The Parable of the Talents
Matthew 25:14-30
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.…


I. The parable assumes that all who call Christ "Lord and Master," will find some work to do for Him, and even some distinctively spiritual work. We have all some "goods" of Christ's entrusted to us, and some capacity for using them. However inequitably this world's goods may be divided, in the spiritual realm every man may take and do as much as he can. Who is to hinder us from being as self-denying, as lowly in spirit as we care to be? Our ability is the only measure and limit of our duty as well as of our right.

II. That the term of service is to be followed by a day of judgment, in which every man's work will be tried, and either approved or condemned.

III. The reward of faithful service will be enlarged capacity and scope for service. The Christian reward is above suspicion; it is the power to do more work. It is a reward after which all must yearn.

IV. The spirit and character of our service will depend on our conception of the Divine character and spirit.

V. That those who have but slender capacities for service may turn them to the best account by associating themselves with others, and helping in a common work. Help to work in some organization.

VI. That the rewards are not arbitrary, but reasonable and meritable.

(S. Cox, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: 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.

WEB: "For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them.




The Master's Approval of the Faithful Servant
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