The Parable Of The Talents: Meaning And Application

The Parable of the Talents is one of Jesus‘ most well-known parables. It tells the story of a master who entrusts his servants with talents, or coins, before going on a journey. When he returns, he asks them to account for what they have done with their talents. The servant who has doubled his talent is praised, while the servant who buried his talent is condemned. This parable has great meaning and application for our lives today.

The Parable Of The Talents

14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Matthew 25:14-30

To take risks, STEWARDS are required.

It was interesting to see how angry the master got at the steward, who took no risk. The two other stewards were equally upset. They took chances and reaped the rewards. 

Why the parable did not include a steward who lost some investment is a mystery. However, we can be led to believe that the main frustration of the master was the fact that the steward wasn’t trying hard enough and was lazy. He was called a “wicked and lazy slave” by his master.

I believe he was more frustrated by his laziness than his inability to produce. The steward did not deposit the talents into the bank to gain interest. According to the passage, each one was given by their master according to his ability. 

We can conclude that the master gave each steward according to their ability. He would have understood that earning little interest at the bank is better for him than burying it if he had some knowledge about managing money. 

This is similar to having a Vet look after your dog while you are away. Everyone knows dogs should be fed at least once daily, but vets are the best. It is their job – what they are good at and have been entrusted with. 

The master was furious at the steward’s laziness and fear that prevented him from performing the tasks he was supposed to, as well as the fact that he didn’t even put the talent in the bank. 

This is a parable about money. However, it can be applied to the talents and gifts God has given us. I will not refuse to use a gift or skill God has given me. If I am fearful or lazy, I might act the same way as the steward with only one talent.

…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Luke 12.48

Compare Yourself With Others

The master of the parable did not give each steward the same amount. All of them started with different amounts. This is not surprising, given the game of life we all play. Some people start with much, while others begin with very little. We are judged on how we use what we have, not what we end up with. This is the best thing about it. Our success is not dependent on what others think of us. God knows exactly what He gave us and will watch what we do with it. It doesn’t matter if others think you are successful or not. God’s definitions of success are often very different from man’s. They were each given by the master “according to what they could do.” He also knew details about their faithfulness and the likelihood of being faithful. Increase their talent. He was a wise delegate.

Our Money Does Not Come From Us

We Enter Into The World With Zero And Go Home With Zero.

A few years back, one of the most important lessons I learned about money that changed my outlook on it was that none is mine. It is all God’s. It is my privilege and honor to have the opportunity to Be a steward for what He has given you. This changed how I looked at my money and allowed me to focus more on pleasing God with the money He gave me. We can’t take it even if we live without paying attention to our stewardship. It’s worth trying to improve the lives of others and stocking up. Treasure in heaven Instead of going down here

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Parable of the Talents is a powerful story with a deep meaning. It teaches us that we should always be prepared and use our God-given talents and resources to the best of our abilities. We should never be afraid to step out of our comfort zones and take risks. This parable also reminds us that it is never too late to start using our talents. So let us all remember the lessons from this parable and apply them in our lives.