Matthew 25:14-30
Q.1. What other aspect of the Kingdom of Heaven did Jesus illustrate? How much did the master entrust to his slaves? What did the slaves do with the talents entrusted to them? – (Mt.25:14-18)
Jesus had been challenging His followers to always be ready for His return. He then addressed the fact that He will judge their faithfulness upon His return. The master in the story – entrusted his possessions to … his own slaves … and after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them (Mt.25:14, 19). The slaves belonged to him, and his possessions had been given to them in trust. A talent was equivalent to about 15 years’ wages – a substantial amount even to the one entrusted with just one talent. The master gave the talents to each slave – according to his own ability (Mt.25:15). The master was wise, and he expected his possessions to be used profitably. Those given five and two talents – traded with them, and both doubled the investment (Mt.25:16-17). Sadly – he who received the one talent went away and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money (Mt.25:18).
Q.2. When did the master return? What did he do? Why did he commend the first two slaves? How did he plan to reward the good and faithful slaves? – (Mt.25:19-23)
Jesus implied that His return will be followed by a time of accountability and will occur – after a long time (Mt.25:19 c.f. Rom.14:10-12; 2 Cor.5:10). The slaves given five talents and two talents reported that they had doubled their master’s investment (Mt.25: 20 & 22). The master commended them for their faithful stewardship and promised them similar promotions – … Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ (Mt.25:21 & 23). There can be no doubt that Jesus meant to convey that He expects us to the useful and productive for Him. Those who are faithful stewards will enter the joy of the Lord. Faithfulness will also qualify us for further responsibilities in His kingdom (Mt.19:28-29).
Q.3. What excuse did the ‘one-talent’ slave give his master? How did his master view his obedience? What was the least he should have done? – (Mt.25:24-27)
The one talent slave reported to his master – 24 …Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 And I was afraid and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ (Mt.25:24-25). He clearly did not fear his master enough. His master called the slave – wicked and lazy (Mt.25:26). He told the slave that if he believed what he said – Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival, I would have received my money back with interest (Mt.25:27). The one talent should at least have been invested with those who would use it productively. Not only was he a lazy slave, but he was also wicked and disobedient.
Q.4. Why was the one talent given to the servant who had the ten talents? How did the master explain his actions? What happened to the worthless slave? Does this parable relate to us today? Why? – (Mt.25:28-30)
The way the master had distributed his possessions was to make the maximum gain (Mt.25:15). He knew that the servant to whom he had entrusted the most talents had been faithful. His judgment in giving five talents to that servant had resulted in five more talents – 15 x 5 = 75 years’ worth of wages in profit. Jesus then applied this principle to how God operates – For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away (Mt.25:29 c.f. 1 Cor.4:7). The punishment of the worthless slave was meant to convey to us the contrast between God’s final approval of faithful servants, and God’s final dismissal of those who are indifferent (Mt.25:30). The Son of God has given us a warning about the dreadful consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness to His commands.