He does not require us to make bricks without providing both the clay and the straw. This story is called the Parable of the Talents. Parable Of The Sower Further Parables Parables Parable Of The Pharisee And Publican Parable Of The Hidden Treasure Parable Of The Net Parable Of The Unmerciful Servant Parable Of The Workers In The Vineyard Parable Of The Tenants Parable Of The Good Samaritan Parable Of The Lost Sheep/Lost Coin Parable Of The Prodigal Son Parable Of The Wedding Banquet Parable Of The Fig Tree Rich Man And Lazarus Parable Parable Of The Pharisee And The Tax Collector Parable Of The Ten Virgins Parable Of The Talents Parable Of The Sower Parable Of The Tares Parable Of The Marriage Feast Parable Of The Great Supper Parable Of The Vineyard Talents Jotham By A Parable Rebukes Them, And Foretells Their Ruin Nathan's Parable Of The Ewe Lamb Causes David To Be His Own Judge Prophet, Under The Parable Of A Prisoner, Under The Parable Of A Vineyard, God Excuses His Severe Judgment His Incomparableness Idols Are Not Comparable To God For Power By The Parable Of Bottles Filled With Wine He Foretells Their Drunkenness In Misery Under The Parable Of A Wretched Infant Is Shown The Natural State Of Jerusalem Under The Parable Of Two Eagles And A Vine Lamentation For The Princes Of Israel, By The Parable Of A Lion Whelping In A Pit For Jerusalem, Under The Parable Of A Wasted Vine Under The Parable Of A Boiling Pot Parable Of The Sower And The Seed Parable Of The Weeds Explanation Of The Parable Of The Weeds Parable Of The Hidden Treasure Which He Sets Forth By A Parable Of The King Who Took Account Of His Servants, Jesus, By The Parable Of The Laborers In The Vineyard, Shows That God Is Debtor Unto No Man Rebukes Them By The Parable Of The Two Sons, Parable Of The Marriage Of The King's Son Parable Of The Ten Virgins, Of The Talents Parable Of The Sower, Parable Of The Seed Growing Secretly Jesus Tells The Parable Of The Tenants Illustrates The Matter By The Parable Of Patches. 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. 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). 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. 15 To one he gave five talents,[ b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. He is not harsh, nor does He require that we do the impossible (make a profit where He has not provided the means). Dr. Ron Jones, Using Your Talents for the Glory of God In fact, if this were to take place today, that money would likely be worth less, due to inflation. This parable is not primarily about faith, nor is it about being willing to take a risk (this was merely the wicked slaves excuse). What is the meaning of the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)? 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now (Romans 8:18-22). As his grand finale, the man reached in and pulled the tigers whiskers. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. The element of money. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! This slave actually thinks of his master as though he were a Pharaoh in character. Read: MATTHEW 25:14-30. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. 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 (Matthew 25:24, emphasis mine). Theparable of the talents is told in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:11-27. One. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. He demanded that they make something out of nothing, so to speak. He does not go to work with his masters money, over a lengthy period of time, and thus make a profit. The second slave presents his master with four talents. For this story about a master and his servants, understanding the culture of Jesus' original audience is necessary to comprehend His message. Dennis Rainey. The third servant has no profit, no gain, to give his master, so his talent is taken away and given to the one who went to work with his masters money and made great gains for him. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. What, then, is the root of this third slaves problem? He is evil in the sense that he is useless, or unprofitable. Notice how this same word279 is used in Matthew 7: In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad [literally rotten] tree bears bad fruit (Matthew 7:17, emphasis mine). Playlist: Go to the Parable of the Talents (topic) playlist . He swallowed up death (1 Corinthians 15: 54) in a victory that involved him getting killed. In the Book of Revelation, heaven is described as a return to paradise lost: 1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of lifewater as clear as crystalpouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 flowing down the middle of the citys main street. This is the edited manuscript of Lesson 78 in the Studies in the Gospel of Matthew series prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh on April 24, 2005. 7 And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life. 8 This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, but you will eat the grain of the field. As I was teaching the parable of the virgins, I could not see how verse 13 served as any kind of conclusion to the first 12 verses. [c] (K)You have been faithful over a little; (L)I will set you over much. So, in modern terms, the ten servants each got $16,665. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. Salem Media Group. Different. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. Thus, time seems to be a more important factor in verses 14-31 than in 1-13. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). Works that produce a profit for the kingdom282 are the basis for our rewards. 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18; [John 15:2], NKJV, Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, 2nd Edition, Comfort Print: Growing in Knowledge and Understanding of God Through His Word, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Spirit-Filled Life Bible, Third Edition, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Kingdom Equipping Through the Power of the Word. This is a sobering question. For you were bought at a price. The third servant was fearful and hid the one talent he was trusted with, returning just one talent to his master. 4:10]. 27 But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and slaughter them in front of me!. While interest could not be charged of fellow-Israelites, it could be charged of foreigners (see Deuteronomy 23:19-20). 27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received my money back with interest! Traditionally, the parable of the talents has been seen as an exhortation to Jesus' disciples to use their God-given gifts in the service of God, and to take risks for the sake of the Kingdom of God. He has granted the time and the resources for men to make a profit for the kingdom of heaven, until He returns. Wrap a gift a number of times to create a few layers. (17) Because thou hast been faithful in a very little.--More literally, because thou didst become faithful. I will put you in charge of many things. Today a talent might be worth a million dollars! 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? 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. 3 And there will no longer be any curse, and the throne of God and the Lamb will be in the city. The difference is not that one group knew the hour, and the other didnt. Bible Verses about Parable of the Talents. The Parable of the Talents. Start FREE. Jesus tells the story of a rich man who has three slaves. 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. The story of Jesustelling this parable really begins in Matthew 24 when he mentions the coming destruction of Jerusalem. Jesus came into a world that was the devils domain (1 John 5:19) and claimed it for himself, despite opposition from demons and sinful people who disliked him calling out their flaws. In the New Testament, the term "talent" meant something very different than it does today. It may be that you are not like the first two slaves, but like the third. 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). 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. Then he (F)went away. The masters return presumably refers to the last days when Jesus will return, and at the final judgment unrepentant sinners will perish and those served God will be rewarded according to their actions (Revelation 20:11-15) (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Just as a businessman expects to make a profit, and rejoices when his employees increase his wealth, so God expects a profit and rejoices in it. 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. These rebels are slaughtered. 30And cast the unprofitable servant (L)into the outer darkness. [15]And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every . In my opinion, nothing in our text compels us to think (or even imply) that this might be the case. 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. The joy that was before our Lord would seem to include the salvation of lost sinners (Luke 15:4-10). 277 There are those who would suggest that this slave buried the talent in hopes that the master might never return. See, I have gained two more.' 23 His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! We should be careful to recognize that in this parable the mere possession of a talent is not evidence of salvation. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden - Bible Story, The Ten Commandments - Bible Verses and Importance Today, Parable of the Prodigal Son - Bible Story, The Resurrection of Jesus - Bible Story and Prophecy. I am not arguing against retirement in the economic sense. The Parable of the Bags of Gold(A) 14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey,(B)who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a]each according to his ability. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Both of these faithful slaves are rewarded well for their faithful service. 29 For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. 19After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. He let taxpayers and prostitutes into the kingdom of heaven first (Matthew 21:31). Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. He gives each slave an amount of money, referred to as talents and possibly talents of gold, based upon that man's ability to steward and care for the money. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou 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. Second, the faithful servants immediately went to work to increase their masters money (Matthew 25:16-17). First, the master stayed away for a long time (Matthew 25:19). Pharaoh was a harsh master. He demanded that the Israelites make bricks, but he refused to supply them with the necessary materials. New King James Version (NKJV). However, since we all want to be little gods of our own lives, serving ourselves misses our true place in life. The, the definite article. The original text is quite clear here it is the first servant (and we assume the second, as well) who immediately sets to work with his masters money. Other, another (of more than two), different. (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. Retirement is that period in life when one no longer has the distraction of having to work for a livelihood. If so, then what is the fruitful labor God has given to you? It was completed by more than twenty biblical scholars who worked directly from the best currently available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. We take a little money and put it in the plate, and by doing so we are laying up treasure in heaven. I dont deny that this is true, in part, but it is not the whole of it. It was not until after the fall of man that mans labor became toil: 17 But to Adam he said, Because you obeyed your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, You must not eat from it, cursed is the ground thanks to you; in painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. 16 So the first one came before him and said, Sir, your mina has made ten minas more. 17 And the king said to him, Well done, good slave! 10 The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If this is the case, and we are to be at work until He comes, then why do we think that reaching a certain age entitles us to cease our labors for Him? In the parable of the talent, there are two clear references to time. 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. 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. 1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. We have the most valuable gift of all, the Word of God and the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus made it clear that His return would not be immediate, but after much trouble and the passing of a considerable period of time. Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you will have authority over ten cities. 18 Then the second one came and said, Sir, your mina has made five minas. 19 So the king said to him, And you are to be over five cities. 20 Then another slave came and said, Sir, here is your mina that I put away for safekeeping in a piece of cloth. See, you have what is yours. 26 But his master answered, Evil and lazy slave! Its been referenced in many placeseven odd places like H.G. It is not the money that goes to work, as such, but the worker. Dont bury what God has entrusted to you; go to work with it, for the glory of God, and for your eternal rewards. NKJV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NKJV, Abide Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version. Let me see if I can defend my allegation. Download our craft directions below, gather your craft supplies, and watch the example video as you prepare to teach. Before he leaves, he entrusts money to his slaves. At this point we would probably do well to look at work from a broader perspective; we should consider work from the beginning of time to eternity future. It has taken a while for the thrust of this parable to come into focus for me. Have you come to see that so far as your salvation is concerned, all of your works are like filthy rags in His sight (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:9-20)? 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. It is the word Moses uses in Genesis 42:7,280 to describe Josephs disguise of harshness before his brothers. 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? Proud member If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. Thus, evangelism is one form of spiritual profit. We naturally want to believe we can use our gifts as we please. Lets begin with the end result profit. 12 And if you havent been trustworthy with someone elses property, who will give you your own? (Luke 16:10-12). The master rebukes the third servant for not even putting the money in the bank, where he could have gotten interest on it. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Jesus was also the stone rejected by builders, yet he became the capstone (Matthew 21:42). The slaves excuse was that his master was a harsh man, and this caused him to be afraid of his master, thus doing nothing with the money entrusted to him. 2 Samuel 7:1-3 And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; , 1 Chronicles 13:1-3 And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader, 1 Chronicles 22:1-26:32 Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel. In the parable of the talent, there are two clear references to time. 46 Bible Verses about Talents. 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). What is the meaning of the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price? Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 11 If then you havent been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will entrust you with the true riches? 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). 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 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. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. Mat Mt). 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit (Matthew 7:17-18). He then tells the servants to put this money to work (Luke 19:13), invest it to make more money for him, and he would see their results when hes back. if they get a '6' then they can pop the gloves on and try and unwrap the gift. Matthew 25:14-30. (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, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. These folks were a more honest (hopefully) version of money changer than those who did business in the temple precincts. I now see the answer, which appears to be consistent with all of the places where this principle is set forth. Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao; a balance, i.e. average monthly wage for Americans in 2021. Start FREE. The one who has been faithful on earth with a little thing like money will be given greater work to do in heaven. In that place (V)there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.. Enter into, He 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.. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. This gift is for us to share with others through our words and actions. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Gospels: Matthew 25:15 To one he gave five talents (Matt. 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. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. 280 Old Testament references here are to the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. 29(S)For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. Theres afamous scene in the movie Chariots of Fire where future Olympian Eric Liddell feels a tension between his chance to be an Olympic runner and his calling to be a missionary in China. Remember, this is a parable, and all ofJesus parables are about a bit more than they seem. Retirement is thought of more in terms of the golf course than finishing our course in the Pauline sense (2 Timothy 4:7). Then he went on his journey. 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. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. So, whatever we are doing (provided its not a sinful activity), we serve God well by doing it well. third servant claims that he was afraid of his master. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations. Heaven is not a hammock; it is not a glorified vacation. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. Too often we think of our Lords words in Matthew 6 in terms of the offering plate. And so I will conclude by asking you this, my friend: Do you know and love the Master, Jesus Christ? 13 Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:14-30 : The Parable of the Talents. And,. These verses are the opening to what is known as the parable of the talents. 28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten. Christ keeps no servants to be idle: they have received their all from him, and have nothing they can call their own but sin. God entrusted Israel, and especially its leaders, with the truth, and they did not use it properly. 3 Therefore, remember what you received and heard, and obey it, and repent. a certain weight or 'talent'. which was given to the third (unfaithful) servant is taken away and given to the faithful servant who gained the most for his master. 274 If my concordance program is correct, this term occurs 526 times in the New Testament. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, [1] each according to his ability. Verse Concepts. Noelle Kirchner, The Generosity Of God Mat Mt). Verse 15. 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. Did this third slave think that there would be no reward for his faithful service because his master was a hard man? 273 William Hendriksen, in his commentary on Matthew, finds enthusiasm and joy in the accounting the first two servants gave to their master.