The Stories Jesus Told #22

The Talents

Matthew 25:14-30

Introduction: Some of you may feel like you don't have much to offer, that your contribution is too small to matter.

Main thought: Faithfulness is what you do with what you've been given.

Two groups of servants:

I. God Distributed His Gifts Universally but Unevenly

Matthew 25:14-15 (NIV) 14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.

II. What We Have is not Ours

Matthew 25:14 (NIV) 14 "…like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.

III. A Day of Accountability is Coming

Matthew 25:19 (NIV) “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.”

IV. What We Have Must Be Used or It Will Be Lost

Matt 25:26 “You wicked, lazy servant!” If you really wanted to do something, you would have at least put my money in the bank. I see right through you. So I am taking what I entrusted you with and giving it to another.”

Conclusion:

Matt 25:16 The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.