Matthew 25:14-15
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This parable isn't just about what we do with our gifts, but about the master's deliberate choice to entrust his property only to his own servants. It highlights that our abilities and resources are not only gifts from God, but they are specifically given to those He claims as His, signifying a deep personal relationship and responsibility.
Jesus is continuing his discourse about the end times and is about to explain how he will ultimately judge his followers. This parable, also known as the Parable of the Talents, sets the stage by introducing a master entrusting his possessions to his servants before embarking on a journey. It highlights the importance of responsible stewardship of the gifts and resources entrusted to us by God.
Imagine your boss leaving for a long trip and entrusting you with everything. What would that feel like? This parable starts with a profound act of trust.
Jesus begins this parable by painting a picture of a master leaving his home. He doesn't just leave; he calls his own servants and entrusts them with his property. This isn't a casual handover; it's a deliberate delegation of responsibility.
A Deliberate Appointment
This highlights a key aspect of God's relationship with us. He has given us gifts, abilities, and resources – not for us to hoard, but to steward for His purposes. We are His 'own servants,' entrusted with what belongs to Him.
When we hear 'his goods,' we might think only of money. But the early commentators saw a much broader picture of what this master entrusted.
The 'goods' the master entrusts are far more than just material wealth. Commentators highlight that this represents a wide array of gifts and responsibilities God gives to His followers:
A Rich Inheritance
Understand the original words
doulos · Greek Noun
A person bound to service for another, often implying total devotion, obedience, and stewardship of the master's affairs. In biblical contexts, it describes the relationship between humanity and God, emphasizing service and accountability.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To deliver something into the care or protection of another; to commit or entrust. It implies a high degree of confidence and the expectation of faithful stewardship.
hyparchonta · Greek Noun
Possessions, goods, or wealth belonging to an owner. In a theological sense, it often refers to the gifts, resources, or spiritual responsibilities that God places under the care of believers.
talanton · Greek Noun
This parable, spoken as Jesus was nearing Jerusalem and his crucifixion, highlights that his followers would be entrusted with his 'property' – spiritual gifts and responsibilities – during his absence, and would be held accountable upon his return.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus concludes his earthly ministry, teaching and entrusting his followers with his message and mission before ascending to heaven.
c. 30 - 60s AD
Early Church Growth and Ministry
The apostles and early believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spread the gospel and minister to communities, utilizing the spiritual and practical gifts entrusted to them.
c. 60s AD
Jesus' Predicted Return
Jesus, now in a 'far country' (heaven), is expected to return to hold his servants accountable for how they have used the 'property' (talents, gifts) he entrusted to them.
This passage shows Joseph being entrusted with the oversight of his master's household and possessions, mirroring the servants in Jesus' parable being given stewardship over their master's goods.
Luke 19:12-27This parable, often called the Parable of the Pounds, shares the core theme of a master entrusting resources to servants before a journey and holding them accountable upon return, though with some distinct differences in details and emphasis.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2Paul speaks of believers as stewards of God's mysteries, emphasizing that faithfulness and stewardship are the primary qualifications for servants, aligning with the parable's focus on how the entrusted goods are managed.
Colossians 3:23-24This passage instructs believers to do all their work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, understanding that their true reward comes from the Lord, which echoes the servants' ultimate accountability to their master.
1 Peter 4:10Peter exhorts believers to use their spiritual gifts for the good of others, stating that each has received a gift and should serve with it, directly relating to the concept of entrusted 'goods' or talents being meant for use and development.
bensonMatthew 25:14: "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods."
Matthew 25:14-15 . For, &c. — To show us more clearly the nature and duty of Christian watchfulness, to which he exhorts us in the preceding verse, our Saviour immediately subjoins another parable, wherein he represents to us the different characters of a faithful and slothful servant, and the difference of their future acceptation. Like the forme…
calvinMatthew 25:14-30: "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods."
- For as a certain man, setting out on a journey, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. 15. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one; to every one according to his own ability; and immediately set out. 16. And he who had received five talents went away and traded with them, and amassed other five…
This parable isn't just about what we do with our gifts, but about the master's deliberate choice to entrust his property only to his own servants. It highlights that our abilities and resources are not only gifts from God, but they are specifically given to those He claims as His, signifying a deep personal relationship and responsibility.
Jesus is continuing his discourse about the end times and is about to explain how he will ultimately judge his followers. This parable, also known as the Parable of the Talents, sets the stage by introducing a master entrusting his possessions to his servants before embarking on a journey. It highlights the importance of responsible stewardship of the gifts and resources entrusted to us by God.
Jesus is continuing his discourse about the end times and is about to explain how he will ultimately judge his followers. This parable, also known as the Parable of the Talents, sets the stage by introducing a master entrusting his possessions to his servants before embarking on a journey. It highlights the importance of responsible stewardship of the gifts and resources entrusted to us by God.
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Jesus distributes these 'goods' not equally, but 'to every man according to his several ability.' This means we each receive what we can manage and are equipped to use. The parable underscores that whatever is given, it's meant to be put to use, not hidden away.
A unit of weight used for precious metals, often representing a significant sum of money or a large measure of value. In biblical parables, it symbolizes the diverse gifts, resources, or opportunities God grants to individuals for service in His kingdom.
dynamis · Greek Noun
Natural capacity, power, or suitability to do something. Biblically, it refers to the diverse natural and spiritual endowments that God distributes to individuals, which serve as the basis for their stewardship.
"“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away." — This parable isn't just about what we do with our gifts, but about the master's deliberate choice to entrust his property only to his own servants. It highlights that our abilities and resources…
