20 The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. Most importantly, bringing glory to God is profitable. There is only one who is good. Each (of more than two), every one. Traditionally, the parable of the talents has been seen as an exhortation to Jesus' disciples to use their God-given gifts in the service of God, and to take risks for the sake of the Kingdom of God. To the first he entrusted five talents, to the second two talents, and to the third one talent. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21). Then he (F)went away. 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. Neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao; a balance, i.e. Mat Mt). 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat food until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you will return283 (Genesis 3:17-19). The question for us to consider is this: Just how do we measure spiritual profit? 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. 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. Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular, Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Parable of the Talents. 12:6; 1 Cor. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. It is indeed unfortunate that the term talent means something very different today from what our Lord meant when He told this parable. Works are fruits that are evidence of true faith (see James 2). While there would be sufficient evidence for His followers to discern the general season of His return, neither the day nor the hour would be known (Matthew 24:32-36, 42). A footnote in the NIV translation says that a mina was about three months wages. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! First of all, let us be clear that we are not talking about salvation by works. Hank Hanegraaff, Economy of God What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? 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). 12:7, 11, 29; Eph. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition, ESV Large-Print Value Thinline Bible--soft leather-look, navy with mosaic cross design, ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Green with Mosaic Cross Design, ESV Large Print Personal Size Bible--soft leather-look, chestnut, Fire Bible ESV Version, Soft Leather-look, Slate/Charcoal. Let me call your attention to the most important elements of the parable, as I now understand it. The masters dealings with the third servant is a very different matter. After all of Jesus' teaching, the disciples, although still limited in their knowledge and understanding, knew for sure that Jesus was to restore His Kingdom to Israel ( Acts 1:6 ). 14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. Come and share your masters happiness! (Matthew 25:21). 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). He did not increase his masters money at all. 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. Eventually, he tells his sister he will go to the Olympics and then to the mission field, because both honor God. Players take turns to roll a dice. First, the master stayed away for a long time ( Matthew 25:19 ). 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. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his . In other words, Luke informs us that Jesus told this parable specifically to correct some misconceptions about the time of His return. God expects a profit, and He holds us accountable for what we have done with what He has entrusted to us. The parable of the talents is one of those Bible stories most of us know, yet its hard to understand. Luke 19:13,14 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come, Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular, Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular. 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. Jesus was also the stone rejected by builders, yet he became the capstone (Matthew 21:42). For less than $5/mo. Weeping and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness must, on the other hand, involve spending eternity without God, and without joy. 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. Look, there you have what is yours.. 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. Talents. Dr. Ron Jones, Using Your Talents for the Glory of God This whole matter of profit expands the teaching of our Lord in Matthew 6: 19 Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. William Hendriksen, The Gospel of Matthew (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1973), p. 881. 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. Matthew 25:29 (NIV) ANSWERS. Pharaoh was a harsh master. He demanded that the Israelites make bricks, but he refused to supply them with the necessary materials. 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. 18But he who had received the one talent went and (G)dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Retirement is like the second stage of a rocket booster. Heaven is described in terms of work, not play, of activity, not passivity. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree? 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? These verses are the opening to what is known as the parable of the talents. What can we learn from the parable of the persistent widow and unjust judge? Wrap a gift a number of times to create a few layers. 280 Old Testament references here are to the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. Then he went on his journey. There is a great reward waiting for those who steward well with what the Lord has given them. I thus take verse 13 as the first verse of this new paragraph. He, too, doubled the money his master left in his care. It seems safe to deal with the first two servants together, since they are so similar. 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. A popular job website lists theaverage monthly wage for Americans in 2021 as $5,555 per month. Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. ESV Text Edition: 2016. This may be applied to the blessings of this life; but rather to the means of grace. See, I have gained two more.' 23 His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! Yet is this not what our Lord is teaching us in this parable? average monthly wage for Americans in 2021. In short, the talents represent what God has given usour monetary resources, our callings to positions within the church (Ephesians 4:11-16), our natural giftings. 33 But a married man is concerned about the things of the world, how to please his wife, 34 and he is divided. If we grew up in cultures where the individual is primary, we also tend to think we can live as we please. He let taxpayers and prostitutes into the kingdom of heaven first (Matthew 21:31). The slothful servant is sentenced to be deprived of his talent. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)? 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions (Matthew 24:45-47). Our receiving from Christ is in order to our working for him. Yes, there are official positions for certain church tasks (preaching, evangelizing, teaching, etc.) 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!. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Gospels: Matthew 25:16 Immediately he who received the five talents (Matt. 30And (T)cast (U)the worthless servant into the outer darkness. 276 Needless to say, bankers and banking were not the same in those days. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)? It appears in Matthew 25:14-30, and another version of the parable can be found in Luke 19:11-27. It is the word Moses uses in Genesis 42:7,280 to describe Josephs disguise of harshness before his brothers. But none of them adequately explain it. Also the description of the last judgment. Verse Concepts. 20 But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 283 We should recall that Eve was given her own kind of labor (Genesis 3:16). The Parable of the Talents. You have been faithful with a few things. Trust in Jesus, for it is His work that will save you. third servant claims that he was afraid of his master. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden - Bible Story, The Ten Commandments - Bible Verses and Importance Today, Parable of the Prodigal Son - Bible Story, The Resurrection of Jesus - Bible Story and Prophecy. His servants will worship him, 4 and they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads (Revelation 22:1-4). Its also interesting that when the third servant returns his money, he accuses the master of being a hard man who reaps where he did not sow (Matthew 25:24). 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). God entrusted Israel, and especially its leaders, with the truth, and they did not use it properly. 4:11], [Matt. Mat Mt). At this point we would probably do well to look at work from a broader perspective; we should consider work from the beginning of time to eternity future. 18 But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his masters money in it. 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. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Gospels: Matthew 25:15 To one he gave five talents (Matt. Whatever they may pretend, the fact is, they dislike the character and work of the Lord. 14 But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14). The degree to which our earthly labor has been faithful and profitable will determine the degree to which we enter into joyful labor in heaven. Here, as in what was said to the faithful servants, our Saviour goes out of the parable into the thing intended by it, and this serves as a key to the whole. Re-read the passage, preferably in a different translation to get a clearer perspective on what the passage is communicating. Revelation makes it clear that in the last days, Jesus will subvert his opponents, punish them and be named king over the world. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. The third servant has no profit, no gain, to give his master, so his talent is taken away and given to the one who went to work with his masters money and made great gains for him. ), for my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. The third slave is just the opposite. Sometimes the term is not translated at all. 12:6; 1 Cor. In the parable, the gifts are given according to natural ability, but all who increase equally are rewarded equally. NKJV, Ancient-Modern Bible, Comfort Print: One faith. Both of these faithful slaves are rewarded well for their faithful service. 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. Tounderstand this parable, we need to look at the parable in the context of Jesus surrounding teachings and the Bibles other teachings about giftings. 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. So you knew that I harvest where I didnt sow and gather where I didnt scatter? 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. 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. Indeed, they accused Him of being a wicked sinner, more worthy of death than Barabbas. It may be that you are not like the first two slaves, but like the third. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. man goes to another country, stays a long time, and then returns. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Inductive Bible study of Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Jesus came into a world that was the devils domain (1 John 5:19) and claimed it for himself, despite opposition from demons and sinful people who disliked him calling out their flaws. For you were bought at a price. Let us then consider the primary message in this text. Dont bury what God has entrusted to you; go to work with it, for the glory of God, and for your eternal rewards. What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Parable of the Talents We often mix up the word talent in the currency sense with our modern English word talent meaning gifts, and its important to understand the money context of what Jesus was saying. After being gone a long time, the master returns to settle up with his slaves (verse 19). He doubled the money his master entrusted to him. 30 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 Pharisee and the Tax Collector? Since a talent was actually a measurement of weight, it did not have a constant value. Most of us find it hard to un-crack, especially given the third servant gets punished for doing nothing. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Have you come to see that so far as your salvation is concerned, all of your works are like filthy rags in His sight (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:9-20)? But a married woman is concerned about the things of the world, how to please her husband. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us in full measure through Jesus Christ our Savior. My thinking on retirement in this lesson started with the observation that heaven is not the end of work, but the multiplication and continuation of work: 20 The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. NKJV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NKJV, Abide Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version. The parable begins with a master planning a trip (Luke describes him as going off to be made king of a distant land). As I was teaching the parable of the virgins, I could not see how verse 13 served as any kind of conclusion to the first 12 verses. A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! What is the meaning of the Parable of the Wedding Feast? It was not the masters problem; it was the slaves problem. Works that produce a profit for the kingdom282 are the basis for our rewards. 19 For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. 3 Therefore, remember what you received and heard, and obey it, and repent. Enter into the joy of your master!' 24 Finally, the servant who had . Amen (Romans 9:1-5). 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. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made. 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. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. It is a great responsibility with great reward as described in the Parable of the Talents. 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. and Christians should not be molded by worldly standards (Romans 12:2). He has granted the time and the resources for men to make a profit for the kingdom of heaven, until He returns. Father, deliver me from this hour? The joy that was before our Lord would seem to include the salvation of lost sinners (Luke 15:4-10). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! 25And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. 27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received my money back with interest! Since help was available to him in the Church, the man had no excuse. All three stories are about being given something which must be used well, and the consequences of neglecting or abusing it. The true believer is represented by the seed that grows, that endures, and that bears fruit. When the third servant appears, hes done nothing with the money. And if our labors are joyful, we will delight in the thought of further labor. We should first consider the masters assessment of all three slaves: The first two slaves were commended as being both good and faithful. The term good is sometimes employed in a moral sense.
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