Our life in Christ is meant to be active and fruitful, not passive or without increase. Here’s what that means for you: Assess what you have and do something with it! Put talents to good use. If all you have is time, pray for someone. Whatever you’ve been given will yield an increase that magnifies God—but this requires thought and action. It’s a responsibility and, like all responsibilities, can be both exhilarating and daunting.
Illustration by Jeff Gregory
BACKGROUND
Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus told several parables to teach us what we should do and how we should live in the time between His departure and second coming.
READ
Matthew 25:14-30
REFLECT
Jesus calibrates our gifts according to our capacity.
Verse 14 says that the master distributed his “possessions.” The Greek word is huparchó, whose literal meaning is closer to “beginnings” or “existence”; we can understand it here as “resources.” Name a few things this might include besides money. What has God given you “to begin with”—perhaps cleverness, creativity, a skill, or a personality trait? Discuss the significance of receiving what’s needed “to begin.”
The measurement for the master’s distributions (v. 15) is a talanton. It was a unit of weight, not money, though it often indicated a measure of silver or gold and would have been an enormous amount in the first century. What do you think Jesus wanted His listeners to understand about His provisions? How does this affect your view of both His generosity toward you and His expectations, even for the slave who received only one talent?
Jesus doesn’t give everyone identical gifts or hold us all to the same standard. He understands our individuality and plans for us according to our “own ability” (v. 15). How does this free you from comparing your calling to someone else’s?
The master gave no detailed instructions, yet the first two servants took action “immediately” and doubled their gifts (v. 16). What does this say about risk, courage, and initiative in God’s kingdom? What role do you think trust played in their success?
CONTINUING THE STORY
God celebrates our faithful and wise efforts.
Both faithful servants received identical praise. What does the master’s response tell you about what he values (vv. 21, 23)? What do you think Jesus is looking for from you?
Faithful action leads to experiencing God’s pleasure in our fruitful labor. But verse 19 also tells us to expect a long delay between our work and our ultimate reward. How does the reward for the first two servants inspire you to continue investing your abilities on the Lord’s behalf?
If we see God as a harsh taskmaster rather than a generous and encouraging father, we may retreat into self-protection and paralysis. The third servant tried to excuse his inaction, but the truth is that he allowed fear to overpower faith, resulting in poor judgment (vv. 24-25). Stewardship requires action, not negligence. How does your view of God’s character need to shift for you to engage more boldly with what He’s entrusted to you?
REFLECT
God expects His kingdom to grow through our work.
You have an important role to play in Christ’s kingdom. He has given you something valuable to work with; it’s up to you to find it and use it well, for His glory. His confidence in you is not misplaced, and He looks forward to rejoicing together at your success.
