Read Matthew 25
Highlights:
When the Lord returns, servants will be evaluated (Matt. 25:1-13). Wait faithfully. Share His Word (25:14-30,46). Last Supper — Jesus' New Covenant sealed in His blood (26:26-28). His betrayal (26:47-50).
Jesus spoke about Himself in a parable saying: The Kingdom of Heaven is as a man travelling 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 (own) ability; and straightway took his journey (Matt. 25:14-15). These talents did not belong to the servants, but remained the property of their master. The servants were to be his managers (stewards) of the goods entrusted to them. The goods of this parable represent the opportunities and abilities that God has given to us and that He expects each of us to use for His Kingdom.
The servant who received five talents recognized that what he had received was the property of his master. On the day of judgment he said: Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more (25:20).
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two (25:17). He was not expected to gain five since he had been given according to his own ability. Both faithfully doubled their talents and both were equally commended.
The third servant had received one talent. He put forth no effort for his master. Instead, he went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's (master's) money (25:18). His effort for "earthly security" was inexcusable. He tried to excuse himself like the person today who shows great diligence working in the secular world, but says: "I'm too busy now. I'll serve the Lord at some more convenient time, or after I retire."
The consequences of neglecting the opportunities to serve his master were irreversible; there was no second chance to relive his life. The master declared: Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 25:30; compare 8:12; 22:13; 24:51).
We can choose to ignore our opportunities to serve Him, withhold our tithes, and desecrate the Lord's Day; but, without an exception, every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12). Ye are not your own. . . . ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Cor. 6:19-20).
Thought for Today:
My soul fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope in Thy Word (Ps. 119:81).
Word Studies:
25:27 exchangers moneylenders; usury interest on money lent; 26:15 covenanted astablished an agreement; 26:47 staves clubs; 26:63 I adjure Thee charge You under oath before God.
Cross References:
For Matt. 26:31: See Zech. 13:7. Matt. 26:64: See Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:13.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Bob Inglis (SC), Rep. Sam Johnson (TX), and Sen. Patty Murray (WA) • Country: Cuba (11.2 million) on the northern rim of the Caribbean • Major language: Spanish • Strict government surveillance of all true Christian activities • 40% Catholic; 10% Protestant; 2-10% Santeria; 1% Other; 40% None • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayer should always be to please the Lord (Ps. 73:25).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33