We often mix up the word talent in the currency sense with our modern English word talent meaning gifts, and its important to understand the money context of what Jesus was saying. Verse 15. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. He is evil in the sense that he is useless, or unprofitable. Notice how this same word279 is used in Matthew 7: In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad [literally rotten] tree bears bad fruit (Matthew 7:17, emphasis mine). Matthew 25:14-30 : The Parable of the Talents. I am suggesting that we have come to view retirement as that time in life when we can greatly reduce or terminate our giving, and when we can cease our service. He has granted the time and the resources for men to make a profit for the kingdom of heaven, until He returns. a certain weight or 'talent'. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unforgiving / Unmerciful Servant? But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. The third slave is an entirely different matter. Here, (P)you have what is yours. 26But his master answered him, You (Q)wicked and (R)slothful servant! For this story about a master and his servants, understanding the culture of Jesus' original audience is necessary to comprehend His message. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! The one who gets the biggest return on investment gets the big promotion. wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. What the Bible says about Parable of the Minas or Pounds (4) The expression which begins verse 14 (Greek, w[sper ga.r) is employed 11 times elsewhere in the New Testament (Matthew 12:40; 24:27, 37; 25:14; Luke 17:24; John 5:21, 26; Romans 5:19; 6:19; 11:30; 1 Corinthians 11:12; 15:22; James 2:26). It is the continuation of fruitful, profitable labor. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his . Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. However, Jesus claimed kingship in a way that confused many people, and the way his kingdom operates often offends our sense of propriety. Matthew 25:14-30 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Beyond this, His return would come at a time when it was not expected (Matthew 24:44). Enter into (G)the joy of your lord. 22He also who had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them. 23His lord said to him, (H)Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. The Parable of the Talents The Chara Project One must surely conclude that this parable is not just an interesting story, but a message of eternal significance. A parable is a type of story Jesus would tell so we would learn something from it. Pertaining to self, i.e. 12 And if you havent been trustworthy with someone elses property, who will give you your own? (Luke 16:10-12).