The Talents

“THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS”

Mt. 25:14-30

INTRODUCTION:   Second of three parables which deals with the Second Coming. The “Parable of the Virgins” represents the patient waiting for the Lord; the “Parable of the Talents” emphasizes the faithful activity of working for the Lord.

I.              The Trust of the Talents (vv 14, 15)

A.         The Master was going into another country (v. 14).

                         B.        His goods were entrusted to the servants (bondservants, slaves).

                         1.     Not every servant received the same amount, be­cause they differed in ability (v.15).

                                     2.     The lesson taught here is: Every man differs in talents (abilities), and opportunities, and there­fore not all have the same degree of responsibility.

                                     3.     But there is something that is required of each of the Lord’s servants: Faithfulness!

                         4.     We must use our talents, and we must use them wisely!

                                    5.     The Lord does not ask us to become famous, or to be powerful, or wealthy; but He does     

                                             require faithfulness!

II.             The Temptation of the Talents (vv. 16-18).

A.         God demands active service, not just negative innocence.

1.         There is a temptation for the “5- talent man” to be complacent with what he has already, so that he is not concerned about ‘‘bearing fruit” or yielding an increase.

2.         There is the temptation for the “2—talent man,” (we might call him “Mr. Average”) to:

a.         Be envious of the 5-talent man.

b.         Be rejoicing over his greater abilities than the 1-talent man.

c.         Mediocrity can be a plague to this man.

d.         2 Cor. 10:12 warns us that we must not “measure ourselves by ourselves, or compare ourselves among ourselves.”

3.         There is the temptation for the “1-talent man” to be discouraged, or fearful, or indolent.

a.         Regardless of the talents that we have or lack, we must “always abound in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

b.         God does not require from us that which we cannot do, but He does expect the best that we have to offer!

B.         To be a faithful servant, we must use our abilities for the Lord’s Kingdom.

III.           The Termination of the Talents (vv. 19-30).

A.         Though it may be a “long time” (v.19), reckoning day does come!

       B.         Individual accountability! (2 Cor. 5:10).

       C.          The standard is “Quality, not quantity,” as per the widows’ mites.

       D.         What a blessed reward - “Well done, thou good and faith­ful servant.”

!        IV.     The Tragedies of the Talents

A.        The 1- talent man’s failure is the emphasis of the parable.

1.         He did not squander, he simply neglected!

2.         He denied the Lord’s justice! (Contrast Abraham’s plea, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25).

3.         This 1-talent man was not immoral or overtly dis­obedient, he was just lazy! Yet, his neglect earned  the rebuke, “Thou wicked and slothful servant...” (v. 26).

4.         Laziness is wickedness!!

5.         Small ability does not justify a lack of faithfulness! We must be faithful where we are!

6.         God always demands our best! Partial obedience, halfway service, and lackadaisical attitudes will not be tolerated at the last day!

7.         God makes no mistakes! Reward and punishment are delivered according to the faithfulness of each one.

Conclusion:        Luke 2:49. Jesus realized the necessity of “being about His Father’s business.” Is not the need just as real for us?