Matthew 25:14-30

Matthew 25:14-30  Jesus is still speaking to His disciples about His return.. He has told them the signs to be aware of; the perils that were ahead; the unexpectedness of His coming; and the need to be alert and prepared.  This next parable emphasizes again the point of being found faithful.. 

The kingdom is like a man who is going on a great journey and he leaves 3 of his slaves in charge of his estate.  To the first he leaves 5 talents.. to the second - 2 talents.. and to the third - 1 talent.  

Now, we need to understand that a talent is money - silver to be specific.  A talent of silver =75-88 pounds of silver!  At todays rate that is about $290 a pound.. or $21,720 per talent.... so the first slave got $108,600 worth of silver to work with; the second had $43,440; and the third still had $21,720!  

We also need to look at the word "traded" - "Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents."  The Greek word used here is ergazomai - meaning to toil ( as a task, occupation, etc.) ; be engaged in or with - to commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade by work. The root word "ergon" denotes work..effort.. labor.  

So, the first two men.. according to their "own ability" - immediately set to work.  This would not have  been an instant, easy, magical trade.  They worked hard with the master's money and they turned a profit for him.  They were "good and faithful" servants.  They were rewarded for their work - "You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master!"  The master delighted in his servants and invited them into his joy!

But, the third slave took the one talent - $21,720 worth of silver - and buried it.  He did no work. He made no effort.  The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests that perhaps he thought the master would not return and he could keep it for himself then.  If he had put it in the bank as he should have - it would have been registered as belonging to the master.  His excuse the master is lame - "Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid and went away and hid your talent in the ground; see, you have what is yours."  If he really believed that.. he would have worked harder!   The master saw right through this guy.. "You wicked, lazy slave.. ."  The talent was taken away and he was" cast out ..into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 

The time of Christ's return is not known to us.. but we see the signs and know it could be any time! Jesus is telling us that we need to be alert.. we need to be prepared.. and we need to be faithfully working with whatever he puts in our hands. We want to be good and faithful servants.. not wicked and lazy ones!  Thankful that He helps us to do whatever He asks us to do!

Father in heaven, we thank You for the grace that is sufficient for us in every part of our lives.. in the good times and in the hard times.. in our work and in our rest.  You are our God who holds time in Your hands - You see the beginning and the end at the same time!  You are infinite and endless and perfect.  And beyond all of that.. You see us.. each of us.. our abilities and our failures.. our faithfulness and our lack thereof..and You love us greatly!  Father, strengthen us by Your Spirit, that we might serve You well today.  May Your will be done. Amen