Message Notes

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPECIAL 4 October 2020
Text: Matthew 25:14-30
Subject: Parable of the Talents

INTRODUCTION

1. Review
Types of Parables

a) Single

b) Double

c) Triple

d) Related

e) Extended with illustrative features

2. Study

a) Understand

b) Apply

CONTEXT OF THE GIVING OF THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

1. A related parable to the Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable

2. Common theme: To be watchful and faithful while awaiting the Return of the Lord

FEATURES OF THIS PARABLE
Matthew 25:14-30

1. A man traveling to a far country

2. He called his servants

3. He gives his goods (talents) to his servants

a) Five talents

b) Two talents

c) One talent

A talent is a measure of money. It is about 6000 denarii.

4. The servant entrusted with 5 talents
He made another 5 talents

5. The servant with 2 talents
He made another 3 talents

6. The one who was given 1 talent
He hid the talent in the ground

7. The lord of the servants returned after his long journey

8. Reports were given to him

a) The first servant was commended for having earned 5 talents

i) Well done

ii) Good and faithful servant

iii) You were faithful over a few things

iv) I will make you ruler over many things

v) Enter into the joy of your lord (Matthew 25:21)

b) The second servant was also commended for having earned 2 talents
The commendation was the same as the first servant! (Matthew 25:22-23)

c) The third servant who had one talent entrusted to him

i) Lord, I knew you to be a hard man

ii) Reaping where you have not sown

iii) And gathered where you have not scattered seed

iv) And I was afraid

v) And went and hid your talent in the ground

vi) Look, there you have what is yours (Matthew 25:24)

d) The rebuke of the master

i) You wicked and lazy servant

ii) You knew that I reap where I have not sown

iii) And gather where I have not scattered seed

iv) So, you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers

v) And at my coming I would have received back my own with interest

vi) Therefore, take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents

LESSONS FROM THIS PARABLE

1. Two similar parables

a) Parable of the 10 Minas (Luke 19:11-27)

b) Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

c) Similarities

i) To reinforce

ii) To exhort

iii) To remind

2. Responsibility and accountability

a) Salvation

i) Joy

ii) Identification

iii) Waiting faithfully

iv) Waiting wisely

b) Service

i) Responsibility entrusted

ii) Accountability will be given

2. Important truths to bear in mind

a) To everyone who has, more will be given (Matthew 25:29a)

b) And he will have abundance (Matthew 25:29b)

c) But from him who does not have,
even what he has will be taken away from him (Matthew 25:29c)

d) And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness.
There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:30)

3. Things to check

a) Salvation

b) Service

i) It is closely related

ii) “Saved to serve”