SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 25:14-30
Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents. A man calls his servants and gives them talents each according to his ability. He gives one man five talents, another two, and another one. The men who received five and two gained more. The man who received one hid his master’s money.
When the master returned, he settled accounts with them. The man who had five talents and gained five more and the man who had two talents and gained two more were praised and called “good and faithful servant.” Since they was faithful with a few things, Jesus put them in charge of many things and shared in their master’s happiness.
The man who hid the talent was called wicked and lazy. He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. The lazy servant was thrown out into the darkness and the weeping and gnashing of teeth.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30
6a) A man calls his servants and gives them talents each according to his ability. He it entrusting them to use their talents to grow his money while he is away.
b) When the master returned, he settled accounts with them. The man who had five talents and gained five more and the man who had two talents and gained two more were praised and called “good and faithful servant.” Since they was faithful with a few things, Jesus put them in charge of many things and shared in their master’s happiness.
The man who hid the talent was called wicked and lazy. He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. The lazy servant was thrown out into the darkness and the weeping and gnashing of teeth.
c) He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. He basically did not try or do anything while the man was away.
7) Don’t waste what God has given you. Use your talents to grow His kingdom.
8 ) Unsure. I always ask myself this, as I do think I have gifts. Writing is one of them. Perseverance. Drive. Tenacity.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30
Such a harsh penalty is you don’t use the gifts and talents that God has given you in order to do His work. Something to think about in your own life, that’s for sure. The Olivet Discourse is so rich that it’s great to dive into.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30
A talent was worth about $1,200 in today’s terms, which was a lot for back then. We get our word “talent” from this parable, which is a gift given to you by others.
Each person in the kingdom of heaven is given a certain number of gifts and talents to serve God. We can either waste those opportunities or talents or use them to further His kingdom.
The good servants used what they had to gain more. The other servant did absolutely nothing with the money.
The reward matched what they were given. He called them good and faithful because of it. There is also a place of joy — some Bible scholars say even heaven — as a reward.
Note the lazy servant tried to come up with excuses as to why he didn’t grow the money. He thought his master didn’t need his help and would be pleased that he did not lose the money.
The lazy servant faced condemnation. He could have done something, but instead he chose to do nothing.
The Old Testament did not allow Israelites to charge interest when money was leant to other Israelites (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 23:19; cf. Psalm 15:5. However, if the money involved Gentiles, it was permitted.(Deuteronomy 23:20)
The servant was not a true servant and thus was thrown out of the master’s house.
The master represents Jesus. The time between his departure and return may represent the time between his First and Second Coming. The different amounts represents how humans today are given different talents and abilities for Jesus.
We are all called to invest the treasure God has entrusted to us to build his kingdom and bear fruit. Jesus will return to accomplish his plan. Everything that happens is purposeful and good.
Theme of the Parable of the Talents: our readiness for Jesus’ return is seen by our stewardship of the resources and talents He has given us.
Readiness is doing God’s work. So, are you ready?