Matt 25:20-23: "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.'21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' 22 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.' 23 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'”
The talent that is described in this parable is a measure of something of value. The master gave to his servants some of these talents in order for them to make the best of what he gave them. He wanted a return on his investment. To one servant he gave 5 talents, to another he gave 2, and finally he gave 1 to the final servant. These “talents” as I said, were a measure of something of value, a type of money. It is the same word where we get our English definition of Talent or ability. This master gave his servants a measure of something valuable and wanted his servants to do their best with what he gave them in order to see an increase in his investment.
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like this. We are all given something precious and valuable. We are called and quite frankly expected to increase what we have been given. God does not call you to be the best, which is why the master gave “to each according to his own ability.” Not all are called to be the best; however, we are called to do our best and not squander what the Lord has given to His servants. So what is the valuable thing that God has given you; Salvation, compassion, love, joy, or peace? Yes all of these and much more. We are to, at least multiply what has been given to us.
The negative side of this parable is that one man was given only 1 talent. He did not try to multiply his master’s money, but instead he hid it so it did not produce anything more. The sad thought is that he was given an opportunity to produce something, and yet he hoarded the blessings he had received and produced nothing. The issue is not that he was given a small amount; the amount that was given was according to his ability. The point is that he squandered his opportunity to multiply it. Therefore, the scripture says he was cast into outer darkness. That represents hell. Because he failed to act to what his master told him to do there was a punishment.
God wants a return on His investment. What are you doing with the “talents” God has given you?
Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Lev. 4-6 New Testament Matt 25:1-30
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