14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16 Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17 In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18 But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.”
Our story today conveys a clear message in light of what Jesus had been teaching so far in His “Olivet Discourse,” as this monologue has been called. Remember, He is just a few days away from being betrayed by Judas and turned over to the authorities for crucifixion (see Matthew 26:2). Preparing His disciples for His departure and ultimate return is foremost in His teaching.
We find it interesting that Jesus talked frequently about money. He is recorded to have referenced various kinds of money (denarii, talents, etc.) at least 39 times in the gospel writings. This common commodity consumed much of the focus in the culture of that day just as it does today—so it was a frequent point of connection Jesus took advantage of in His teachings.
A talent was equivalent to 15 years’ wages for a common worker, a considerable sum of money. Obviously, the master trusted all three servants in the story. He gave the amounts of five, two and one talent(s), measuring them out according to each one’s ability. We might assume that the one given five talents had previously demonstrated ability to responsibly handle larger sums of money for his master. The servant given one talent may have been new to this kind of responsibility, and therefore given a smaller sum to begin with.
As the story unfolds, the first two servants sprang into action, putting their master’s funds to work immediately, an ongoing endeavor, while the master was away. They labored hard at increasing their master’s investment and in time both doubled their money. The third servant went away and buried the master’s money and did nothing more with it.
While Jesus did not explicitly interpret the parable for His disciples, the message is obvious: God is the master, we are the servants. He entrusts us with His resources. What we have of value belongs to Him. This would include our lives, our money, our time, our relationships – everything. For the time being, we have sole freedom to do with these things as we like. But, we need to remember they are His, not ours!
Lord, help me to remember that everything that I am and have belongs to You. I want to multiply Your possessions faithfully.
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