The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30

Parable - a little story with a big meaning

Four Layers:
• Money
• Abilities
• Message
• Mercies

I. Money
Talent: a measure of weight
Could be worth up to 6,000 denarii, which would equal 20 years of wages for a day laborer

“Entrusted…according to his ability” (Mt. 25:14-15)

5 Talent & 2 Talent Servants
• Did their work promptly
• Did their work with perseverance
• Did their work with success
• Ready to give an account to their master

Reward:
• Praise of their master
• Promise of future blessing
• Received glory

1 Talent Servant - Mt. 25:18 - buried his master’s money
• He didn’t work (v. 18)
• He didn’t think (v. 27)
• He didn’t even try (v. 25)
• He made excuses (v. 24)

II. Abilities
• God gives us good gifts
• 1 Cor. 12
• Romans 12

1 Peter 4:10 ESV
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace

Gospel Stewardship: Our readiness for Jesus’ return is determined by our stewardship of the resources that He has given us.

III. Message
1 Corinthians 15:3–5 ESV
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

1 Corinthians 4:1–2 ESV
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

We or me? How will you be evaluated?

Great Commission Language

IV. Mercies

Divine Mercies

‘Joy of your master’