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Matthew 25:14-30

Listen to Matthew 25:14-30

The Parable of the Talents

14 "For it is just like a man going on a journey. He called his own slaves and turned over his possessions to them.

15 To one he gave five talents; ^[a] to another, two; and to another, one-to each according to his own ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately

16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more.

17 In the same way the man with two earned two more.

18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money.

19 "After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.

20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I've earned five more talents.'

21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy!'

22 "Then the man with two talents also approached. He said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I've earned two more talents.'

23 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy!'

24 "Then the man who had received one talent also approached and said, 'Master, I know you. You're a difficult man, reaping where you haven't sown and gathering where you haven't scattered seed.

25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you have what is yours.'

26 "But his master replied to him, 'You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven't sown and gather where I haven't scattered,

27 then ^[b] you should have deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money ^[c] back with interest.

28 " 'So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has 10 talents.

29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

30 And throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

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Matthew 25:23

Matthew 25:14-30 Study Resources

What Does the Parable of the Talents Mean for Us Today?

Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

What Does 'Well Done Good and Faithful Servant' Mean in Matthew 25?

Meg Bucher

Sermons

The Lord is Looking for the Faithful

J. Craig Ouellette

Living for the Lord is a process that begins at salvation that is broken into three areas: being called by the Lord, the Lord choosing us and faithful service to the Lord. One of the great themes of the Bible is that God is faithful to us. And in response, we are to be faithful to Him. But faithfulness requires commitment, doing the small things. Listen in as Pastor Ouellette talks about how faith in the Lord should lead us to be faithful. Click here for slides from the message

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Discovering Gifts

Jill Briscoe

Everyone is good at something. This natural talent is a God-given gift, but what are we supposed to do with it? In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus answers this question plainly using the story about the landowner and the talents. What can we learn from each servant’s decision?

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Gambler Or Investor Part 4

Pastor Dr. Herbert Ward, Sr.

In this sermon, Dr. Herbert Ward draws a spiritual contrast between being a "gambler" and an "investor" in life, using biblical examples like Cain and Abel. Cain is depicted as earthly-minded, investing in cursed ground, while Abel is heavenly-minded, investing in what pleases God. The message extends to how one approaches life: gamblers seek quick rewards and live for the moment, often relying on themselves and suffering loss, while investors have patience, invest in God’s kingdom, and reap lasting rewards. Dr. Ward encourages readers to invest time, effort, and faith in God, rather than worldly pursuits, highlighting the importance of making wise spiritual investments that lead to eternal life and fulfillment.

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The Tragedy of a Wasted Life

Dr. Jeff Schreve

What could be sadder than standing before the Lord one day with nothing to show for the life He gave you? In this powerful message from Pastor Jeff Schreve, discover the sobering truth behind Jesus’ parable of the talents — a story that reveals the danger of spiritual complacency and the cost of burying your blessings. God has entrusted every believer with time, talent, and opportunity. One day, the Master will return to settle accounts. Will He say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” … or will your life echo with the words, “It might have been”?

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What Are You Doing With What You've Got?

Dr. Jeff Schreve

God has entrusted every believer with gifts, abilities, and opportunities — but what are you doing with what you’ve got? In this powerful message from Pastor Jeff Schreve, discover the life-changing truths from Jesus’ Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. Some invest what God gives them and see it multiply for His glory, while others bury their blessings in fear or apathy. One day, the Master will return to settle accounts. Will He find you faithful with what He’s placed in your hands?

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Gambler or Investor!

Pastor Dr. Herbert Ward, Sr.

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