What Is Jesus' Message in the Parable of the Talents?

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’” – Erma Bombeck

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells “The Parable of the Talents.” In other Scripture versions, the Greek word talanton is translated as bags of gold, valuable coins, bags of money, or specific types of modern currency such as pounds or dollars. The original meaning of this word refers simply to a balance or weight; thus, a talent of gold might be far more valuable than a talent of silver. According to Vine’s Dictionary, however, in New Testament times, the word had evolved to reference 6,000 denarii or drachmas. A denarius represented a day’s wage!

Money serves only as the physical illustration in this parable. As we unpack its meaning, we will discover that Jesus taught us much more than simply how to practice good financial investment.

The context in which Jesus spoke is important, as is the timing. It’s the middle of the week, a few days before He will be betrayed, tried, crucified, buried, and subsequently resurrected. The disciples have witnessed His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the back of a colt. Surely, they sense His ministry is drawing to its inevitable conclusion, although they do not seem to understand how things will unfold. Walking away from the temple, Jesus comments that not one stone would be left upon another; the temple will one day be torn completely down. This prompts a question that Jesus will answer through direct, vivid descriptions and three parables.

“As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’” (Matthew 24:3).

From this, we know that the parables speak to the generation that will be alive at His second coming. Matthew 24 describes the world’s condition as it nears the end of the age. False prophets, deception, wars, famines, earthquakes, lawlessness, persecution of God’s people, and great tribulation will precede His coming. In light of this, Jesus shares three parables, each emphasizing the importance of being ready for His return.

The parable of the fig tree (Matthew 24:32-34) illustrates a readiness of wisdom. Jesus says we should recognize the signs of the times.

The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) illustrates a readiness of waiting, of expectancy. Jesus says we should live with an attitude of anticipation that He could come at any time.

The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates a readiness of working, of being about our Master’s business. Let’s examine this parable in greater detail.

What Is This Parable About?

A wealthy man calls three of his slaves and announces that he is going on a journey. While he is away, he entrusts his possessions to them in different amounts. One slave receives five talents, another two talents, and another one talent. The master assigns the talents according to his knowledge of each individual’s ability.

Immediately upon the master’s departure, two slaves begin to put what has been entrusted to them to work. Five talents turn into ten. Two talents turn into four. But one slave is wicked and lazy. Instead of working for his master, he digs a hole and buries his one talent.

After a long time, the master returns to settle accounts with his slaves. The first two receive high praise for their faithful work, are given even greater responsibilities, and are welcomed into the joy of their master. The lazy slave is rebuked. His single talent is taken away and given to the faithful slave who now manages ten talents. Instead of being welcomed with joy, he is cast into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The Parable Explained

John MacArthur comments that this is “the parable of wasted opportunity” and that “Jesus was emphasizing common accountability for differing levels of responsibility based on individual ability.”

The master in the story refers to Jesus Himself, our Lord and Savior. The slaves symbolize those who claim to belong to Him and to be a part of His kingdom. The New Testament often refers to believers as servants and bondservants of Christ. We are slaves of Christ (Ephesians 6:6) and “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23).

Jesus clearly taught that not everyone who professes faith is genuinely saved. There are tares among the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30). “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21).

The talents distributed belong to the master. He “entrusted his possessions” to the slaves. When Jesus ascended, “He gave gifts to men” (Ephesians 4:8). The talents represent the spiritual gifts bestowed on the saved by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12), the ability and power to employ those gifts (Philippians 2:13), as well as our material possessions (Philippians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 4:7). As the parable illustrates, the “talent” belongs to the Lord, and is to be used for His glory and benefit, not the benefit of the slave.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11).

The New Testament teaching on spiritual gifts reinforces the principle that God gifts people with different abilities, talents, resources, and responsibilities. The size of the gift is irrelevant, and those with greater opportunity are no more important than those with less. The issue is, what do we do with what God has entrusted to us? In a similar teaching, Jesus warns that “to whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48b).

Jesus designed this parable to show us that God is not concerned with a specific level of achievement or return on His investment in us. He is interested in the attitude of our hearts; He desires only faithful obedience and devotion.

The actions of the two devoted servants exemplify the response of a true follower of Jesus. They recognized their gifts as a sacred trust: “Master, you entrusted five (two) talents to me” (Matthew 25:20, 22). They went to work immediately and did not stop until the master returned. Good works are the product of true faith (James 2:14-26). Saving faith is not earned by works. Rather, true faith is revealed by the diligence of the servant who loves the master enough to dedicate his life to managing and stewarding what has been entrusted to him for God’s glory.

In describing the rewards given to the faithful servants, Jesus gives us a picture of what is ahead for His true and faithful followers. We will be called to give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12). Works done for His glory will be rewarded, and what is not of Him will be burned up in loss (1 Corinthians 3:12-14). If we have been faithful with a few things here in this life, we will be given responsibility for many things as we enter the joy of Christ’s eternal kingdom. We will “reign with Christ,” serving Him for eternity (Revelation 20-22).

What Happens to the Unfaithful Servant?

The fate of the unfaithful servant is a far different story. 

Defending his lack of productivity and faithlessness, the third slave exposes his wicked heart. He criticizes the master’s character, essentially accusing him of being unmerciful and dishonest. He claims that he was afraid of losing the money. However, the master sees through this false humility. If the man truly believed the master was of disreputable character, he would have at least put the money in the bank to earn interest out of fear. His excuse is flawed and deceptive.

The imposter often blames God for his own failure of character, just as Adam blamed God: “It was the woman You gave me!” Matthew Henry makes an astute observation of such foolishness:

“Does not all the world know the contrary, that he is so far from being a hard master, that the earth is full of his goodness, so far from reaping where he sowed not, that he sows a great deal where he reaps nothing? For he causes the sun to shine, and his rain to fall, upon the evil and unthankful, and fills their hearts with food and gladness who say to the Almighty, Depart from us. This suggestion bespeaks the common reproach which wicked people cast upon God, as if all the blame of their sin and ruin lay at his door, for denying them his grace; whereas it is certain that never any who faithfully improved the common grace they had, perished for want of special grace; nor can any show what could in reason have been done more for an unfruitful vineyard than God has done in it. God does not demand brick, and deny straw; no, whatever is required in the covenant, is promised in the covenant; so that if we perish, it is owing to ourselves.”

Henry rightly observes, “That those who have least to do for God, frequently do least of what they have to do. Some make it an excuse for their laziness, that they have not the opportunities of serving God that others have; and because they have not wherewithal to do what they say they would, they will not do what we are sure they can, and so sit down and do nothing; it is really an aggravation of their sloth, that when they have but one talent to take care about, they neglect that one.”

How Does This Parable Apply to Us Today?

“So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:10).

After telling this parable, Jesus goes on in the final verses of Matthew 25 to describe the judgment that will occur upon His return. His words are sobering. There will be a separating of “sheep” and “goats,” of the “righteous” and the “accursed.” Our hope rests not in our works, but in the atoning blood of Jesus that purchased us as slaves for our Master. Yet Jesus wants us to be serious about serving. He calls us to obey faithfully, to use what He has entrusted to us to benefit the kingdom of heaven and the glory of God.

Jesus set the perfect example by faithfully laboring all the way to the cross. Additionally, we have the testimony and witness of all the saints of God recorded in the Bible and in church history to encourage us.

Surely, as unworthy slaves, in serving our master faithfully, we have done only that which we ought to have done!

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Sources
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew 24-28, Moody Publishers, 1989, pgs. 97,100.
Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 25

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Thitaree Sarmkasat

Author Sheila Alewine is a pastor’s wife, mother, and grandmother of five. She and her husband lead Around The Corner Ministries, which serves to equip Christ-followers to share the gospel where they live, work and play. She has written seven devotionals including Just Pray: God’s Not Done With You Yet, Grace & Glory: 50 Days in the Purpose & Plan of God, and her newest one, Give Me A Faith Like That, as well as Going Around The Corner, a Bible study for small groups who desire to reach their communities for Christ. Their ministry also offers disciple-making resources like One-To-One Disciple-Making in partnership with Multiplication Ministries. Sheila has a passion for God’s Word and shares what God is teaching her on her blog, The Way of The Word. Connect with her on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.