Matthew 25:14–30 contains the parable of the talents, a story about stewardship and responsibility. In the parable of the talents, each servant is given a different amount to manage, reflecting diverse gifts and opportunities.
Jesus doesn’t ask for equal results—He asks for faithful action. Those who understand the parable of the talents know it’s about making the most of what you’ve been given.
Matthew 25:14–30 (NASB 2020)
14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16 The one who had received the five talents immediately went and did business with them, and earned five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had received the two talents earned two more. 18 But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me; see, I have earned five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’ 22 Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me; see, I have earned two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’ 24 Now the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed. 25 And I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you still have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave, did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed? 27 Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 Therefore: take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ 29 For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- His disciples, calling them to have diligent faithfulness in His absence
- Future church leaders and believers, urging them to use their God-given gifts in light of the parable of the talents
- Us today, emphasizing personal responsibility before Christ’s return
What Happened?
- A master entrusts his wealth to three servants
- Two multiply their portion and are praised
- One hides his and is condemned for laziness
- The faithful are rewarded, the fearful are cast out
The Mood: Serious, Evaluative, Hopeful
- Jesus is preparing His followers for accountability
- The parable is both a warning and an encouragement
- It reflects the justice and generosity of God
The Principle: Faithfulness Is the Metric of the Kingdom
- God doesn’t expect equal outcomes—just faithful effort
- Fear is not an excuse for inaction
- Everything we have is a trust we steward, not buried, as illustrated in the parable of the talents
Audience Response (Then)
- The disciples would have considered their own assignments
- The warning would’ve challenged the passive mindset of many
- The praise for the faithful would have inspired hope and readiness
What This Means for Us in 2025
- We each have different talents, time, and opportunities
- Jesus expects a return on His investment in us
- Don’t let fear keep you from moving forward
- When He returns, will He find you profitable or passive?
Action Steps for Today
- Identify your God-given gifts and opportunities
- Actively grow and multiply them
- Stop waiting for perfect conditions
- Trust God with the outcome
- Live today like He’ll return tomorrow
Final Prayer
Lord, thank You for trusting me with talents, time, and influence. Help me to use what You’ve given—not hide it in fear. Teach me to live with courage, faithfulness, and purpose. When You return, may I hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Don’t bury what God has given you. Multiply it in faith.
