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. 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. 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. Dennis Rainey. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one. 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? But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Used by permission. Time has been a significant factor in our Lords teaching concerning His coming and the end of the age, beginning in chapter 24. get answers to your Bible questions from 50+ resources ($2,400+ value! It is not meant that the improving of natural powers can entitle a man to Divine grace. Start FREE. Wells The Invisible Man where a foolish theologian suggests a strangers problem is he only has one talent. The element of time. Pressing this matter just a little further, if the church were to be considered a business and every member were to be viewed as an employee, how many of us should reasonably expect to keep our jobs? The parable of the talents is told in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:11-27. Amen (Romans 9:1-5). For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. God expects a profit, and He holds us accountable for what we have done with what He has entrusted to us. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Community Bible Chapel. I now see the answer, which appears to be consistent with all of the places where this principle is set forth. What Does the Bible Say About Parable Of Talents? - OpenBible.info The difference is not that one group knew the hour, and the other didnt. average monthly wage for Americans in 2021. The third slave is an entirely different matter. 16He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. First, the master stayed away for a long time (Matthew 25:19). What Is a Talent Weight? Bible Units and Measurements - Learn Religions All three stories are about being given something which must be used well, and the consequences of neglecting or abusing it. He admits he buried it in the ground because he was afraid to use it (Matthew 25:24-25, Luke 19:20-21). Parable Of The Talents, Matthew 25:14-30 KJV - KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE Before he goes, the master brings his servants together (three in the Matthew version, 10 in the Luke version). In other words, Luke informs us that Jesus told this parable specifically to correct some misconceptions about the time of His return. 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). Then he went on his journey. 29(K)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. The master goes on his journey, which Luke notes has some opposition (Luke 19:14-15). 28 Father, glorify your name. Then a voice came from heaven, I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again (John 12:27-28). We find our true joy and place in life when we serve God with our gifts. Some were saying, He is a good man, but others, He deceives the common people (John 7:12). We would probably do well to compare this text with a couple of passages in the Gospel of Luke: 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! 18But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lords money. ESV Text Edition: 2016. 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. It has taken a while for the thrust of this parable to come into focus for me. It is available on the Internet at: www.netbible.org. Parable of the Talents. Jesus' stories had more than one meaning. They seemed to delight in serving their master, and they were eager to get to work quickly to produce a profit for him. (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. The one who has been faithful on earth with a little thing like money will be given greater work to do in heaven. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. He is not harsh, nor does He require that we do the impossible (make a profit where He has not provided the means). 16 The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work270 and gained five more. Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular, Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular. In the King James Version, it is rendered therefore 263 times and then 197 times. 17So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 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. The translation project originally started as an attempt to provide an electronic version of a modern translation for electronic distribution over the Internet and on CD (compact disk). Heaven is described in terms of work, not play, of activity, not passivity. 8 But you must require of them the same quota of bricks that they were making before. In the end though, it doesnt matter whether we think Jesus is a hard or odd master, because we are neither all-knowing nor all-powerful. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unforgiving / Unmerciful Servant? One man may design a church building, a cathedral. wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place a limitation on you, but so that without distraction you may give notable and constant service to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). 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. So, whatever we are doing (provided its not a sinful activity), we serve God well by doing it well. Retirement is like the second stage of a rocket booster. 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. Entering into the joy of our Master is, in the context of our text, entering into profitable labor for all eternity. You have been faithful with a few things. God expects to see a profit. 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. In short, Jesus is a master who uses methods we dont always understand, which might even seem unfair. 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)? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? (2) Many of the commentaries acknowledge the abruptness of verse 14 as the first verse of a new paragraph. I realize that I am going to pull some whiskers by what I am about to say, but I think that I am being true to our text, and to the Bible as a whole. The first steward is given 5 talents, the second is given two talents and the third is given one. 10 The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. Salt is good, but if salt loses its flavor, how can its flavor be restored? (Luke 14:34). 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now (Romans 8:18-22). As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. 23 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. 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. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the term "talent" meant something very different than it does today. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 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. Our Lords emphasis here is not on putting the money to work, but on the servant going to work with his masters money. 14 But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14). In the natural world, talents differ. Is retirement a denial, in effect, of the curse? Eventually, he tells his sister he will go to the Olympics and then to the mission field, because both honor God. 19After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. Have you trusted in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and in His death at Calvary for your sins, rather than in your works (Romans 3:21-26)? For all the saints. Those who know not the day of their visitation shall have the things that belong to their peace hid from their eyes. We find this same principle stated in connection with the parable of the soils (Matthew 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18). See, I have gained two more.' 23 His master replied, 'Well . (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). Let us then consider the primary message in this text. So you knew that I harvest where I didnt sow and gather where I didnt scatter? If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come against you. A popular job website lists theaverage monthly wage for Americans in 2021 as $5,555 per month. In one of my early trips to India, I went to the zoo. The Moody Church, Using Your God-Given Talents Since Jesus was the son of God and therefore had a right to the kingship he claimed, we cant accuse him of stealing what he didnt deserve. You have been faithful in a few things. 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. It is indeed unfortunate that the term talent means something very different today from what our Lord meant when He told this parable. 5 In other words, the third slave looks upon his master as wicked, harsh, and impossible. New American Bible the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Heaven can hardly be described in terms of retirement. So you knew, did you, that I was a severe man, withdrawing what I didnt deposit and reaping what I didnt sow? After centuries of Israelites seeing themselves as Gods only favored people, he opened things up for Gentiles to become co-heirs (Ephesians 3:6). a certain weight or 'talent'. 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. And part of the reward the faithful slave is entering into is the joy of his Master in bringing salvation to men. Jaye Martin, How to Know Your Life Purpose In the Matthew version, he gives one servant 10 talents (or bags of gold), another five talents, and the third one talent. 13 For everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced in the message of righteousness, because he is an infant. 17 In the same way, the one who had two gained two more. New King James Version (NKJV). You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. He told his master that he was a harsh and cruel man, a man who was demanding, and who expected gain where he had not labored. The day of account comes at last. In fact, if this were to take place today, that money would likely be worth less, due to inflation. get answers to your Bible questions from 50+ resources ($2,400+ value! The one who gets the biggest return on investment gets the big promotion. 27 Now my soul is greatly distressed. And so it is that those who over time work with what they are entrusted, in order to make a profit for their master, are rewarded for their faithfulness. 19Now (H)after a long time the master of those servants came and (I)settled accounts with them. I was talking about this text with a friend, and he said, God expects the principle, plus interest. I think thats right. 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). What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? It is also found in Jude 1:15 to describe the harsh words the unbelieving have said against God. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Parables of Jesus by James Montgomery Boice. The element of work. 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. Handed down. This gift is for us to share with others through our words and actions. 1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month of the year. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). Before he leaves, he entrusts money to his slaves. 12 And if you havent been trustworthy with someone elses property, who will give you your own? (Luke 16:10-12). 14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[ a] and entrusted to them his property. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? He didnt even hand the money over to bankers,276 to let them go to work with it. 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. The bankers in verse 27 represent other faithful people to whom the man could have turned to help him use his talents wisely. Just as a businessman expects to make a profit, and rejoices when his employees increase his wealth, so God expects a profit and rejoices in it. Remember, this is a parable, and all ofJesus parables are about a bit more than they seem. It is clear that our Lord Jesus intended for us to be found at work when He returns: 45 Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their food at the proper time? 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. What is your ministry, your unique contribution to the kingdom of God? The Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25 - KJV - eBible first two servants are commended and go to heaven; the third is condemned and goes to hell. Second, the faithful servants immediately went to work to increase their masters money (Matthew 25:16-17). Read: MATTHEW 25:14-30. They complain that He requires of them more than they are capable of, and punishes them for what they cannot help. What is the meaning of the parables of fasting at the wedding feast, the old cloth, and the wineskins? Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. third servant claims that he was afraid of his master. 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. Lets begin with the end result profit. Then he (F)went away. 280 Old Testament references here are to the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. 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.. 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. Includes discussion questions and verse by verse commentary for small groups. Those who think it impossible to please God, and in vain to serve him, will do nothing to purpose in religion. "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant" Bible Meaning - Christianity.com Playlist: Go to the Parable of the Talents (topic) playlist . Let them go and collect straw for themselves. 15And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, (D)to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. The Parable of The Talents Bible Study - Matthew 25:14-30 - Study and Obey And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Thus, time seems to be a more important factor in verses 14-31 than in 1-13. He has richly provided all that you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:1-4). The third slave is just the opposite. of Jesus tells the story of a rich man who has three slaves. I saw something there that both amazed and troubled me. 46 Blessed is that slave whom the master finds at work when he comes. He does no work for a lengthy period of time and thus is useless. And the longer the master was gone, the more interest was lost by the slaves inactivity. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. man goes to another country, stays a long time, and then returns. Matthew 25:16 - The Parable of the Talents - Bible Hub The first question one would ask is, How much profit did it make? We are so used to thinking in non-profit terms that we are almost shocked to hear such a question raised. third servant seeks to excuse himself by accusing his master of being harsh. 20 But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. The word hard, which this slave used to characterize his master, is far from flattering. Jesus was also the stone rejected by builders, yet he became the capstone (Matthew 21:42). 19 For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. 276 Needless to say, bankers and banking were not the same in those days. Indeed, they accused Him of being a wicked sinner, more worthy of death than Barabbas. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. It was his hope that in doing something spectacular he might receive a gift or donation. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Talents? As I thought of this slaves attitude toward his master, I was reminded of this passage in the Book of Exodus: 1 Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Release my people so that they may hold a pilgrim feast to me in the desert. 2 But Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord that I should obey him by releasing Israel? Jumble. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. What, then, is the root of this third slaves problem? First of all, let us be clear that we are not talking about salvation by works. The masters dealings with the third servant is a very different matter. Mat Mt). You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 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. Enter into the joy of your master (Matthew 25:20-21). 12 For though you should in fact be teachers by this time, you need someone to teach you the beginning elements of Gods utterances. Since help was available to him in the Church, the man had no excuse. The master rebukes the third servant for not even putting the money in the bank, where he could have gotten interest on it. 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. Whatever they may pretend, the fact is, they dislike the character and work of the Lord. Bible Verses about Parable of the Talents. The element of profit. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. This is only speculation. For this story about a master and his servants, understanding the culture of Jesus' original audience is necessary to comprehend His message. It was completed by more than twenty biblical scholars who worked directly from the best currently available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The element of money. The talent of silver (taking silver as worth a little over 5s. 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). 15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the orchard in Eden to care for and maintain it (Genesis 2:8-9, 15). 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. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once . 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?