5-2-1-According to your ability

Tetteh-Annor Larbi | August 27, 2023 | Matthew 25:14-15

KEY VERSE:

And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability, and immediately he went on a journey. Matthew 25:15

MESSAGE:

The passage today is another parable of the kingdom of heaven, likened to a man travelling to a far country. The master shares his goods with his servants and then immediately embarks on this journey. The parable did not mention when the man was to return from his journey, and it also did not say if the servants knew when the master would return. However, he gave all his servants responsibilities to work on before embarking on the travel. The return was unknown to the servants and at the point of travel, the master might not know when he would return.

He, however, did not expect his servants to be idle while he was away. He left them with talents and hoped they would use them to do the “needful.” The master did not distribute the talents equally but gave them to his three servants, 5, 2 and 1 talent respectively. It is thought-provoking, and one would like to consider why he did not give the three servants, equal talents. Was he being partial in the distribution? Was he fair in the way he distributed his goods?

We cannot know why the master used the method he used, but to only say that he probably knew what each servant could do and how much they could handle. He knew what each servant had the ability to produce and therefore the text says he gave to them according to each one’s ability. It does not mean that he expected more from one and less from the others, but he expected each servant to be productive.

Jesus is that man in the parable, who went on a journey to a far country and left us (his church) with talents according to our abilities. And as he said in Luke 19:13 do business till I come.

FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE

We all have different levels of abilities and God knows us better than we know ourselves. He has given each of us talents to use for his glory. He expects all his servants to be faithful and fruitful, with the talents he has entrusted us with. No matter the level you find yourself and no matter the resources available to you, the master expects you to be fruitful and use your talent according to your ability. God knows you can do more, so stay focused and do not be distracted by the abilities of your colleague servants.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, help me to recognize the abilities I have, and help me focus on my strengths, and use them for your glory. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! _____________________________ DAILY word study: TALENTS The word "talent" in this verse is translated from the Greek word "τάλαντον" (talanton). This Greek noun refers to a unit of weight or value in the ancient world. In the context of this parable, it signifies a substantial amount of money or resources.

The term "talent" carries a powerful metaphorical significance in this parable. It symbolizes the various gifts, resources, and opportunities that God entrusts to His people. The differing amounts given to each servant reflect the diversity of abilities and callings God bestows upon individuals. This parable highlights the principle of stewardship, emphasizing that God expects us to use our talents wisely and productively for His kingdom. It's not merely about the quantity of what we have; it's about the quality of our stewardship and our faithfulness in using what God has given us.

Reflections

What talents, abilities, and resources has God entrusted to you? How can you use them effectively to bring glory to God and contribute to His purposes? How does this parable encourage you to be faithful and diligent in your stewardship?