The Parable of the Talents
Notes
Transcript
Read the Matthew 25:14-30
Pray
Who is the Master representing in this story?
Who are the servants in this story?
A Talent is a measure of weight of gold or silver. Does anyone know how much a weighed?
Greek Talent about 60 lbs
Roman Talent about 70 lbs
Babylonian Talent slightly less than 70 lbs
Evan one talent would be a fortune.
What do the talents in this parable represent?
This parable is where we get the English word talent meaning a skill of people.
Do you think the servants knew when the master would return?
No. Travelling long distances at that time was imprecise at best. It was impossible at that time to know when you would return from a long journey. Some translations actually say it was a journey “to a far country.” But it is clear that the time for settling accounts did come.
What did the master say to the profitable servants?
Do you notice anything about the language used by the master?
Turn with me to 1 Corinthians 3:8. This section in Corinthians Paul is talking about divisions in the church and is pointing out to the church that these divisions are stupid. We are all working in God’s field and God’s building and that each will be judged one day. 3:8 reminds us that each will receive his reward according to his labor.
What was the unprofitable servant’s problem?
Notice how the unprofitable servant tries to blame shift. He tells the master that he was almost paralyzed by terror as the master’s own character and reputation revealed him to be a ruthless, demanding, and unethical man, reaping profits from others labors. He is painting a vastly different picture than the master’s own words depict him to be. Look the masters words in verses 21 and 23. The master here is kind and benevolent. You were faithful with little and I will reward you with much basically.
How did the Master respond to the unprofitable servant?
You wicked and lazy servant. Look at the question in verse 26. You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? He is calling into question not only his servants perception, but also his judgement. If I acted this way why didn’t you at least do this. He then cast the worthless servant into outer darkness.
What are we meant to take away from the parable?
We must be diligently working with what God has given us.
As this is the end of three parables in rapid succession, what do the three parables mean together?
The Parable of the Two Servants commends the virtue of expectantly watching for Christ’s return
The Parable of the Bridesmaids commends the virtue of patiently waiting for Christ’s return
The Parable of the Talents reminds us to keep diligently working while we are look for him.
We are to watch, wait and work.
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