Living Word – December 2012
Mat 25:14-15 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. (15) To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to their ability. Then he went on his journey.”
Jesus used illustrations to help others understand his message. Jesus wants us to receive His word and that is why He uses terms that we can relate to. In this parable, Jesus illustrates the Kingdom of Heaven and compares it to a man that has others at his service. We must always understand that we have been called to be servants and we need to be obedient of whatever the Lord demands from us. Following this He says that the man was leaving to a far country. Jesus was on this Earth, walking among us but after his resurrection, He ascended into heaven and even though He is still among us thru his Spirit, He is not physically present.
Next, the parable says that the man gave them talents according to their abilities. These “talents” are meant to illustrate the gifts that have been given to the church thru his Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Lord has given us the privilege to receive these gifts with the purpose to extend the Kingdom of Heaven.
In Romans 12:6-8 talks about some of these gifts and about how are they supposed to be used: “(6) We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; (7) if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; (8) if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” The manner in which the gifts are applied is important.
The parable speaks of what each servant did with the gifts that were given to them and highlights the importance of making good use of them. It is important to remember that these gifts belong to our Lord, we are merely administering them and will be held accountable for what we have done or haven’t done with them. The word of God talks about being faithful with what the Lord has given to us and the parable teaches us that those who are faithful administrators, will be rewarded by the Lord; Mathew 25:21 “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!”. In the same manner , those who have not been faithful will receive retribution for their actions; Mathew 25:30 “And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”