The Parable of the Three Servants
Matthew 25:14-30 NLT
Matthew 25:14-15
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.”
During this time period servants many times would be given duties and responsibilities, almost like they were a business partner to the owner, rather than a common slave. They were given money, each amount comparable to their abilities. The first two servants used the money they were given as an investment to make a profit for their owner. The third servant didn’t wish to work or take any risk, knowing that the owner was a “hard man”, so he buried it in the ground.
Both of the industrious servants were highly praised by their owner and were given additional responsibilities and an opportunity to celebrate with him. The third servant was admonished for his lazy and wicked decision to only give back what he was given. His portion was given to the first servant and the “useless” servant was cast “into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The owner is Jesus, and the servants are believers. This parable reminds of us the phrase in Luke 12:48, which says, “to whom much is given, much will be required”. “The idea of “to whom much is given, much will be required” is that we are held responsible for what we have. If we are blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like, it is expected that we use these well to glorify God and benefit others. We have been granted the abundant grace of God (Ephesians 1:3–10; 3:16–21; Romans 5:8–11; 8:14–17), the Word of God, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–21; 16:13; Romans 12:6). “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).” (1)
It would be presumptuous to think that the less we know of God and his gifts the less will be required of us for the kingdom, for Micah 6:8 shows us what is expected from us: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In his name & for his glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
(1) https://www.gotquestions.org/much-given-required.html
Resource: Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, Copyright 2004.
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