Parable of the Talents: Grace, Gifts & Lord's Judgment
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus shares the parable of the talents, illustrating the importance of stewardship in the Kingdom of God. A master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of talents based on their abilities before going on a journey. The first two servants invest their talents and double their returns, receiving praise from the master. In contrast, the third servant, who received one talent, hides it out of fear and is reprimanded for his laziness. This parable emphasizes that God expects us to use the gifts and responsibilities He has given us. Ernie highlights that each believer has received a measure of grace and gifts from God, which we are accountable for. He warns against making excuses or blaming others for our failures to act. The ultimate goal is to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," from the Lord. Ernie encourages believers to actively seek their roles within the body of Christ, using their gifts for the common good, and to be diligent and faithful in their service. The message is clear: we must take our responsibilities seriously and strive to please God with our actions.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.
- Stewardship and accountability in the Kingdom of God.
- Responses of the servants: investment vs. hiding talents.
- Importance of using God-given gifts and responsibilities.
- Warning against excuses and blame.
- Desire to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."
- Encouragement to find and fulfill roles in the body of Christ.
- Call to be diligent and faithful in service.
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, 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. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, 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. 24 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: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 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: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
