14 For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ~ Matthew 25:14-30
In the parable, Jesus contrasts the kingdom of God with a man going on a long journey. The man called his servants and handed them each a portion of His property according to their own ability. He gave one five talents. To the other, He gave two. And still the other He gave one talent.
The one with five immediately went and doubled his money. The one with the two talents did the same. But the one with the one talent went and hid his master’s money in the ground. After a long time the master, who represents Jesus, came back and wanted to settle accounts with them.
He called the five who now had ten and He was proud of him calling him a good and faithful servant. Then He gave him ten cities of his own to be over (Luke 19:17). The same with the one with the two talents. He was given five cities. Seems like Jesus grades on the curve, which is good news for us.
But the one with the one talent who went and dug a hole, wrapped the coin in a handkerchief and buried it, with him the master was not pleased. Jesus labeled that servant a wicked and slothful servant. He not only threatened, but He carried out His threat as well. Taking his mina away from him represents taking away his place in eternity and assigning him a place with the unfaithful.
Our life on this earth is temporary. It’s a very short trip compared to eternity. So, don’t allow anyone or anything to distract you from building the Kingdom of God while you’re here. While you still have time. We’re each given a gift so that we might further the Kingdom of God. Don’t waste that gift. Don’t waste the time you have left to share with your loved ones, friends, and co-workers.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Multiply Your Talents.
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