Matthew 25:21, “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your masters happiness!’”
Jesus spoke today’s passage in the context of sharing a parable about stewards being given different amounts of talents (bags of gold). This parable was meant to give His disciples a picture of Judgment Day. One of the unique aspects of this parable is that Jesus said that the three stewards were given three different amounts of gold to be stewards over. The measuring unit in the Bible called a “talent” (or bag of gold in the NIV) was worth around $300,000.
One man was given five talents (or five bags of gold) worth $1,500,000. Another was given two bags of gold worth $600,000. And the last one was given one bag of gold worth $300,000. Jesus mentioning each person getting a different amount represents the idea that God gives different callings and abilities to each person. Some people are given a “$1,500,000” calling and others a “$300,000” calling.
God judges His disciples’ calling according to their obedience to what He has given them.
The same is true with the principle of tithing. Though everyone’s tithe is different in amount, the same percentage of 10% is applied to each person the same. Likewise, though God may give different callings and abilities to each person to serve His Kingdom, everyone will be judged equally on how obedient they were with what they were given. A wise man once said, “God will not accept the excuse that you weren’t given what another person was- He says to all, ‘Be faithful with little and you will be given much!”
The parable ends with good news and bad news- just like how it will be on Judgment Day. The man who was given five bags and the man who was given two bags each worked hard and doubled their gold. They were then rewarded and commended by the owner. The application to us as Jesus’ disciples is the following; when we are obedient and make new disciples we will be rewarded and be given the commendation of, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
However, the man who had received just one bag of gold hid it and was reprimanded and cursed. The owner said to him in Matthew 25:30, “Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This will be true for every disciple that hides their faith because of fear and refuse to be obedient to Jesus’ command to make new disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The application is clear, be a disciple that is faithful to God and make new disciples wherever you go!
Reflection
Are you being faithful to make new disciples with the talents God has given you?
Action
- Repent if there were times God gave you the chance to make a disciple and you didn’t.
- Pray for three people you can disciple.
- Be a faithful disciple and make new disciples for Jesus!
One Year Reading Plan
2 Chronicles 29:1-36, Romans 14:1-23, Psalm 24:1-10, & Proverbs 20:12. Click here to read online.
