Parable of the Talents: Christian Student Action 2001
Biblical References:
Matthew 25: 14 - 30
Luke 19: 11 - 27
Meaning and purpose of the parable:
To show us the importance of good stewardship [Which means looking after someone else's property], and using what God has given us to serve him and extend his kingdom.
We're blessed so that we can bless others.
The 'master' symbolises Christ and the 'servants' represent Christians.
It's not what you start off with that matters (or what you end up with, in quantifiable terms). The master was just as pleased with the one who made 2 talents as the one who made 5. God wants us to do the best we can with what we have.
"The return expected was in proportion to the sum entrusted" (IVP New Bible Commentary, P. 938).
The importance is using what we have to serve God. (See passage about not lighting a lamp and keeping it under a bowl - Mark 4:21).
The 3rd servant was disobedient because he didn't 'put the money to work' as commanded (Luke 19: 13). The money was given with the intention of being used. The bad servant makes excuses for not using his talent and displays a rebellious attitude - "I know you are a hard man..."
His attitude is not one of faithful servanthood, but one of slavish fear, stemming from a false impression of the master.
There will be situations where it's the other way round and the person with 1 talent uses it wisely and the person with 5 talents wastes them.
Not like reverse Robin Hood - God taking from the poor and giving to the rich! God gives abundantly to those who wish to glorify him. Unlimited supply of grace available - the more we want to serve him, the more opportunities and power there will be to enable us to do so.
