The Parable of the Talents
Bible Study lesson by Rev. Harrod Emmanuel Clay, Jr.
Matthew 25
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took is journey."
(Matthew 25:14-15)
In the parable of the talents, each servant was entrusted with a certain amount of money, with the expectation that while their master was away, the talents would be used appropriately. A talent was no small amount. In Israelite culture, it was approximately 200 pounds. So, one talent of gold would weigh about 200 pounds and be worth about $3.5 million, two talents would equal $7 million, and five talents would equal $17.5 million!
We also learn that the distribution of the talents was based upon responsibility. The master determined what he was going to give each servant based upon their capacity, their ability. Responsibility and capacity are linked to spirituality. God will not give resources to those who are not responsible for what he has given them. When God gives us something, he expects duplication. When we do nothing with what God has given us, we communicate to him that we do not need it.
Our challenge is not to be like the wicked servant who buried his talent out of fear. When he was confronted by the master, he blamed the master for his poor stewardship! Imagine, rather than taking personal responsibility for his actions and decisions--he played the blame-game.
What are we doing with the talents God has given us? Are we being generous? Are we being a blessing to others, or are we burying our talents, making excuses for poor stewardship, or shifting blame?
God requires that we use what he has given us--realizing it all belongs to him!
"The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein."
(Psalm 24:1)
For more information on Pastor Clay's teachings and sermons or for more information on Worship Service times and locations, call (856)881-2255 or
1(866)460-8976
Matthew 25
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took is journey."
(Matthew 25:14-15)
In the parable of the talents, each servant was entrusted with a certain amount of money, with the expectation that while their master was away, the talents would be used appropriately. A talent was no small amount. In Israelite culture, it was approximately 200 pounds. So, one talent of gold would weigh about 200 pounds and be worth about $3.5 million, two talents would equal $7 million, and five talents would equal $17.5 million!
We also learn that the distribution of the talents was based upon responsibility. The master determined what he was going to give each servant based upon their capacity, their ability. Responsibility and capacity are linked to spirituality. God will not give resources to those who are not responsible for what he has given them. When God gives us something, he expects duplication. When we do nothing with what God has given us, we communicate to him that we do not need it.
Our challenge is not to be like the wicked servant who buried his talent out of fear. When he was confronted by the master, he blamed the master for his poor stewardship! Imagine, rather than taking personal responsibility for his actions and decisions--he played the blame-game.
What are we doing with the talents God has given us? Are we being generous? Are we being a blessing to others, or are we burying our talents, making excuses for poor stewardship, or shifting blame?
God requires that we use what he has given us--realizing it all belongs to him!
"The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein."
(Psalm 24:1)
For more information on Pastor Clay's teachings and sermons or for more information on Worship Service times and locations, call (856)881-2255 or
1(866)460-8976