September 1

Text: Matthew 25:14, 15

"For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves, and entrusted his possessions to them.  And 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.”  (NASB)

Jesus continued to use parables to teach the importance of preparedness in achieving readiness for the return of the Son of Man (the end of time and the judgment).  In the first parable Jesus stressed the foolishness of neglecting responsibility (the last of Matthew 24).  In the second he stressed the importance of preparing for the unexpected.  In this parable Jesus stressed promptness coupled with motivation.  Thoughtfully investing those huge sums profitably would not have been quick or simple.

The wealthy owner had 8 talents!  He wanted his money to make money in his absence.  Because he would be “out of contact,” he urgently needed to find trustworthy slaves who would act in his best interest.

Remember that life in that age was VERY different from life today.  There were NO cell phones, land lines of any kind, iPods, on-line banking, stock markets, etc.  When a person had to be gone, that person was truly “out of touch.”  If someone did not act in his best interest, his business involvements stopped until he returned and could be “hands on” his business affairs.

Things you should note are these:

1. Each servant was entrusted with an enormous amount of money—few slaves would ever have control of such sums of cash.

2. Dishonesty (untrustworthiness) was not a problem.

3. The owner trusted all three—the problem occurred because of one slave’s attitude.

4. The owner’s basic consideration of the amount he gave each slave to manage was determined BY THE SLAVE’S ABILITY.

5. The owner was confident enough in what he did to go on his trip.

This was a responsibility that would produce enormous opportunity.  It was not an undue burden.

Suggestion for reflection: Should Jesus trust you with his purposes?  Why?  (Read Philippians 1:12-26.)