What is the meaning of the Parable of the Talents?

Answer

Matthew, in chapters 24-25, recounts the Lord’s compassionate heart and love combined with unwavering holiness. This portion of Scripture, which includes the Parable of the Talents, presents final admonitions, prophecies, and encouragements to His people Israel before His departure. As their Lord, He is departing for an unspecified period, entrusting them with the responsibility as stewards to oversee His kingdom. The Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25:14-30, emphasizes the gravity of this responsibility and the severe consequences of failing to comprehend and implement His directives. There is also a broader message for all humanity.

If the talents refer to units of gold, the value of what the master entrusted to the stewards would be exceedingly high, potentially in the millions of dollars. Although the Lord only uses the term “talents,” we can infer that the owner of these talents, the man embarking on a distant journey, was affluent. He entrusts his riches to three individuals who are appointed as stewards of his wealth. One receives five talents, another two talents, and a third steward receives one talent. Each is given a substantial sum of money to manage. These stewards are tasked with overseeing the funds. It is crucial for the stewards to understand the nature and principles of their Lord. He anticipates that they will have a deep understanding of Him to apply not only the literal instructions but also the underlying spirit. Those who do so are generously rewarded, while those who do not face severe judgment. The allocation of funds is based on each steward’s capabilities. The first two grasp both the essence and specifics of the instructions and the nature of their Lord. They engage in “trading” to generate profits, each doubling the initial amount. In contrast, fear and distrust of their Lord drive the third steward to bury the money in the ground and return the original sum. The diligent stewards receive praise and are entrusted with more resources.

Responsibilities and invited to enter into the joy of their Lord. The untrusting steward is scolded, rejected, and punished.

The application of this parable must be understood within the context of the message of Matthew 24-25. It is primarily a message to the people of Israel who will live in the last days before the Lord returns. The statement in Matthew 24:13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved,” is crucial. This refers to the believing remnant that will receive the promise of the kingdom. In Matthew 24:32-34, the Lord explains, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When its branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near: So likewise you, when you see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Truly I say to you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” They will be alive when He returns and will have comprehended and believed in their Lord. The application to the people of Israel is vivid and pertinent. Those who believe in Him will be rewarded in His kingdom. The basis of the reward will be their stewardship of His resources entrusted to them. Those who fear and do not believe will be rejected and judged.

There is also a universal application to all mankind. Since the creation of mankind, each individual has been entrusted with resources of time and material wealth. Everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him. We are responsible for using those resources so that they increase in value. As Christians, we have the most valuable resource of all – the Word of God. If we believe in Him, understand Him, and apply His Word as good stewards, we are a blessing to others and the value of our actions multiplies. We are accountable to the Lord for the use of His resources.