Matthew 25:14-30
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 25:14–30). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Seems like an interesting text for the season of Lent. But this was one of the last teachings Jesus gives to his disciples before he goes to die. As he prepares his disciples for Holy Week he reminds them of the coming of their Master. He reminds the disciples of Judgment Day. So during this season of Lent how have you used the talents God has given you.
I find this text fascinating in the English, because you have this play on words between Talent meaning skill and Talent meaning a coin (the common persons yearly wages). So you could ask what have you done with your skills this Lent. Or you could ask what have you done with your money this lent? Spent more money on Fish Sandwiches? Have you doubled it or preserved the treasure in which your master has given you.
Most of us are lucky to maintain or hold on to the treasure our Master has given us. Some us slip into unbelief and sin. Others study diligently just to maintain their skill set or understanding of Scripture.
God has entrust each of us with a great treasure. He has given each of us Faith in His Son our Lord in whom we have the forgiveness of sins. Jesus Christ was cast out of the city as a wicked and slothful servant. He found himself among people gnashing their teeth at him and spitting in his face. He does this to give us his treasure, his inheritance, and everlasting life. Look God has given you a treasure and even though he may be going to his death he will return. How will you be found by your Lord and Master?
No comments:
Post a Comment