In The Parable of the Talents, Jesus taught us to be faithful to steward whatever God has entrusted to us. It’s not about what you have but what you do with what you’ve been given.
Matthew 25:14-30
Context
- Jesus was sharing the final parables with His disciples before His death.
- After being warned to prepare for Christ’s return (25:1-13), He urged them not to become passive while waiting.
- Jesus was weeks away from entrusting the Great Commission into hands that seemed incapable.
Content
- When Jesus spoke of a talent, He referred to a sizeable amount of money, not a unique type of ability.
- The owner entrusted different amounts of money to each steward based upon His discretion.
- The first two stewards eagerly multiplied the investment and thereby received more opportunities and joyful approval.
- The lazy steward blamed his unproductivity on the owner, thereby losing his boss’s confidence and investment.
Concept
- God gives every person time, resources, and skills, but each of us has differing amounts.
- You aren’t responsible for what God gives you but for what you do with it.
- Faithful stewardship leads to greater privileges; poor stewardship leads to lesser opportunities.
- God celebrates those who take the initiative to do the most with the opportunities He provides.
- You can protect yourself from loss so much that you never really gain anything.
The greatest reward for being faithful in Christ’s work is the opportunity to do more of it.
If Jesus asked for your midyear report on His investments in your life, how would He most likely respond?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
