The one-talent slave is clearly not saved; he is condemned to hell. We take a little money and put it in the plate, and by doing so we are laying up treasure in heaven. I dont deny that this is true, in part, but it is not the whole of it. 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. However, Jesus claimed kingship in a way that confused many people, and the way his kingdom operates often offends our sense of propriety. 274 If my concordance program is correct, this term occurs 526 times in the New Testament. These folks were a more honest (hopefully) version of money changer than those who did business in the temple precincts. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from them, by human descent, came the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever! In my opinion, thats living dangerously. However, since we all want to be little gods of our own lives, serving ourselves misses our true place in life. Matthew 25:22 - The Parable of the Talents - Bible Hub The day of account comes at last. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. We must all be reckoned with as to what good we have got to our own souls, and have done to others, by the advantages we have enjoyed. 277 There are those who would suggest that this slave buried the talent in hopes that the master might never return. I fear that for all too many Christians (not all!) In the Matthew version, he gives one servant 10 talents (or bags of gold), another five talents, and the third one talent. 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. A small gain could have been obtained without great risk or effort on the part of the slave, but he chose to do nothing at all. I do not know the Lord, and I will not release Israel. 3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Working hard for the profit of the kingdom and the King is entering into the joy of our Master. "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant" Bible Meaning - Christianity.com On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month of the year. Heaven is not to be thought of as me laying beside the pool, sipping a tall, cool one, as one of my fellow elders commented this past week. These gifts have been seen to include personal abilities ("talents" in the everyday sense), as well as personal wealth. (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. The talent was the largest measurement of money in those days. Parable of the talents or minas - Wikipedia "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to . (3) In my opinion, the main reason for assuming that verse 13 belongs with verses 1-12 is that the term (Greek, ou=n) is most often inferential, with the meaning therefore or then.274 It is not always an indication of a logical conclusion, however. A talent, just so you know, was a measure of money. and Christians should not be molded by worldly standards (Romans 12:2). Our labors for the Master should increase, not diminish, if we are kingdom minded. (4) The expression which begins verse 14 (Greek, w[sper ga.r) is employed 11 times elsewhere in the New Testament (Matthew 12:40; 24:27, 37; 25:14; Luke 17:24; John 5:21, 26; Romans 5:19; 6:19; 11:30; 1 Corinthians 11:12; 15:22; James 2:26). It is the real Christian's liberty and privilege to be employed as his Redeemer's servant, in promoting his glory, and the good of his people: the love of Christ constrains him to live no longer to himself, but to Him, that died for him and rose again. 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. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and, Take therefore the talent from him, and give. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. 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). The Moody Church, Using Your God-Given Talents in 1971. A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). It was not until after the fall of man that mans labor became toil: 17 But to Adam he said, Because you obeyed your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, You must not eat from it, cursed is the ground thanks to you; in painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. For example, this story is about talents which was a super large amount of money in Bible times. 3:21; 21:7], Matt. average monthly wage for Americans in 2021. Faithful saints are given even greater responsibilities, and even more work. But a married woman is concerned about the things of the world, how to please her husband. The Parable of the Talents should encourage us and challenge us to take what God has given us and invest in the kingdom of God. This is the edited manuscript of Lesson 78 in the Studies in the Gospel of Matthew series prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh on April 24, 2005. It is also found in Jude 1:15 to describe the harsh words the unbelieving have said against God. A parable is a type of story Jesus would tell so we would learn something from it. The Parable of the Bags of Gold(A) 14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey,(B)who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a]each according to his ability. 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. The talent of silver (taking silver as worth a little over 5s. The fact the master owns the money he gave the servants, and he gets the results of their investments, highlights who is in control. His servants will worship him, 4 and they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads (Revelation 22:1-4). Jesus uses the Parable of the Talents to help us understand our calling as Christians and our responsibility to use what God has given us to bring Him glory and honor! What is the meaning of the Parable of the Wedding Feast? In that place (V)there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.. I will put you in charge of many things. English Standard Version The Parable of the Talents 14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[ a] and entrusted to them his property. Also the description of the last judgment. He gives each slave an amount of money, referred to as talents and possibly talents of gold, based upon that man's ability to steward and care for the money. Parable of the Talents. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. In short, Jesus is a master who uses methods we dont always understand, which might even seem unfair. If we grew up in cultures where the individual is primary, we also tend to think we can live as we please. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. It is as though he had said, I knew you were unreasonable, and that there was no way to please you, and so I decided not even to try.. 7 And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life. 8 This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. It was completed by more than twenty biblical scholars who worked directly from the best currently available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. For less than $5/mo. 273 William Hendriksen, in his commentary on Matthew, finds enthusiasm and joy in the accounting the first two servants gave to their master. It is the continuation of fruitful, profitable labor. Literal Standard Version And he who received the five talents, having gone, worked with them, and made five other talents; Majority Standard Bible The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and made five more. 1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. They seemed to delight in serving their master, and they were eager to get to work quickly to produce a profit for him. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Gospels: Matthew 25:16 Immediately he who received the five talents (Matt. The masters return presumably refers to the last days when Jesus will return, and at the final judgment unrepentant sinners will perish and those served God will be rewarded according to their actions (Revelation 20:11-15) (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Parable of the Talents Jumble | Sermons4Kids Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao; a balance, i.e. Our receiving from Christ is in order to our working for him. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Dragnet? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? In order to understand the meaning and the application of the parable of the talents, we must take note of the crucial terms and their meanings. Playlist: Go to the Parable of the Talents (topic) playlist . Father, deliver me from this hour? Re-read the passage, preferably in a different translation to get a clearer perspective on what the passage is communicating. Is retirement a denial, in effect, of the curse? From kerdos; to gain. Therefore glorify God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:20). 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. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now (Romans 8:18-22). 30 And throw that worthless slave into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:13-30). In the King James Version, it is rendered therefore 263 times and then 197 times. Matthew 25:14-31 NKJV;ESV - The Parable of the Talents - "For the In the Luke version, he gives out 10 minas to 10 servants (Luke 19:16-20 makes it clear that each servant gets one mina). Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sower? There is no end to our labors for our God. What, then, is the root of this third slaves problem? 20 But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Christians will spend all eternity at work, and this work will include ruling with our Lord and praising Him. The Parable of the Minas or Pounds (see Luke 19:11-15) also makes this clear. To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. It is a simple story that our Lord tells here. Second, the faithful servants immediately went to work to increase their master's money ( Matthew 25:16-17 ). ), for my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Come and share your masters happiness! (Matthew 25:21). 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. Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular, Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular. He doubled the money his master entrusted to him. But Abraham said, Child, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus likewise bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in anguish (Luke 16:25). 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. 27 Now my soul is greatly distressed. Players take turns to roll a dice. Download our craft directions below, gather your craft supplies, and watch the example video as you prepare to teach. Revelation makes it clear that in the last days, Jesus will subvert his opponents, punish them and be named king over the world. From the parable of the talents we seem to be informed that unbelievers are entrusted with certain things, and that they will also give account for their stewardship. Used by permission. If so, then what is the fruitful labor God has given to you? 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. How can you take something away from a person who has nothing? When the third servants excuses are set aside, it becomes evident that this man is lazy he didnt do any work. 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit (Matthew 7:17-18). 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. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, # 25:15 Greek five talents two talents one talent; also throughout this parable; a talent was worth about 20 years of a day laborer's wage. ESV Text Edition: 2016. All rights reserved. This slave does absolutely nothing with the talent that has been entrusted to him, nothing but bury it, that is.277 We need to distinguish between his excuses and the masters assessment, both of which are conveyed in our text. 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). "Parable of the Talents" Bible Craft Demonstration Use these hands-on learning activities when teaching from Matthew 25:14-30, where Jesus told the Parable of the Talents. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. man goes to another country, stays a long time, and then returns. The Parable of the Talents. 6 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:1-6, emphasis mine). Neither group knew when the groom was coming. So you knew, did you, that I was a severe man, withdrawing what I didnt deposit and reaping what I didnt sow? 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. Assuming, for the moment, that the slave was correct in his assessment, why would he not be motivated by his fear to seek a profit for his master? Let me call your attention to the most important elements of the parable, as I now understand it. I am reminded of this passage in the Book of Hebrews: 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, 2 keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. I am suggesting that the way some Christians look forward to, or practice, retirement is a form of burying your talent. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. He contended that this is why he was afraid to take a risk with any kind of investment. The Parable of the Talents. 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. By faith, have you entered into His labor, His saving work on your behalf on the cross of Calvary? Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you will have authority over ten cities. 18 Then the second one came and said, Sir, your mina has made five minas. 19 So the king said to him, And you are to be over five cities. 20 Then another slave came and said, Sir, here is your mina that I put away for safekeeping in a piece of cloth. God expects a profit, and He holds us accountable for what we have done with what He has entrusted to us. There is a great reward waiting for those who steward well with what the Lord has given them. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. Is this not cause for rejoicing (see Acts 11:19-24)? a certain weight or 'talent'. if they get a '6' then they can pop the gloves on and try and unwrap the gift. 15 To one he gave five talents,[ b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. This parable is not primarily about faith, nor is it about being willing to take a risk (this was merely the wicked slaves excuse). Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) Sunday School Lessons and The joy that was before our Lord would seem to include the salvation of lost sinners (Luke 15:4-10). So, in modern terms, the ten servants each got $16,665. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)? He is evil in the sense that he is useless, or unprofitable. Notice how this same word279 is used in Matthew 7: In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad [literally rotten] tree bears bad fruit (Matthew 7:17, emphasis mine). What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unforgiving / Unmerciful Servant? Does verse 13 belong with verses 1-12, or with verses 14-30? Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. 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. As his grand finale, the man reached in and pulled the tigers whiskers. If we loved our Master, we would view our labors for Him as joy. However, the talents (or minas in Lukes version) represent more than just the monetary resources God gives us. The whole parable is found in Matthew 25:14-30. Sometimes the term is not translated at all. Today a talent might be worth a million dollars! Why, then, did the third slave do nothing? Retirement is thought of more in terms of the golf course than finishing our course in the Pauline sense (2 Timothy 4:7). A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. 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? first two servants are faithful; they are praised by their master and are given greater authority. The element of money. Bible Stories Explained: The Parable of the Talents (King James Version) As a businessman takes pleasure in making a profit, so our Lord takes pleasure in the profit gained by His faithful servants in His absence. I am saying that our labors for the kingdom have no point of termination except for our Lords return, and even then fruitful labor will continue in heaven. But this term is also used of that which is useful or beneficial: 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. [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. But each man doubled his masters money. And so he simply hid the money, and now he returned it, without any gain. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. God expects to see a profit. 282 I am trying to be careful here, because some works are not profitable for the kingdom, and these will not be rewarded, but will be destroyed. 14(A)For (B)it will be like a man (C)going on a journey, who called his servants[a] and entrusted to them his property. 16Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. Before he goes, the master brings his servants together (three in the Matthew version, 10 in the Luke version). Please consider their relationship to our text, and to money, time, labor, and profit: 1 To the angel of the church in Sardis write the following: This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your deeds, that you have a reputation that you are alive, but in reality you are dead. Matthew 25:14-30 - NIV - "Again, it - Christianity For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow. 22 The king said to him, I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! (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). What is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree? Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made. You have been faithful with a few things. Lets call this aspect of profit exaltation. 20 For the creation was subjected to futilitynot willingly but because of God who subjected itin hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of Gods children. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. I will put you in charge of many things. You have been faithful in a few things. I now see the answer, which appears to be consistent with all of the places where this principle is set forth. A talent of gold, for example, would be worth a whole lot more than a talent of bronze. Parable of the Talents children's story - dltk-kids.com And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Proud member What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? First, the master stayed away for a long time ( Matthew 25:19 ). master tells his unfaithful servant that he should have put the money in the bank. Play a game of pass the parcel where children must try to rip off each layer when the music stops. Faithful service led to increased responsibilities in the kingdom of heaven, and eternal joy in the presence of the Master, Jesus Christ. These rebels are slaughtered. Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed (Matthew 25:24, emphasis mine). The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Community Bible Chapel. While interest could not be charged of fellow-Israelites, it could be charged of foreigners (see Deuteronomy 23:19-20). He made his way up to the bars, and then proceeded to harass this awesome beast. Pertaining to self, i.e. Then he went on his journey. Bible Gateway Matthew 25 :: NIV in Luke is there another group, in addition to the masters servants those who dont want this man to become their king, and who send a message asking him not to return. He does not go to work with his masters money, over a lengthy period of time, and thus make a profit. He gives each of them some money. to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Jumble. Kathy Sweeny, Choices Determine Destinies 2 Wake up then, and strengthen what remains that was about to die, because I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. He did not increase his masters money at all. 16He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Talents? 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. The similarities between the parable in Matthew 25 and this parable in Lukes Gospel are easily seen: While the parable in Luke is similar to our parable in Matthew 25, there are some significant differences: The temptation is for us to carry details from the parable in Lukes Gospel over to Matthews account, but we should be careful about this, recognizing that these parables, while similar, were told on different occasions and contain significant differences. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. And the longer the master was gone, the more interest was lost by the slaves inactivity. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Talents? He demanded that they make something out of nothing, so to speak. Our Lords teaching in the parable of the talents is that God expects profit that is the product of our labors. It is from the use of the word "talents" in this parable that we moderns have derived its common meaning of natural gifts and endowments. third servant claims that he was afraid of his master. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once . ), [Rom. Here, (P)you have what is yours. 26But his master answered him, You (Q)wicked and (R)slothful servant! Parables of Jesus by James Montgomery Boice. This is only speculation. 27 But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and slaughter them in front of me!. 12:6; 1 Cor. 30And (T)cast (U)the worthless servant into the outer darkness. When our Lord talks about the kingdom of heaven in our text and elsewhere, He speaks of it in terms of work, not of relaxation or of play. 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. Jaye Martin, How to Know Your Life Purpose Dont blame it on God. The Parable of the Talents 22 The servant who had received the two talents also came and said, 'Master, you entrusted me with two talents. ~ Excerpt from Matthew Henry Commentary. Most importantly, bringing glory to God is profitable. Wells The Invisible Man where a foolish theologian suggests a strangers problem is he only has one talent. One must surely conclude that this parable is not just an interesting story, but a message of eternal significance. Theres afamous scene in the movie Chariots of Fire where future Olympian Eric Liddell feels a tension between his chance to be an Olympic runner and his calling to be a missionary in China.