A popular job website lists theaverage monthly wage for Americans in 2021 as $5,555 per month. We find our true joy and place in life when we serve God with our gifts. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? God is both, and his plans will not necessarily make sense to our limited perspectives. He is not harsh, nor does He require that we do the impossible (make a profit where He has not provided the means). You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? The parable of the talents is one of those Bible stories most of us know, yet its hard to understand. The Parable of the Talents. Here, as in what was said to the faithful servants, our Saviour goes out of the parable into the thing intended by it, and this serves as a key to the whole. Luke 19:13,14 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come, Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular, Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular. Pharaoh was a harsh master. He demanded that the Israelites make bricks, but he refused to supply them with the necessary materials. Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents (or the Talents' parable) to his disciples. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)? ), for my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. This whole matter of profit expands the teaching of our Lord in Matthew 6: 19 Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and, Take therefore the talent from him, and give. 20And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more. 21His master said to him, Well done, good and (J)faithful servant. 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). 14(A)For (B)it will be like a man (C)going on a journey, who called his servants[a] and entrusted to them his property. 4 But you have a few individuals in Sardis who have not stained their clothes, and they will walk with me dressed in white, because they are worthy. Does verse 13 belong with verses 1-12, or with verses 14-30? The Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30, impresses on them the weight of that responsibility and the serious consequences of neglecting to understand and apply His instructions. As I thought of this slaves attitude toward his master, I was reminded of this passage in the Book of Exodus: 1 Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Release my people so that they may hold a pilgrim feast to me in the desert. 2 But Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord that I should obey him by releasing Israel? Their trading of the talents signifies the faithful use that one should make of gifts and opportunities of service to God. 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. 15 To one he gave five talents,[ b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. 18But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lords money. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector? You have been faithful in a few things. Its also preceded by a story about a servant not using his position well while the master is away. 281 Remember that one manifestation of the harshness or hardness of Nabal was that he refused to reward David for his faithful service to him (1 Samuel 25:2-13). The lazy, wicked slave in our parable is that person who refuses to go to work with the resources God has provided, to produce profit for the kingdom of heaven. 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. The one who does not have but yet does have (because what he has is taken away) is the one who has his masters money, but has made no profit from it. The third servant was fearful and hid the one talent he was trusted with, returning just one talent to his master. To the first he entrusted five talents, to the second two talents, and to the third one talent. It is not meant that the improving of natural powers can entitle a man to Divine grace. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan? Retirement is like the second stage of a rocket booster. In the parable of the talent, there are two clear references to time. This is a sobering question. 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). The Moody Church, Using Your God-Given Talents 18 But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his masters money in it. 30And (T)cast (U)the worthless servant into the outer darkness. Jesus was also the stone rejected by builders, yet he became the capstone (Matthew 21:42). If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come against you. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Two Sons? The one who has been faithful on earth with a little thing like money will be given greater work to do in heaven. No, but for this very reason I have come to this hour. Second, the faithful servants immediately went to work to increase their master's money ( Matthew 25:16-17 ). Start FREE. 16 The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work270 and gained five more. 283 We should recall that Eve was given her own kind of labor (Genesis 3:16). All rights reserved. You have been faithful with a few things. The third slave is lazy, and thus useless, as opposed to being hard-working, and therefore useful. I am reminded of this passage in the Book of Hebrews: 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, 2 keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. 33 But a married man is concerned about the things of the world, how to please his wife, 34 and he is divided. The master rebukes the third servant for not even putting the money in the bank, where he could have gotten interest on it. Come and share your masters happiness! (Matthew 25:21). Inductive Bible study of Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. 46 Bible Verses about Talents. Each of these things (and many others) are given by God, to use in ways that glorify him and draws others toward him. Enter into (I)the joy of your lord., 24Then 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. My study of this text has caused me to conclude that the paragraph breaks related to our text are confusing at best, and wrong at worst. Lets call this aspect of profit exaltation. I will put you in charge of many things. Matthew 25:15. From apodemos; to go abroad, i.e. (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). 15 To one he gave five talents,[ b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. In this show, one boss brings several employees into a room, gives them each cash, and tells them to invest to grow his corporation. Why, then, did the third slave do nothing? third servant does not make a profit for his master. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Since help was available to him in the Church, the man had no excuse. A parable is a type of story Jesus would tell so we would learn something from it. 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. Mat Mt). The joy that was before our Lord would seem to include the salvation of lost sinners (Luke 15:4-10). 4:7; 1 Pet. One's own; by implication, private or separate. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. We should first consider the masters assessment of all three slaves: The first two slaves were commended as being both good and faithful. The term good is sometimes employed in a moral sense. They seemed to delight in serving their master, and they were eager to get to work quickly to produce a profit for him. Is this not cause for rejoicing (see Acts 11:19-24)? If Adams sin brought about painful labor for mankind, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ (the last Adam 1 Corinthians 15:45) brought rest: 28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. 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. 271 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible. "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to . 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. We have the most valuable gift of all, the Word of God and the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospels make it clear many times that Jesus was the king of the Jews, but came in a way they did not expect, preaching a message many didnt want to hear. I wonder how many have given serious thought to what might be called the theology of retirement. I would like to challenge every Christian to rethink the subject of retirement. However, the talents (or minas in Lukes version) represent more than just the monetary resources God gives us. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursedcut off from Christfor the sake of my people, my fellow countrymen, 4 who are Israelites. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. The NEW ENGLISH TRANSLATION, also known as THE NET BIBLE, is a completely new translation of the Bible, not a revision or an update of a previous English version. This slave actually thinks of his master as though he were a Pharaoh in character. Jesus' stories had more than one meaning. 26But his lord answered and said to him, You (J)wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. In other words, Luke informs us that Jesus told this parable specifically to correct some misconceptions about the time of His return. What, then, is the root of this third slaves problem? in Luke is there another group, in addition to the masters servants those who dont want this man to become their king, and who send a message asking him not to return. Whatever they may pretend, the fact is, they dislike the character and work of the Lord. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, [1] each according to his ability. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit (Matthew 7:17-18). While commentators differ somewhat over the approximate value of a talent in todays economy, all would agree that it was a large amount of money. The term employed in Matthew 25:16 emphasizes work. He didnt even hand the money over to bankers,276 to let them go to work with it. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! One man may design a church building, a cathedral. Those who are unfaithful lose not only their reward, but their stewardship. Since a talent was actually a measurement of weight, it did not have a constant value. He took his talent from him, gave it to the one who earned ten, and cast this fellow into outer darkness, where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. The story of Jesustelling this parable really begins in Matthew 24 when he mentions the coming destruction of Jerusalem. William Hendriksen, The Gospel of Matthew (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1973), p. 881. Most importantly, bringing glory to God is profitable. [15]And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every . The disciples ask for details about the last days, and Jesus talks about how harsh they will be, warning them to look out for false teachers and so forth. If so, then what is the fruitful labor God has given to you? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sower? (Now the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were in the middle of the orchard.) 12:11; Eph. When our Lord talks about the kingdom of heaven in our text and elsewhere, He speaks of it in terms of work, not of relaxation or of play. 14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 17And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. All three stories are about being given something which must be used well, and the consequences of neglecting or abusing it. First, they receive their masters commendation, Well done, good and faithful slave (verses 21, 23). Let us then consider the primary message in this text. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. I believe this may be the case in our text. The third servant did not invest his masters money at all; he dug a hole in the ground and buried his masters money. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Verse Concepts. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. See, I have gained two more.' 23 His master replied, 'Well . Working hard for the profit of the kingdom and the King is entering into the joy of our Master. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Rich Fool? 13 Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour. An unmarried woman or a virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, to be holy both in body and spirit. Wrap a gift a number of times to create a few layers. What is your ministry, your unique contribution to the kingdom of God? The, the definite article. get answers to your Bible questions from 50+ resources ($2,400+ value! But each man doubled his masters money. Dennis Rainey. Talents. Third, they are invited to enter into the joy of your master. Just what does this mean, to enter into the masters joy? To them belong the adoption as sons, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. What is the meaning of the parables of fasting at the wedding feast, the old cloth, and the wineskins? A talent, just so you know, was a measure of money. Enter into the joy of your master!' 24 Finally, the servant who had . Works are fruits that are evidence of true faith (see James 2). Heaven can hardly be described in terms of retirement. The first servant has made the biggest return (10 minas from one mina, or 10 talents from five talents). What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? Dr. Ron Jones, Using Your Talents for the Glory of God 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. How can you take something away from a person who has nothing? 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and Then he went on his journey. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree? 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat food until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you will return283 (Genesis 3:17-19). [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. 14(B)For the kingdom of heaven is (C)like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. If we grew up in cultures where the individual is primary, we also tend to think we can live as we please. Its been referenced in many placeseven odd places like H.G. John Driver points out in his book Parable Church that at 2018s average household incomes, one talent would be about $1.2 million. See, you have what is yours. 26 But his master answered, Evil and lazy slave! Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place a limitation on you, but so that without distraction you may give notable and constant service to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Sometimes it is merely a connective, a virtual conjunction. From that point on work was different; there was a certain futility to work: 18 For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. Lets begin with the end result profit. Our labors for the Master should increase, not diminish, if we are kingdom minded. (3) In my opinion, the main reason for assuming that verse 13 belongs with verses 1-12 is that the term (Greek, ou=n) is most often inferential, with the meaning therefore or then.274 It is not always an indication of a logical conclusion, however. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry (Matthew 11:28-30). Look, But his lord answered and said to him, You. The translation project originally started as an attempt to provide an electronic version of a modern translation for electronic distribution over the Internet and on CD (compact disk). In short, the talents represent what God has given usour monetary resources, our callings to positions within the church (Ephesians 4:11-16), our natural giftings. When the third servant appears, hes done nothing with the money. Then he went away. In the Matthew version, he gives one servant 10 talents (or bags of gold), another five talents, and the third one talent. They justified their rejection of Jesus by claiming that He was the problem. The day of account comes at last. The third slave is just the opposite. In a similar way, in the parable of the soils (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23) the mere germination of the seed does not seem to represent salvation. How does not knowing the day or the hour affect either the five wise virgins or the five foolish virgins? We should carefully note the outcome of faithful service, and of unfaithful service, in this parable. You have been faithful in a few things. These rebels are slaughtered. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, but you will eat the grain of the field. So you knew that I harvest where I didnt sow and gather where I didnt scatter? One. Is this not the way that our Lords adversaries looked at Him? 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. 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). What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? Read the full Bible passage of this story below and find related articles, videos, and audio sermons to help your understanding of this biblical lesson. He, too, doubled the money his master left in his care. Our Lords emphasis here is not on putting the money to work, but on the servant going to work with his masters money. 28 Father, glorify your name. Then a voice came from heaven, I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again (John 12:27-28). And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. We naturally want to believe we can use our gifts as we please. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Salem Media Group. 27So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. 271. This parable is not primarily about faith, nor is it about being willing to take a risk (this was merely the wicked slaves excuse). And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one. (M)There will be weeping and (N)gnashing of teeth.. Matthew 25:14-30. Indeed, they accused Him of being a wicked sinner, more worthy of death than Barabbas. Verse 15. third servant seeks to excuse himself by accusing his master of being harsh. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Gospels: Matthew 25:15 To one he gave five talents (Matt. 8 But you must require of them the same quota of bricks that they were making before. It is a great responsibility with great reward as described in the Parable of the Talents. Have you trusted in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and in His death at Calvary for your sins, rather than in your works (Romans 3:21-26)? Tounderstand this parable, we need to look at the parable in the context of Jesus surrounding teachings and the Bibles other teachings about giftings. And part of the reward the faithful slave is entering into is the joy of his Master in bringing salvation to men. Matthew 25:14. It is not the money that goes to work, as such, but the worker. It is used in 1 Samuel 25:3 to describe Nabal, Abigails husband, who is a stubborn fool.281 Isaiah (48:4) uses this term to describe Israels abstinence. It appears in Matthew 25:14-30, and another version of the parable can be found in Luke 19:11-27. 14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. Is the salvation of lost sinners not profit in the eternal sense? 277 There are those who would suggest that this slave buried the talent in hopes that the master might never return. of Thus, we can safely conclude that edification or spiritual growth is also profitable for the kingdom of heaven. In order to understand the meaning and the application of the parable of the talents, we must take note of the crucial terms and their meanings. Whether you read the Matthew version or the Luke version, each servant is getting a substantial chunk of cash to invest as they will. First, the master stayed away for a long time (Matthew 25:19). It is the end of the curse, and thus the end of futile labor. He admits he buried it in the ground because he was afraid to use it (Matthew 25:24-25, Luke 19:20-21). The parable begins with a master planning a trip (Luke describes him as going off to be made king of a distant land). Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. The Parable of the Talents should encourage us and challenge us to take what God has given us and invest in the kingdom of God. It is as though he had said, I knew you were unreasonable, and that there was no way to please you, and so I decided not even to try.. The element of money. I wonder how many of us are simply giving back money that we have not put to use. This servant offered a feeble excuse for his conduct. Other, another (of more than two), different. The soil which produces no grain (in other instances, no fruit, or no profit) is bad soil. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. (17) Because thou hast been faithful in a very little.--More literally, because thou didst become faithful.