Matthew 25:14-30
Chapter 25
Parable of the Talents
He gave five talents of silver to one servant, two talents to another, and one talent to a third, each according to his ability; then he went away.
The servant who received five talents immediately went to invest them and earned another five.
The person who received two talents did the same and earned another two.
But the one who received one talent dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
After a long while, the master of those servants returned and demanded an account.
The one who received five talents came forward with another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you entrusted me with five talents, and see, I have gained five more.’
The master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your master’s joy.’
Then the one who had received two talents approached and said, ‘Lord, you entrusted me with two talents; with them, I have gained two more.’
The master said, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful with little, I will entrust you with more. Come and share the joy of your master.’
Finally, the one who had received one talent came and said, ‘Master, I know that you are a hard man. You reap what you have not sown and gather what you have not scattered.
I was scared, so I hid your money in the ground. Here, take what’s yours!
But his master replied, ‘Wicked and worthless servant, you know that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered.
You should have deposited my money in the bank and given it back to me with interest when I returned.
Therefore, take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten.
For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who are unproductive, even what they have will be taken from them.
As for that useless servant, cast him out into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Commentaries
Parable of the Talents.
This parable also emphasizes the need for diligence and faithfulness as God’s judgment unfolds. From the context, it is clear that the central point of tension in the parable is in the scene of accountability, especially regarding the overly cautious servant’s behavior. Jesus condemns the inconsistency of those who hear the message of the kingdom and then retreat into empty security. The church community must remain alert to prevent complacency and routine.