When Christians read today’s study of the Parable of the Talents, they may think a talent means an ability, such as playing the piano, preaching, or serving others. But a talent was actually a measure of wealth. It equaled about 75 pounds of gold, or roughly $1.2 million today. Let’s look at the parable with that in mind.
Distribution and Use of the Talents
Historians say the Roman Empire may not have existed without slavery. Most slaves did not work in fields or mines. Instead, they managed businesses for their masters, ran homes, taught students, and did other valuable work. In this parable, Jesus described a master who went away and entrusted great wealth to three of his slaves.
One slave received nearly $6 million in today’s value. Another received $2.5 million, and the third received $1.2 million (Matthew 25:14-17). What do we know about these three men?
These men are slaves. They are not free to use the money for themselves. They must use it to serve their master.
They are given the freedom to use their God-given abilities to earn as much profit as possible for their master.
The worst choice is to do nothing. The third slave simply hid the money and waited for his master to return.
“But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” (Matthew 25:18)
Payday Someday
R.G. Lee’s famous sermon, “Payday Someday,” used a different text, but this passage could have fit just as well. When the master returned, there was a payday. The slaves had to wait for the someday of the master’s return. Nevertheless, the payday arrived, along with accountability for their actions.
The first slave’s payday was similar to what happened to the second.
“After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'” (Matthew 25:19-21)
Both the first and second servants increased their master’s wealth. In response, the master welcomed them into the joy of his presence and blessing. He also gave them greater responsibility.
I believe God has millions of faithful servants around the world who use what He has given them to the best of their ability. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit, and God works through them for His glory and for the good of those around them.
They may go unnoticed on earth, but heaven watches over them. One day, when all is revealed, we will see the Lord reward them.
A Payday of a Different Kind
Not only did the third servant fail to produce anything for his master, but he also revealed the true condition of his heart.
“Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'” (Matthew 25:24-25)
The third servant’s response should make us pause and ask ourselves: What are we doing with the gifts God has given us? Do we believe God is a good giver, and that as we use those gifts to serve Him, we will not lack?
Another question we should consider is whether we look more like the first two slaves or the third one as we serve Master Jesus.
The third slave received condemnation and judgment from his master. His master called him wicked and lazy and said he did not understand the character of his master. He lost the talent he had been given and was then handed over for judgment (Matthew 25:26-30).
Reflections
One lesson in this parable is the great responsibility God places in our hands. We have a kind and loving Master who gives us spiritual gifts and expects us to use them. This is a tremendous trust.
As we serve Him, the Holy Spirit enables us to bear more fruit. But if we fail to appreciate His character and simply hide away what He has given us, one day we will stand before Him and give an account. “Payday someday” is a reality we will all face—whether for good or for ill.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed Matthew 25:14-30 on YouTube today.
Real Voices 