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14 "For it will be as when a man going on a journey 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 did not winnow; 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 sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? 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 every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.' (Matthew 25:14-30 Revised Standard Version Bible)
This passage is from Jesus' last teachings before His arrest and almost right before His Last Supper. Jesus is laying the foundation for what the Disciples needed to hear about this life and the next. Honestly, the teachings are assignments for them; work for them to do and for those believers who would hear these. Last week's Ten Virgins/Bridesmaids parable is about the work of "lighting the way" for others to get right with God, and today's is very similar.
Yesterday in my second sermon at First United Methodist Church in Bastrop, Texas, I mentioned that Nellie and I have noticed in several funerals we have attended or have been a part of, that the 21st verse of this passage is used in almost all of those funerals. Someone speaking, even the officiant, will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." I confessed that sometimes I want to lift the lid of the coffin to make sure we are at the right funeral. But I said,"To be fair, I wonder what the Lord will say about me? I want to hear Jesus say that I have stayed connected with Him and I have beenf faithful and fruitful!" I said we are being falsely lulled by the repetition of this phrase, and peope will start to believe nothing is required in discipleship or service. The parable of the ten bridesmaids is about doing what was asked of them, to light the way; in the same way, we are to light the way with the faith in our lives blessing others.
This parable is oft-misunderstood and often-misquoted. This parable is one instructing believers to stay busy and fruitful with what God has shared with you as your gifts and graces. The word talent originally referred to a unit of weight and later became a unit of currency. The word "talent" is derived from the Greek term "talanton". In the New Testament, especially in the parable found in Matthew 25:14-30, a talent was a large sum of money.
In the modern context, a "talent" in this devotional can be compared to various God-given resources, abilities, or opportunities that individuals possess. These could include: Financial Resources: The parable's use of "talents" can be likened to the financial resources or wealth that individuals have. It encourages believers to responsibly manage and invest their financial blessings for the advancement of God's kingdom. Secondly, it could represent Skills and Abilities: Talents can also represent the unique skills and abilities that individuals possess. This could include intellectual abilities, creativity, leadership skills, or any other capabilities that can be utilized for God's purposes. The third way could be Time and Energy: Another interpretation could be the time and energy individuals have at their disposal. How we use our time and invest our energy in activities that align with God's will is a crucial aspect of faithful stewardship. The fourth way could be Influence and Relationships: Talents might extend to the sphere of influence and relationships that individuals have. God expects us to use our influence positively, impacting the lives of others for His glory. And lastly, as Spiritual Gifts: In a more explicitly spiritual sense, talents could refer to the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit. These gifts, such as teaching, serving, or leadership, are meant to be employed in building up the body of Christ.
If we see Jesus using talents in these modern terms, we can hear Jesus encvouraging you and me to reflect on how we are utilizing our unique resources, skills, time, influence, and spiritual gifts to further God's kingdom on earth. The examples Jesus used in the different servants should motivate us to be as faithful and as fruitful as the first and second servant; The paralysis of the third servant also says to us to not follow his example of fear and worry. Do what you need with what you have!
PRAYER: Loving God, grant to us the courage and wisdom to be faithful stewards of the gifts and opportunities You've entrusted to us. Help us overcome fear and inactivity, that we may invest in Your kingdom and hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Overcome fear and get busy for the Lord!
Receive my blessings of hope and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
