Matthew 25:14-30
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Reflection
Jesus has been emphasizing the importance of being ready and watchful for his second coming. In Matthew 25:14–46 he begins to clarify what this readiness looks like for his disciples. The parable of the talents demonstrates that Christians should not live in fear of Jesus’ return (v. 25). Instead, they are to make the most of the opportunities and resources God has given them (vv. 16–17, 20–23, 27; see also Eph. 5:15–17; Col. 4:5). This is a call, not to perform impressive actions for God, but to live in humble and faithful obedience to the assignments he has placed upon each of our lives (Matt. 25:21, 23).
1 Corinthians 7:17-24
17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
Reflection
The work of Christ fundamentally changes our identity and our priorities. The most significant thing about Christians is not our marital status, cultural background, psychological state, or economic activity (1 Cor. 7:17, 29–30).
Not even social conditions as extreme as slavery or freedom determine our true identity (vv. 21–22). What is most important is that we belong to Christ: “You were bought with a price” (v. 23; cf. 6:20). When we become Christians, God does not ask us to withdraw from the activities and responsibilities of everyday life. Rather, he gives them a new purpose. We can now see our relationships and social situations as contexts that God has entered into with us (7:24), so that our lives can be used to reveal Christ to others.
Psalm 130:5-6
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
Christians should be eager for the return of Christ, making ourselves ready as we wait (Matt. 25:14–30). Be prayerful and watchful.