19 (while told at a different time and with numerous variations), it begins with a time indication: 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 (Luke 19:11). 17So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. We know that God expects us to grow over time, and that He is displeased when we fail to grow: 11 It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of Goda mature person, attaining to the measure of Christs full stature (Ephesians 4:11-13). The master scolded him saying that he should have invested the money and received interest. Faithful saints are given even greater responsibilities, and even more work. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? The Topic of Teenagers Open Heavens for Saturday 4th March 2023 Is "Parable of The Talents I". While there would be sufficient evidence for His followers to discern the general season of His return, neither the day nor the hour would be known (Matthew 24:32-36, 42). More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! See, I have gained two more. 23 His master answered, Well done, good and faithful slave! What is the meaning of the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)? This slave does absolutely nothing with the talent that has been entrusted to him, nothing but bury it, that is.277 We need to distinguish between his excuses and the masters assessment, both of which are conveyed in our text. The Parable of the Talents. 16Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him (Matthew 25:29; see also 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18; 19:26). Two of the slaves seem eager to show their master what they have accomplished in his absence. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from them, by human descent, came the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever! 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? 3 Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up (Hebrews 12:1-3, emphasis mine). How is it that the one who does not have has something taken from him? To be away from home, go into another country, be away, be abroad. Matthew 25:14-30. Luke, the man who went away gives each servant the same amount of money (one mina); in Matthew, talents are given to the three slaves according to their ability. Indeed, they accused Him of being a wicked sinner, more worthy of death than Barabbas. Well talk about this a bit later, but for the moment, I am inclined to understand this expression in contrast to another in our text, And throw that worthless slave into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30). 18But he who had received the one talent went and (G)dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 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. This gift is for us to share with others through our words and actions. Enter into (G)the joy of your lord. 22He 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. 23His lord said to him, (H)Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. To the first he entrusted five talents, to the second two talents, and to the third one talent. Inductive Bible study of Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. The Chapel believes the material presented herein to be true to the teaching of Scripture, and desires to further, not restrict, its potential use as an aid in the study of Gods Word. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Yes, there are official positions for certain church tasks (preaching, evangelizing, teaching, etc.) Lets call this aspect of profit exaltation. When the third servants excuses are set aside, it becomes evident that this man is lazy he didnt do any work. Anyone anywhere in the world with an Internet connection will be able to use and print out the NET Bible without cost for personal study. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. I will put you in charge of many things. 4:10]. The second and third soils represent those who initially show some interest in the gospel, but then reject it when the meaning of the gospel becomes clear.