Storyteller: The Parables of JesusSample

For the Sake of the Kingdom (The Parable of the Talents)

There are elements in the Parable of the Talents that could loosely draw from some historical events that would have been familiar to the audience listening to Jesus on the Mount of Olives. Understanding those things can help shed some light on the parable.

Herod the Great was a Roman-appointed Jewish king at the time of Jesus’ birth. He is most famous for the slaughter of all boys two years and younger because he feared the news of the birth of another king (Jesus). Upon his death, he bequeathed three of his sons the right to rule various provinces throughout the region. As was customary, they needed to appeal to the emperor in Rome to confirm their leadership. Two sons were immediately confirmed, while another son faced opposition from a delegation that tried to protest his reign. Much to their disappointment, he was still given the territory.

In the Parable of the Talents, there are also three men to whom a master entrusts money, expecting them to invest what they are given and multiply it. Two of the servants understand the assignment, doubling their earnings, while the third fails to do anything effective with his.

It is evident that the third servant does not know the heart or intent of his master. He lacks respect, harshly assessing him as an unyielding, hard man. He seeks to justify his choice to bury the money in the ground, when in reality, he is acting out of fear, laziness, and self-preservation.

As believers, we must possess a comprehensive grasp of God’s character and nature. Our view of God will determine how much we grow in Him and shape and guide the direction of our lives. We must be diligent in laying a spiritual foundation of basic Christian principles and becoming people of the Word. Knowing God’s Word keeps us from being deceived or led astray, while also keeping us anchored in His unshakeable Kingdom.

One of the key ideas of this parable is of stewardship. Those of us who are followers of Christ have been given precious gifts from Him, —namely, salvation, forgiveness, and life. However, this parable is referring to how we have been given the treasure of His Gospel, the Good News of Jesus for all mankind, to share.

Second Corinthians 4:7 (ESV) tells us, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”

We are called and entrusted by God as His earthly representatives to share the message of the Gospel with as many people as possible. By doing so, we exponentially multiply what He has entrusted to us, and we will see a great number of people enter His Kingdom.

Just as the servants who already had many talents were given more by the master, we too will be given the reward of more Kingdom work when we are faithful to His call. It is not a burdensome work; it is a power-infused, joy-filled, life-altering work that will not end until our time on earth is done.

The Lord has given each of us unique skills and giftings to invest and participate with Him. When we resist the urge to grumble and complain or compare our gifts with others, we will see an increase of His goodness, provision, and love expand throughout our places of influence. It will attract people who do not know Him and draw them in.

Remember, the role God has given you is vital in this world, so use it for the sake of the Kingdom and His glory!

Prayer

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace; whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV)

Jesus, thank You for the unique gifts You have given me to be used for Your purposes. Help me be a good steward of these things and not squander them. Amen.