Buried Treasure

The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus tells us another parable about a wealthy man about to leave on a long trip abroad. Before he goes, he sensibly chooses workers he trusts to manage some of his resources while he’s gone. This sets up another example, like in the tale of the foolish virgins: “Will you be ready for the Master’s return?”

In this case, the resources were different amounts of money called talents. A talent was considered to have great value in those times. When applied to us, we recognize these talents as the resources of time, ability, authority, and energy. Like I said: “Great value.”

To the first servant, the master gives five talents; to the second, he provides two; to the third, one. Each of the three men received resources proportionate to his capability, along with the confidence of his master. Having wisely transferred responsibilities to his servants, the man left on his journey.

The first servant, wasting no time, took the talents he was given and shrewdly invested them, doubling his return on investment. The second servant did likewise. Maybe they had the same broker. But the third man took what he was given and buried it. Possibly, in his laziness, he thought: “out of sight, out of mind.” Maybe it was fear of failure, or even fear of success! No matter the underlying cause, it was evident this servant didn't grasp the true nature of his Master.

Here, Jesus explains that it was a very long time before the master returned to settle his accounts. Maybe the servants thought their lord might never come back from his trip. But just like in the story of the wise and foolish virgins, the bridegroom ultimately does show up.

The first servant stands before his master and proudly displays the fruits of his labor: a doubled portfolio. “Fantastic job! I am very pleased. I trusted in you and you did not disappoint.  Because you’ve proved yourself this way, I will give you great authority in my kingdom. You will now share in your master’s delight.”

The second servant stood before his master with a twofold profit from the talents he was given. His master was once more very pleased with how the second man had multiplied the resources he had been given. “Again, great job, good and faithful servant! Come and share in your master’s happiness.”

The third servant probably trembled in the wings, waiting for his turn before the master. Hearing the other two tell their stories, his mind must have been racing. “This can’t be good!” he thought. When he was finally called to give his account, the first words out of his mouth were: “I know you’re a hard man to please, kind sir. I see how you run your business. My tiny amount wouldn’t make any difference sitting alongside your vast wealth. I was afraid, so I hid my talent where it wouldn’t get lost. See? Here it is.”

He pretended to be fearful because of his master’s great power. He tried to justify his inaction by excusing it with his master’s wealth and prosperity. The master was not pleased at all. “You knew who I was and how I shrewdly conduct my business. At the very least, you should have deposited the talent in an interest-bearing account to yield something; anything!”

Moral: Whatever we have been given, it is ours to develop, nurture, and invest. Note: If we hide our gifts, they will be taken away. 

If we use what we have, we will receive more. If we fail to use our gift, it will atrophy, weaken, and wither. It will be removed; it will no longer be in our possession. Don’t justify fear or faulty rationale to excuse your inactivity.

His talent was seized and given to the servant who had ten. Like the lazy servant, if we bury our talents, we will be ushered into an outer place that will not be inside a kingdom where peace and joy reign. A place where we will suffer from constant weeping and gnashing of teeth. Not a good place to spend eternity!

Now, where did I bury that talent again?