This is his excuse for doing nothing. God expects to see a profit. Thus, evangelism is one form of spiritual profit. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? The Christian should think about retirement in the same way he or she thinks of being single (if, indeed, you are): 32 And I want you to be free from concern. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? 28So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. ), [Rom. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[ a] and entrusted to them his property. 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? For example, this story is about talents which was a super large amount of money in Bible times. 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. These verses are the opening to what is known as the parable of the talents. Our Lords emphasis here is not on putting the money to work, but on the servant going to work with his masters money. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. 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. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Rich Fool? But each man doubled his masters money. a certain weight or 'talent'. (2) Many of the commentaries acknowledge the abruptness of verse 14 as the first verse of a new paragraph. Remember, this is a parable, and all ofJesus parables are about a bit more than they seem. Play a game of pass the parcel where children must try to rip off each layer when the music stops. It is the end of the curse, and thus the end of futile labor. Multiply Your Talents And the longer the master was gone, the more interest was lost by the slaves inactivity. This was paradise, my friend, and thus their work was not drudgery; it was a delight: 8 The Lord God planted an orchard in the east, in Eden; and there he placed the man he had formed. What is the meaning of the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price? I will put you in charge of many things. Heaven involves work, but it is profitable work. 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. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. And part of the reward the faithful slave is entering into is the joy of his Master in bringing salvation to men. Mat Mt). Then he gives the one talent to the first servant, for to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away (Luke 19:26). Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. Enter into (G)the joy of your lord. 22He 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. 23His lord said to him, (H)Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. For example, if work is toil, a part of the curse, then is retirement just an excuse to try and escape from the consequences of sin God has decreed? 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. (Now the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were in the middle of the orchard.) Did this third slave think that there would be no reward for his faithful service because his master was a hard man? The master goes on his journey, which Luke notes has some opposition (Luke 19:14-15). 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. 269 Copyright 2005 by Community Bible Chapel, 418 E. Main Street, Richardson, TX 75081. 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. Before he goes, the master brings his servants together (three in the Matthew version, 10 in the Luke version). (1) Verse 13 does not really seem to fit with verses 1-12, or to contribute to their message. Different. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from them, by human descent, came the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever! Works that produce a profit for the kingdom282 are the basis for our rewards. He provides the money and the ability, but we are expected to work hard with what He has given us, for the profit of the kingdom. Matthew 25:15. Verse Concepts. It is a usual way of expressing the miseries of the damned in hell. A talent, just so you know, was a measure of money. 278 Actually, the good slave is both morally good and useful, but his usefulness is emphasized most in the context. The story in Matthew 25:14-30 unfolds as such: A man goes away on a trip. This slave actually thinks of his master as though he were a Pharaoh in character. The one who gets the biggest return on investment gets the big promotion. How can you take something away from a person who has nothing? He entrusted him with money, money suited to his abilities. Both of these faithful slaves are rewarded well for their faithful service. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Therefore, the master represents Christ, while the three servants represent those who serve him. It is available on the Internet at: www.netbible.org. The first servant has made the biggest return (10 minas from one mina, or 10 talents from five talents). Its been referenced in many placeseven odd places like H.G. third servant seeks to excuse himself by accusing his master of being harsh. 24 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: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. The element of work. If this is the case, and we are to be at work until He comes, then why do we think that reaching a certain age entitles us to cease our labors for Him? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Leaven. Heaven can hardly be described in terms of retirement. Then he went away. However, as planned, he becomes king of the distant land and returns home to see how his servants have done. an ounce) was nearly equivalent to 400 of our money. First, the master stayed away for a long time ( Matthew 25:19 ). third servant claims that he was afraid of his master. He does not go to work with his masters money, over a lengthy period of time, and thus make a profit. The difference is that one group brought oil for their lamps, and the others did not. And to 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. of first two servants are faithful; they are praised by their master and are given greater authority. Our labors for the Master should increase, not diminish, if we are kingdom minded. The element of profit. I am now inclined to say that verse 13 fits best with verses 14-30. 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? William Hendriksen, The Gospel of Matthew (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1973), p. 881. Since a talent was actually a measurement of weight, it did not have a constant value. In the Book of Revelation, heaven is described as a return to paradise lost: 1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of lifewater as clear as crystalpouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 flowing down the middle of the citys main street. How different was the outlook of the first two slaves. 12 And if you havent been trustworthy with someone elses property, who will give you your own? (Luke 16:10-12). The Parable of the Talents (Lk 19:11-27) 14 "For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents,f to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. A footnote in the NIV translation says that a mina was about three months wages. 23 Why then didnt you put my money in the bank, so that when I returned I could have collected it with interest? 24 And he said to his attendants, Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has ten. 25 But they said to him, Sir, he has ten minas already! 26 I tell you that everyone who has will be given more, but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular, Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular. 12:11; Eph. An unmarried woman or a virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, to be holy both in body and spirit. The parable of the talents is told in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:11-27. What is it that you want Him to find you doing when He returns? His lord said unto him, Well done, 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. In my opinion, thats living dangerously. See, I have gained two more. 23 His master answered, Well done, good and faithful slave! Matthew 25:29 (NIV) ANSWERS. 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. Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you will have authority over ten cities (Luke 19:16-17). I now see the answer, which appears to be consistent with all of the places where this principle is set forth. To them belong the adoption as sons, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. You have been faithful with a few things. Then he went on his journey. ), for my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Luke, we are told that the reason for the parable was to correct the misconception that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately; no such reason is stated in Matthew. For this story about a master and his servants, understanding the culture of Jesus' original audience is necessary to comprehend His message. In our text, the good slave is the useful or beneficial slave, for he has gained a profit for his master.278 He is also faithful because he has been at work with his masters money from the time he left until the time he returned. However, the talents (or minas in Lukes version) represent more than just the monetary resources God gives us. In other words, Luke informs us that Jesus told this parable specifically to correct some misconceptions about the time of His return. There is only one who is good. Pharaoh was a harsh master. He demanded that the Israelites make bricks, but he refused to supply them with the necessary materials. He did not increase his masters money at all. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. In one of my early trips to India, I went to the zoo. He, too, doubled the money his master left in his care. 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! 29 For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. John Driver points out in his book Parable Church that at 2018s average household incomes, one talent would be about $1.2 million. 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. Working hard for the profit of the kingdom and the King is entering into the joy of our Master. Also the description of the last judgment. 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). Father, deliver me from this hour? Jumble. In other words, the third slave looks upon his master as wicked, harsh, and impossible. The bankers in verse 27 represent other faithful people to whom the man could have turned to help him use his talents wisely. 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. The Parable of the Talents 21 His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! He contended that this is why he was afraid to take a risk with any kind of investment. Start FREE. So, whatever we are doing (provided its not a sinful activity), we serve God well by doing it well. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. gained. 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! 14 But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14). I have often been puzzled over these words, repeated several times in the New Testament: For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. 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. He swallowed up death (1 Corinthians 15: 54) in a victory that involved him getting killed. The story of Jesustelling this parable really begins in Matthew 24 when he mentions the coming destruction of Jerusalem. Our Lords teaching in the parable of the talents is that God expects profit that is the product of our labors. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. [15]And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every . He gives each of them some money. The second slave presents his master with four talents. Knowing that Jesus was describing servants being given huge amounts of cash to invest helps us to understand just how generous the master was being, the opportunity each servant was given. Faithful service led to increased responsibilities in the kingdom of heaven, and eternal joy in the presence of the Master, Jesus Christ. 25And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Christians will spend all eternity at work, and this work will include ruling with our Lord and praising Him. In the King James Version, it is rendered therefore 263 times and then 197 times. Enter into the joy of your master. 22 The one with the two talents also came and said, Sir, you entrusted two talents to me. Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao; a balance, i.e. 19 After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled his accounts with them. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? And so I will conclude by asking you this, my friend: Do you know and love the Master, Jesus Christ? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? It has taken a while for the thrust of this parable to come into focus for me. Im not saying that one should never cease their employment nor end their career. I believe this may be the case in our text. Luke there are ten servants; in Matthew, there are only three. I wonder how many have given serious thought to what might be called the theology of retirement. I would like to challenge every Christian to rethink the subject of retirement. Indeed, they accused Him of being a wicked sinner, more worthy of death than Barabbas. That is why they are crying, Let us go sacrifice to our God. 9 Let the work be harder for the men so they will keep at it and pay no attention to lying words! (Exodus 5:1-9). The third servant did not invest his masters money at all; he dug a hole in the ground and buried his masters money. 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. 276 Needless to say, bankers and banking were not the same in those days. (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. 46 Blessed is that slave whom the master finds at work when he comes. He doubled the money his master entrusted to him. 272 I am assuming that the second servant acted just as quickly as the first, because our Lord tells us that he acted in a similar manner. Enter into the joy of your master (Matthew 25:20-21). Lets call this aspect of profit exaltation. In our parable, money is given to us to use, to work with, not just to give back. Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao; a balance, i.e. Heaven is described in terms of work, not play, of activity, not passivity. They justified their rejection of Jesus by claiming that He was the problem. parable in Luke is told when Jesus was near Jerusalem, before His triumphal entry; in Matthew, the parable is told when Jesus was in Jerusalem, a few days later. As Dorothy Sayers put it in her essay Why Work? if we follow God properly, all the work will be Christian work, whether it is Church embroidery or sewage-farming.. 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). Jaye Martin, How to Know Your Life Purpose NKJV, Ancient-Modern Bible, Comfort Print: One faith. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. We should be careful to recognize that in this parable the mere possession of a talent is not evidence of salvation. 20 "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 werefaithful over a few things,I will make you ruler over many things. Sometimes the term is not translated at all. Whatever they may pretend, the fact is, they dislike the character and work of the Lord. 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. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. We know that God expects us to grow over time, and that He is displeased when we fail to grow: 11 It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of Goda mature person, attaining to the measure of Christs full stature (Ephesians 4:11-13). (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. When God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden, He gave them work to do. These things are good and beneficial for all people (Titus 3:4-8). 271 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible. The word hard, which this slave used to characterize his master, is far from flattering. 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. Both minas and talents were units of currency in the ancient Roman world. 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., I will make you ruler over many things. The talent was the largest measurement of money in those days. 19 For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. Jesus' stories had more than one meaning. 8 But you must require of them the same quota of bricks that they were making before. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. It is also found in Jude 1:15 to describe the harsh words the unbelieving have said against God. However, since we all want to be little gods of our own lives, serving ourselves misses our true place in life. While commentators differ somewhat over the approximate value of a talent in todays economy, all would agree that it was a large amount of money. Beyond this, His return would come at a time when it was not expected (Matthew 24:44). 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. This may be applied to the blessings of this life; but rather to the means of grace. A poor man (a sort of enterprising beggar, perhaps) was busy entertaining the visitors to the zoo. Revelation makes it clear that in the last days, Jesus will subvert his opponents, punish them and be named king over the world. 12 For though you should in fact be teachers by this time, you need someone to teach you the beginning elements of Gods utterances.

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