Bible Study The Parables: part 1.

[Blazin Bones]

This parable has been speaking to me alot lately.

The Parable of the talents. Matt 25:14-30 reads:

MT 25:14 "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.
MT 25:15 "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
MT 25:16 "Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
MT 25:17 "And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
MT 25:18 "But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.
MT 25:19 "After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
MT 25:20 "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.'
MT 25:21 "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
MT 25:22 "He 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.'
MT 25:23 "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
MT 25:24 "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
MT 25:25 'And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'
MT 25:26 "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
MT 25:27 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
MT 25:28 'Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
MT 25:29 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
MT 25:30 'And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Thoughts? 8-)

 

[Restin]

The Parable of the Talents

The Parable of the talents. .......

MT 25:24 "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, ......

One sees the Lord as a 'hard man' -- as judge ready to take vengence.

Another sees the Lord as 'Father', the one who gave the talent/s to start with.

I think it rather interesting that I see myself in all three of these servants.

When I feel great, I am like the one given 5 talents, working for 5 more.
When I feel 'OK' I am more like the one with 2 talents, holding in for 2 more.
When I feel 'depressed', I am more like the one with the one talent.
.......Trying to preserve what I have, I blame God for what I don't have!

Peace & Blessings

 

[Vice]

Funny you should mention it, Brutus; this parable has been on my mind lately as well.

I know we often think of individuals with specific skills and talents when we hear about this parable, but I've been thinking about this parable in terms of different types of churches as opposed to individuals with talents.

First, I find it interesting that the master entrusts his servants with a gift that has the capacity to multiply when invested. The Gospel, perhaps? In any case, God demands a return for what has been entrusted to his servants.

With regard to congregations, I think there are congregations that "aggressively invest" the Gospel. They are the ones doing all kinds of creative outreach to unbelievers. As a result, they multiply and grow as they reap more souls for Christ. These are the servants with five talents who make five more.

I also think there are congregations that "mildly invest" the Gospel. That is, they have a few outreach programs for the lost--possibly due to having fewer people and less money. As a result, they grow moderately. These are the servants who're given two talents and gain two more.

Then there are congregations that don't "invest" the Gospel. That is, they're only interested in maintenance and keeping the members happy. They've lost sight of the vision and purpose of the church. When someone attempts to instill them with vision and/or change, they whine and complain. This type of congregation is the servant who has been given one talent, but buries it in the ground.

Could this also be a progression--or digression--in the life of a typical congregation....from five talents to two talents to one talent? I don't know.

God's word is rich with meaning.

 

[stovebolts]

Since it's a parable, it can take on many meanings.
My think on it is simply this, and it can be applied in many different areas.
We have all been given something of value and God wants us to use it for his purpose. When we invest what has been intrusted to us, we are blessed because we are being good stewarts.
God is not happy when we take what he has trusted us with and hide it.
One of many views could go like this.
God gave us his Son Jesus so that we one day can have fellowship with God. We are intrusted with His word (Son) to share with others (lost or otherwise). By sharing (investing) his word (Jesus), we can bring people closer to God for fellowship. By doing God's will (purpose), we can glorify Him by increasing His kingdom!
This is a great parable. It speaks in so many different ways and has so many applications!