1. A Lesson on Stewardship
Matthew 25:14-30

2. Stewardship is a fairly common theme of Scripture
It has application in many different contexts
It has application to different people at different times too
The Olivet Discourse has a particular people and time in view
Jesus is addressing Jews about a Jewish issue

3. Jesus is answering a question related to judgment
When will these things be? (Mt 24:3)
The context and focus of this text is on Israel, not the church
Jesus is talking to Jews about His coming again to establish His kingdom
The rapture and 2nd coming are distinct events separated by 7 years of tribulation

4. The parable of the fig tree…
…was given to teach the Jewish tribulation saints to be watching and prepared
The parables of Mt 25 expand on the application regarding the proper response of a faithful and wise servant

5. The identification of the servant imagery here is important
The OT has a different use of the term servant than the NT
This is especially evident in the book of Isaiah
A servant in the OT may or may not be a believer
These servants are given tremendous privileges and responsibilities

6. It is helpful to refresh our thinking on how to interpret parables
Parables are not used to interpret other parables unless the context links them
The kingdom parables are all about Israel and instructions about the kingdom
Not every element within a parable has significant meaning for the interpretation
Jesus usually gives the specific principle which the story is designed to illustrate

7. I. Stewardship involves the intentional distribution of something
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.” (Mt 25:14–15, NKJV)

8. A. There is a personal initiation of responsibility
This parable is linked with the previous
The man traveling can be identified with the Messiah
The master has authority to distribute according to His will
The master also takes capability into account

9. B. There is a personal acceptance of responsibility
A steward needs to recognize his place as a steward
A steward’s responsibility is proportionate to his capability
-This is determined by the master
-This should be recognized by the steward
These stewards had great responsibility

10. II. Stewardship involves the intentional investment of something
“Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.” (Matthew 25:16–18, NKJV)

11. A. These stewards all had a great opportunity
They had great resources to invest
They had time and opportunity to invest wisely

12. B. These stewards all had the same context
They had the same master
They had the same amount of time
They had the same economic environment
“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2, NKJV)

13. C. These stewards all had their own personal responses
Two of them responded positively and expeditiously
One of them responded selfishly and foolishly

14. III. Stewardship involves calculated accountability for something
“After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” (Matthew 25:19–21, NKJV)

15. Matthew 25:22-23
“He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” (NKJV)

16. A. Faithful performance will yield a positive evaluation
Evaluation from the master is inevitable
This evaluation is based on personal faithfulness
The commendation included reward for faithfulness

17. Matthew 25:24-25
“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’” (NKJV)

18. Matthew 25:26-27
“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.” (NKJV)

19. Matthew 25:28-30
“So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘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. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” (NKJV)

20. B. Faithless performance will yield a negative evaluation
The faithless servant directed blame on the master
The faithless servant acknowledged his own failure
The faithless servant received a scathing rebuke