Parables -
Parables of the Talents
Matthew 25:14-30
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What Kind Of Shoe Best Describes You? -- Someone has said, "If the shoe fits, wear it!" We sometimes say, "I would hate to be in his shoes." I think every one of us will fit into one of these styles of shoes. But which?
A LOAFER - "Thou wicked and slothful servant" (Mt 25:26). "Be not slothful in business" (Romans 12:11).
HIGH HEEL - This fits the haughty, proud individual. A man is not "to think of himself more highly than he ought to think" (Romans 12:3).
OVERSHOES - Puts on Christianity only when the going gets rough. Wants the prayers and visits of the preacher only when in trouble.
HOUSE-SHOES - This person wants things easy, comfortable. He is frightened off by a building program, mission work, benevolent work, etc. He cannot worship in bad weather. "Woe unto them that are ease in Zion" (Amos 6:1).
A SANDAL - Just a skeleton of a Christian; didn't grow into well-rounded service, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2).
SUNDAY SHOES - Once-a-week Christians. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself; and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).
WORK SHOES - The active Christian who is always on the job for the Lord. "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes when no man can work" (John 9:4). "Son, go work today in my vineyard" (Mt 21:28).
We should all remember: "Today [NOW] is the day of salvation . . . " (2 Corinthians 6:2). May I ask again, "What kind of shoe best describes You?"
God Has a Special Purpose for You.
Opening Questions — Get Us Thinking:
· Who was one of the most talented people you knew but failed to use it? What were you “best at” in grade school?
· How do you feel when asked to watch your neighbor’s house while they are away, or keep their pet in you house while they are gone?
· What resources from God do you value the most.
The Parable of the Bags of Gold — Matthew 25:14-30
14“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.15To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,a each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
21“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
22“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
23“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
24“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
26“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28“ ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
· What is the main point of this parable?
Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Will
1. In this parable, who does the master represent? The journey? The Talents? Servants? What can we learn about God from the master in Jesus’ parable?
2. Which of the 3 servants in this parable can you relate to most?
3. What happens to the two servants who doubled their investment? To the servants who hides his talent? On what basis were they rewarded?
4. How do you feel when you are given a lot of responsibility?
5. What lessons do these two servants teach us about using God’s resources to serve him?
6. It is better to risk — try something and fail — than to do nothing.
7. How does the master’s treatment of the one-talent servant seem to you: Fair? Harsh? Lenient? Why?
Reflective Questions — Live it today.
1. If the Master returned today, what would he say about how you’ve used what he gave you? How have you developed it? What kind of responsibility do you feel toward God regarding your talents?
2. What motivates you to use your time, resources, and abilities for God’s kingdom? Regardless of how much we may have achieved, we will be judged upon faithful commitment.
3. When have you observed that the more you used a talent, the more talents God gave you?
4. What will you do this week with the talents God has given you to prepare for his coming?
5. What does sharing your Master’s happiness mean to you?
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