Devotional Space for Grace | The Talents (Matt 25:14-30) | 12.15

[Jim]

December 15th THE PARABLES | The Talents (Matt 25:14-30) ​

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His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few [things]; I will put you [in charge] over many [things]. Enter into the joy of your master!'

Matthew 25:23, Lexham Expanded Bible ​

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Context: This parable was a part of the reply to the question found at Matthew 24:3. Unlike the parable of the minas, the talents were given “to each one according to his own ability.” (Luke 19:11-27) Some suggest that a silver talent was up to 20 years’ salary in those days, so five talents would be a fortune of 100 years – we are talking millions! Two of the slaves traded diligently and were rewarded accordingly. Out of fear the sluggish slave buried his talent.


Meaning: The traditional view of this parable asks, “what are your God given abilities, resources and opportunities that you can put to work for the kingdom?” This understanding sounds fine, as long as we avoid the ‘salvation-through-works’ narrative (Rom 4:1-5). Alternatively, some reason that as the word ‘talent’ here refers to a weight or sum of money it should not be misread to mean our natural talents, gifts or abilities but rather divine grace received from our Master. In which case, the parable is not about how hard you work for God, but whether you will demonstrate faithfulness in growing in the riches of grace given to you thus “reigning in life” (Rom 5:17).


Application: Those having a distorted view of the Lord as ‘hard and demanding’, will live in fear not grace (Isa 58:3; Luke 15:29). Those who know Jesus as mild-tempered and lowly, accept that he has entrusted them with the riches of his grace – his love, favour and forgiveness – which will flow through them to others also in need of unconditional love and forgiveness.

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Grace is given to ordinary people who do ordinary things extraordinarily well. ​

 

[Shelley]

Thanks again Jim for digging up deeper meaning in this parable. I used to dislike reading it when I thought I was "falling short" Now that I understand grace it doesent gives me the guilts like it used too

 

[Lori Jane]

Now that I understand grace it doesent gives me the guilts like it used to

Amen Shelly! Grace is beautiful!! Pay it forward!

 

[LeeB]

The talents are symbolic of GODS spirit in you. GOD invested HIS spirit in you and expects a return on HIS investment . The phrase ,”according to his own ability”, is understood in Matthew 25:29 and Luke 12:48 , for those who have been give a larger portion of the Holy Spirit of him much will be required. Apostles were give a larger portion of the Holy Spirit because it was needed for the Apostles to do what they did. Jesus had the entirety of GOD dwelling in him, GOD and Christ were one. Because of this the ultimate was asked of the Christ and he gave it. We all are given a measure of the spirit that is determined by GOD and some have more than others but as long as you do not bury what you have been given you are assured of a reward. The account in Luke is the same theme but actually reveal what the rewards are. They are rulership in the kingdom of GOD over cities on Earth. The reaction of the Master in both parables against the wicked servant is the same. These parables are designed by GOD ALMIGHTY to warn us and yes to make us feel guilty if we are falling short. In this case guilt in you leads to repentance and to realizing you have been performing inadequately. None of us want to hear Jesus say to us , depart from me I never knew you or why do you call me Lord when you do not what I say. Feeling guilty is a GOOD THING because you see your mistakes and can repent, remember Luke 13:3 As many as GOD loves HE rebukes and chastens so be of good cheer if you feel guilt because that means GOD loves you.
What, would you rather not be corrected and not feel guilt then you are of the world. GOD does not sugar coat things but very often gives us some bitter medicine. Consider what I have said.