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Faithful Actions Earns God’s Commendation
February 23rd, 2022
Matthew 25:22-30
The unprofitable servant in Jesus’ “Parable of the Bags of Gold” or “Parable of the Talents” in Matthew 25 sought to justify his inaction by what he describes as the harsh nature of his master. Ralph Earle noted about the man’s excuse, “If he knew his master was so demanding, it was all the more reason why he should have traded with his talent and gained something.”* The servant, however, did nothing. That is why he is called a “wicked, lazy servant!” (v. 26).
This servant’s inaction denied the trust his master had placed in him by giving him the treasure to begin with. A single “bag of gold” or “talent” is significant, less than five or two but still quite valuable. We may also infer that the master gave his servants different amounts based on his assessment of their abilities. Both the servant who returned five more and the servant who returned two more received the same blessing (vv. 21, 23). There is reason to believe that the servant with one would have received the same, if he had only acted instead of hiding in fear.
God expects nothing more of us.
Author: Duane Brush
