August 29thParables; concluding thoughts
This week we conclude our series on the PARABLES WITH a look at Matthew 25.14-30, the so-called parable of the talents.
14 “[God’s Kingdom] is like a wealthy landowner, going on a journey, who called in three managers and entrusted some funds to them. 15To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to another one thousand, to each according to their ability. Then he went away.
16Immediately the manager who had received the five thousand went and invested it and made another five. 17In the same way, the manager who had received the two thousand doubled it. 18But the manager who had received the one thousand went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried the Master’s money.
19After a long absence the Master of those managers returned home and went through his accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five thousand came forward, bringing the additional five, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted me with five thousand; here are five thousand more.’ 21The landowner said, ‘Well done my good and trusty servant; you have proved trustworthy in a few small things; I will now trust you with something big. Come, share my joy..’
22And the one with the two thousand also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two thousand; here are two thousand more.’ 23The landowner said to him, ‘Well done my good and trusty servant; you have proved trustworthy in a few small things; I will now trust you with something big. Come, share my joy.’
24Finally the one who had received the one thousand stepped forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went off and buried your thousand dollars in the ground. Here it is; it was yours, you have it back.’
26But the landowner exclaimed, ‘You lazy rascal. You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
FOR REFLECTION:
Some scholars call this a ‘parable of grace.’ Others call it a ‘parable of judgment.’ What do you think?
What picture of the master emerges in this parable?
One commentator suggested this title for the parable” ‘Failure is breaking even.’ What title would you suggest for the parable?
Why do you think Jesus found it necessary to repeat his point so many times and in so many different ways?
What kind of responsibility do you feel toward God regarding the gifts you have been given?
‘Ride this train’