Jump Start # 3717
Matthew 25:14-15 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves, and entrusted his possessions to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.”
Our passage today, the beginning to the talent parable, which is about responsibility and the coming of the Lord, also reminds us that our abilities are not the same. The way this is worded, it seems that all three slaves were gathered around the master. The ‘talent,’ was a coin. The master would look at each slave and understand what each was capable of doing. One got five coins. Another, two. And, the third slave got one coin.
The master didn’t practice equality among the slaves. He did not divide the coins up equally, giving them all a fair chance. Instead, he gave the first man the most. It was decided by his ability. He could handle five. The second man was given two. Why not five? The master didn’t think he could handle that. He was given two based upon his skill level. The one talent man was given one. He might have pouted, complained and believed that the master liked the others more than him, but that’s not the case. Each were given what their ability would allow. The master knew them and the master knew what they could do.
Consider which apostles wrote the books of the N.T. Wasn’t Andrew capable? Paul wrote more books, but by word count, Luke, a Gentile and not an apostle, wrote more of the N.T. than anyone else. Why was Andrew not included in the inner circle? He was Peter’s brother. James and John, another brother pair are in the inner circle. Was Andrew not as good as they were? Andrew missed the transfiguration. Andrew didn’t see Jarius’ daughter raised. Why were the brothers, James and John allowed, and Andrew couldn’t tag along with his brother Peter?
Here is something I see with this generation. It’s special. Days gone by, there were many brotherhood papers, but not a lot of books written. A few sermons were complied in books. Debates were transcribed and a few commentaries were written. There wasn’t much outside the papers. Today, so many of our brethren are publishing books. Amazing insights. Great studies. From devotionals, to commentaries, to very deep dives into various topics. This generation is filling shelves with amazing tools to help us know God’s word.
Now, out here is a one talent disciple. He hasn’t written any books. He isn’t invited to crisscross the country to speak. Few know his name. This disciple quietly does what he can. He teaches. He encourages. He stays busy helping the people in his area know Jesus. When he considers what others are doing, he feels like he is not doing enough. He can feel like he hasn’t done much when he sees what others are doing.
Here are some lessons for us:
First, the one, two and five talent men were not in a contest or a race against each other. The Lord doesn’t compare. We do. The Lord knew what each was capable of doing. Standing next to a five talent man can make one feel intimidated and inferior. The Lord never saw it that way. The Lord never expected everyone to do what the five talent man did. Comparisons lead to jealousy and envy, which eventually leads to bitterness and thinking evil of someone.
Second, all three men in the talent parable were capable of pleasing the Lord and glorifying Him. Two of them did just that. So, you have never written a book. So, you have never broadcast a podcast. So, you have never written a blog. So. But, look at what you have done. You have taught little hearts. You have influenced co-workers. You have led the people of God. You have opened your home for others. You have encouraged preachers. All of those things are valuable and important. Most do not get much attention. And, if it is attention that we are after, then we need to sit down a moment and rethink what we are doing. It’s not about us. It’s about helping others walk closer with the Lord.
Third, what upset the Lord in the talent parable was that the one talent man did nothing. He had ability, that’s why he was given a talent. But he didn’t use that ability. He dug a hole in the ground and buried the talent. He didn’t lose it. He didn’t spend it. But, neither did he do anything worthwhile with it. The master expected more.
You may not be a James or John. You may be an Andrew. It was Andrew who found the kid with the snack that Jesus used to feed the multitude. It was Andrew who introduced his brother Peter to the Lord. Find what you are capable of doing, and then get busy. A cup of cold water given to a little one, Jesus tells us, is something that Heaven notices. No one else may. Others may be digging wells. Others may be driving water trucks. Others may be buying bottles of water by the case. You gave one cup to one disciple. Not much, you say. Not like what others are doing. Yet, Heaven saw and Heaven noticed.
We all have been given abilities and opportunities by the Lord. Do what you can. Do all that you can. Bring your best to the Lord.
Roger