The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25: 14 - 30

The purpose of the parable:1. Both the parable of the ten virgins

and the parable of the talents are illustrative of the Lord’s judgment.

a. READINESSb. PROVEN

ABILITIES/FAITHFULNESS2. Both express reward and

punishment: Romans 11:22.3. Both declare the superiority of

Christ!

2

What the Parable Does NOT Teach

It does NOT speak about different “natural or acquired skills.” (25:15)

It does NOT demand “doubling” that which is entrusted to us; unless that IS within our ability.

It does NOT teach “group responsibility.”

It does NOT teach “inability.” It does NOT teach “good enough”

service.

3

What the Parable Does Teach Talents = money; denarius or

denarii Each received a number of coins

based on the ability the Master saw within each servant. (25:15)

Each was entrusted with his Master’s good: no servant owned the substance given to him for righteous care and keeping.

4

The Ability FactorsMatt. 25:15

The first had the ABILITY TO RESPONSIBLY ACCEPT AND WISELY USE five coins.

The second had the ABILITY TO RESPONSIBLY ACCEPT AND WISELY USE two coins.

The third had the ABILITY TO RESPONSIBLY ACCEPT AND WISELY USE one coin.

Remember the MASTER knew their several ability.

5

The Proof of Responsible, Wise Use of What the MASTER Entrusted to Them

The first WORKED … and gained five more! The second WORKED … and gained two

more!

100% Increase!!!

The third WORKED (dug and hid), but for the wrong reason! He gained nothing!

100% Loss!!!

Remember … NONE OF THESE SERVANTS OWNED THE MONEY ENTRUSTED TO THEM!

6

The Master’s Reckoning

““Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lordof thy lord.” – Said to the first and second. These shared in two things:

Elevated from FAITHFUL servant to RULER

Entrance into the JOY OF THE LORD

7

The Master’s Reckoning

“Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.”

He KNEW the severity of his Master!2 Cor. 5:11

His fear was terror rather than respect!Eccl. 12: 13 – 14Romans 11:22

8

The Master’s Wrath “ “His lord answered and said unto

him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.”

Compare James 4:17

There is NO REWARD for Inaction!

9

Two Actions of Discipline

The loss of what was entrusted to the servants care. What the servant did NOT have was

RESPECT for that which his master entrusted to his care!

Now, this slothful servant has NOTHING!

This servant is UNPROFITABLE! He gained NOTHING for his Master. Therefore, he is entitled to NOTHING

of value: outer darkness, weeping, gnashing of teeth = PUNISHMENT!

10

JUST REWARD FOR JUST SERVICE

What type of ABILITIES do we have? Are we RESPONSIBLE with those

abilities? Which one soul is UNABLE to obey

our Lord’s commandment regarding salvation of our souls?

Which one soul is UNABLE to gain the Master some profit for what is His?

Remember the remaining of Matthew 25:31 - 46