Parables [Matthew25] - wk2

"Parable of the Talents"

Matthew 25:14-30

Bryan Jones

This Sunday we will continue our sermon series from Matthew 25 with a look at the “Parable of the Talents.”  A parable is defined as “a short and simple story that teaches a religious or moral lesson.”  Jesus often used parables to help His listeners grasp difficult truths.  So what is the truth that Jesus is communicating in this parable?
 
“Talent” in this passage refers to money, but it can also refer to our skills, and even our opportunities.  Jesus tells us that a man entrusted various amounts of his wealth to three servants, and each received an amount proportionate to his ability – one received 5 talents, one received 2, and the third received 1 talent. 
 
Now if you’re like me, you immediately think that the five-talent person must be more valued and successful than the one-talent person.   Our society today bases success on what you achieve and on what you acquire.  But Jesus teaches that success is not found in what you get done, but in who you become.   God cares more about your faithfulness than your success.