As I thought of this slaves attitude toward his master, I was reminded of this passage in the Book of Exodus: 1 Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Release my people so that they may hold a pilgrim feast to me in the desert. 2 But Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord that I should obey him by releasing Israel? A talent of gold, for example, would be worth a whole lot more than a talent of bronze. The NEW ENGLISH TRANSLATION, also known as THE NET BIBLE, is a completely new translation of the Bible, not a revision or an update of a previous English version. But this work is joyful. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:13-14), according to plans he laid out before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5), to glorify him forever. But the master did provide the means for his slave to make a profit. In this show, one boss brings several employees into a room, gives them each cash, and tells them to invest to grow his corporation. We would probably do well to compare this text with a couple of passages in the Gospel of Luke: 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! 33 But a married man is concerned about the things of the world, how to please his wife, 34 and he is divided. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. John Driver points out in his book Parable Church that at 2018s average household incomes, one talent would be about $1.2 million. gained. The joy of the master must, in some way, equate to enjoying the bliss of heaven, with our Lord. Since Jesus was the son of God and therefore had a right to the kingship he claimed, we cant accuse him of stealing what he didnt deserve. Well talk about this a bit later, but for the moment, I am inclined to understand this expression in contrast to another in our text, And throw that worthless slave into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30). It is indeed unfortunate that the term talent means something very different today from what our Lord meant when He told this parable. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Faithful service led to increased responsibilities in the kingdom of heaven, and eternal joy in the presence of the Master, Jesus Christ. The first servant has made the biggest return (10 minas from one mina, or 10 talents from five talents). Heavens work will be joyful labor. The fact the master owns the money he gave the servants, and he gets the results of their investments, highlights who is in control. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? A talent, just so you know, was a measure of money. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. The element of time. 274 If my concordance program is correct, this term occurs 526 times in the New Testament. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now (Romans 8:18-22). The translation project originally started as an attempt to provide an electronic version of a modern translation for electronic distribution over the Internet and on CD (compact disk). Those who are unfaithful lose not only their reward, but their stewardship. In one of my early trips to India, I went to the zoo. The story of Jesustelling this parable really begins in Matthew 24 when he mentions the coming destruction of Jerusalem. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him (Matthew 25:29; see also 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18; 19:26). (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). Indeed, they accused Him of being a wicked sinner, more worthy of death than Barabbas. Burying the talent in the ground is an illustration of using one's God-given gifts for earthly pursuits. The words are in their substance like those in St. Matthew, but their absolute identity with those in the lesson drawn from the parable of the Unjust Steward (see Note on Luke 16:10) is every way suggestive.This parable is connected with that as its natural sequel and development. First, they receive their masters commendation, Well done, good and faithful slave (verses 21, 23). His doom is, to be cast into outer darkness. He took his talent from him, gave it to the one who earned ten, and cast this fellow into outer darkness, where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. 19 After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled his accounts with them. 276 Needless to say, bankers and banking were not the same in those days. Inductive Bible study of Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Then he went on his journey. The joy that was before our Lord would seem to include the salvation of lost sinners (Luke 15:4-10). He has richly provided all that you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:1-4). He demanded that they make something out of nothing, so to speak. Two of the slaves seem eager to show their master what they have accomplished in his absence. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. After centuries of Israelites seeing themselves as Gods only favored people, he opened things up for Gentiles to become co-heirs (Ephesians 3:6). To them belong the adoption as sons, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree? Enter into the joy of your master!' 24 Finally, the servant who had . But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This may be applied to the blessings of this life; but rather to the means of grace. Heaven involves work, but it is profitable work. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once . 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and The Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30, impresses on them the weight of that responsibility and the serious consequences of neglecting to understand and apply His instructions. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. We naturally want to believe we can use our gifts as we please. The, the definite article. 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit (Matthew 7:17-18). Why, then, did the third slave do nothing? The only difference seems to be in their abilities, and thus in the talents that were entrusted to them. ~ Excerpt from Matthew Henry Commentary. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. ), [Rom. In a similar way, in the parable of the soils (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23) the mere germination of the seed does not seem to represent salvation. It may be that you are not like the first two slaves, but like the third. each according to his ability. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. of He gives each of them some money. Noelle Kirchner, The Generosity Of God [15]And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every . In the parable of the talent, there are two clear references to time. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. Those who think it impossible to please God, and in vain to serve him, will do nothing to purpose in religion. Salt is good, but if salt loses its flavor, how can its flavor be restored? (Luke 14:34). What is the meaning of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector? - Unto one he gave five talents. Also the description of the last judgment. Yet is this not what our Lord is teaching us in this parable? 13 Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour. Christians will spend all eternity at work, and this work will include ruling with our Lord and praising Him. 3 Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up (Hebrews 12:1-3, emphasis mine). Provide a pair of oven gloves. I contend that verse 14 does not begin the new paragraph, but that verse 13 does. He told his master that he was a harsh and cruel man, a man who was demanding, and who expected gain where he had not labored. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then he (F)went away. See, I have gained five more. 21 His master answered, Well done, good and faithful slave! 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. God made me for a purpose, for China, Liddell says, But he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. Crucially, Jesus says that both the parable of the 10 virgins and the parable of the talents are about what the kingdom of heaven will be like in the last days (Matthew 25:1,14). First of all, let us be clear that we are not talking about salvation by works. There is a great reward waiting for those who steward well with what the Lord has given them. The master is pleased with both servants and gives them new responsibilities: You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. master tells his unfaithful servant that he should have put the money in the bank. This is the reason I was critical of the translation of verse 16 (see footnote 1 above). Matthew 25:14-30 : The Parable of the Talents. 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. First, the master stayed away for a long time (Matthew 25:19). 17And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. And so it is that those who over time work with what they are entrusted, in order to make a profit for their master, are rewarded for their faithfulness. Matthew 25:14. Luke there are ten servants; in Matthew, there are only three. Playlist: Go to the Parable of the Talents (topic) playlist . However, the talents (or minas in Lukes version) represent more than just the monetary resources God gives us. Jumble. We should be careful to recognize that in this parable the mere possession of a talent is not evidence of salvation. 4 But you have a few individuals in Sardis who have not stained their clothes, and they will walk with me dressed in white, because they are worthy. This gift is for us to share with others through our words and actions. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)? When the master returned, the first two eagerly met their master, apparently delighted in the opportunity to multiply their masters money.273 Both were commended as good and faithful servants; both were rewarded with increased responsibilities in their masters service; both were invited to share in their masters joy. Kathy Sweeny, Choices Determine Destinies I will put you in charge of many things. Return to your labor! 5 Pharaoh was thinking, The people of the land are now many, and you are giving them rest from their labor. 6 That same day Pharaoh commanded the slave masters and foremen who were over the people: 7 You must no longer give straw to the people for making bricks as before. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. He contended that this is why he was afraid to take a risk with any kind of investment. Start FREE. Its also preceded by a story about a servant not using his position well while the master is away. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? Nicholas P. Constasobserves that early Greek church fathers described this event as Jesus tricking the devil, using his humanity as a lure to catch his adversary. I realize that I am going to pull some whiskers by what I am about to say, but I think that I am being true to our text, and to the Bible as a whole. I believe that we see this in Romans 9, where Paul speaks of the things God has entrusted Israel: 1 I am telling the truth in Christ (I am not lying! man allocates his resources to servants, expecting them to make a profit in his absence. This is a sobering question. Matthew 25:14-30 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. I saw something there that both amazed and troubled me. My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die (Philippians 1:20). If he were afraid to take any risk, then why did he not at least put the talent in the hands of the bankers, who would conservatively invest it for him, and gain at least some interest? The second slave presents his master with four talents. These rebels are slaughtered. My study of this text has caused me to conclude that the paragraph breaks related to our text are confusing at best, and wrong at worst. 33 Bible Verses about Parable Of Talents Matthew 25:14-30 ESV / 15 helpful votes Not Helpful "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. ), [Rom. 3 Therefore, remember what you received and heard, and obey it, and repent. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. If we were to make an equation of this parable, it would probably go like this: Resources (talents) + Labor (work) + Time = Profit. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Yes, there are official positions for certain church tasks (preaching, evangelizing, teaching, etc.) There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. One's own; by implication, private or separate. 10 For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them (Ephesians 2:8-10). Let us not envy sinners, or covet any of their perishing possessions. Matthew 25:15. For less than $5/mo. The bankers in verse 27 represent other faithful people to whom the man could have turned to help him use his talents wisely. 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. Bible Memory Verse. What can we learn from the parable of the persistent widow and unjust judge? Each one of us needs to ask the question, Just what is it that I am doing that is kingdom work? Just what is it that I am doing for Christ and His kingdom that is profitable? The third slave is an entirely different matter. For this story about a master and his servants, understanding the culture of Jesus' original audience is necessary to comprehend His message. What is the meaning of the parable of the friend in need (persistent neighbor)? 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. Unfaithful service led to condemnation, the removal of ones stewardship, and an eternity of weeping and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness, away from the presence of our Lord. 13 And he summoned ten of his slaves, gave them ten minas, and said to them, Do business with these until I come back. 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, We do not want this man to be king over us! 15 When he returned after receiving the kingdom, he summoned these slaves to whom he had given the money. They complain that He requires of them more than they are capable of, and punishes them for what they cannot help. Pertaining to self, i.e. What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? New American Bible the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. It has taken a while for the thrust of this parable to come into focus for me. 8 But you must require of them the same quota of bricks that they were making before. It is the word Moses uses in Genesis 42:7,280 to describe Josephs disguise of harshness before his brothers. [c] (K)You have been faithful over a little; (L)I will set you over much. To give that up would be to hold him in contempt., This quote highlights that in the end, all talents are given by God to glorify him. It would probably be unwise to study the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 without also considering a similar parable in Luke 19:11-27: 11 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. READ the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Verse 15. 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. Revelation makes it clear that in the last days, Jesus will subvert his opponents, punish them and be named king over the world. Whatever they may pretend, the fact is, they dislike the character and work of the Lord. Im not saying that one should never cease their employment nor end their career. See, I have gained two more.' 23 His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! 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. 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. 20 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.