The Parable of the Talents
Read: Matthew 25:14-30
We have seen over the last few days the theme of being ready. This theme is also present in this
parable but here we begin to see what it means to be ready. Being ready isn’t passively sitting around
watching; instead we see activity in producing results that would please the master. The period of
waiting is not intended be empty but rather filled with activity and building God’s Kingdom. In this
parable we see the talents as a sum of money given to each servant. For us they could represent any
privileges or opportunities given to us to serve the Kingdom. These opportunities may differ but the
fact is that we are all to be faithful in using them for God. The master allocates the responsibilities;
some have been given much and others have been given less. It is the master who decides who gets
how much and it’s the servant’s responsibility to merely carry out faithfully the role entrusted to him/
her. It is important to realize that God distributes talents as He sees fit and not necessarily evenly.
The distribution of talents was not equal but it is fair. Each servant was given the same opportunity
to double their talents and the same reward was given to those who did. The master came back to
settle accounts – this shows that God expects us to use what He has given us. The third servant
completely missed the point. He let fear of failure prevent him from even trying to use his talent.
Being ready therefore consists of producing results in the Kingdom. What matters the most isn’t how
many talents you have been given but rather what you do with what you’ve got. Are you working for
the Kingdom? The Master gets to determine how He distributes things; your job is to make the most
of what you’ve got by actively waiting for His return.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. How are you using the talents that God has given you to serve in God’s Kingdom? Are you using
you talents wisely?
2. Is there an area in your life where a fear of failure is keeping you from using a gift or talent that
God has given you? Pray a bit about this, ask the Lord to show you how you can gain victory in
this area.
3. What matters the most isn’t how many talents you have been given but rather what you do with
what you’ve got. Have you struggled with being jealous of people who seem to have more
talents then you do? Confess this as sin and ask the Lord to help you use wisely what has been
given to you.
