Tuesday April 16

Matthew 25:14-30

Ann Berndtson

“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

The design of a parable is to explain a concept or lesson by using things or actions that the reader can easily identify with.  The Parable of the Talents is “a let’s get ready for Jesus is coming” kind of parable

In Jesus day a talent was a measure of weight and later a measure of money.  It had nothing to do with abilities. A talent is equal to about 6,000 denarii. Since one denarius is a common laborer's daily wage, a talent would be roughly equivalent to 20 years wages for the average worker.  That is a lot!

In this parable the servants are expected to use their master’s money in trade or in cultivation of the soil, in order to make a profit. The first two servants do this. The third servant only returns the money without making a profit. This servant is cast out.

In this parable:

• The master going on a journey represents Jesus and His ascension.

• The servants are representative of time, talent, and money, which God has given to each of us.

• The master’s return represents Jesus’ Second Coming.

• The master’s appraisal of the servant’s faith represents Jesus’ decision of us on Judgment Day

The meaning of this parable extends far beyond financial investments. God has given each person a wide variety of gifts, and he expects us to employ those gifts in his service. It is not acceptable to ignore them. The gifts of time, talent and money vary from person to person. We are to use our talents to the best of our abilities, as they are a gift from God.

Questions for reflection:

• Which are you; a faithful servant or one that hides their talent and their faith in Christ?

• Have you buried your talents or are you using them?

• Are you a servant of Christ or a self-seeking servant that is only interested in meeting your own needs?

Prayer:

Lord help me to use my time, talents, and resources to glorify you. I pray each day I will be enlightened how to best use them.  Amen.