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. READINESS b. PROVEN ABILITIES/FAITHFULNESS 2. Both express reward and punishment: Romans 11:22. 3. Both declare the superiority of Christ!

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.

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.

The Ability Factors Matt. 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.

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

The Master’s Reckoning “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.” – Said to the first and second. These shared in two things: Elevated from FAITHFUL servant to RULER Entrance into the JOY OF THE LORD

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 – 14 Romans 11:22

There is NO REWARD for Inaction! 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!

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!

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