The Parable Of The Talents

Money

Matthew 25:14-22, 24,26.  "The kingdom of heaven, is as a man traveling 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 ability; and straightway took his journey.”(Matt 25:14)

Matthew 25:14 - 28  "Again it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the one who received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.

A talent was originally a weight, equivalent to about 34 kilograms. By Jesus' time, the talent had come to be used as a unit of money. A talent was a valuable coin, worth 3,000 shekels. Our modern use of the word "talent" for a gift comes from this parable.

After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five.  "Master," he said, "You entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more."

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 master's happiness!"

The same was said of the man with two talents. But the man who had received the one said. "Master, I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you."

"His master replied, "You wicked lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I  would have received it back with interest."

The man traveling into a far country represents Christ, while here on earth before his departure. The "servants" or slaves, of the parable, represent the followers of Christ.  All men belong to Christ because He made us and then bought us with an infinite price. “God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being. Whether believers or unbelievers, all men are the Lord's property.” All will be required to render an account at the great judgment day.” To His servants Christ commits "His goods" something to be put to use for Him."    
 We have been "bought with a price" (1 Cor. 6:20), (1 Peter 1:18, 19); (2 Cor. 5:15). The Talents given are gifts from God to be used. These gifts include personal abilities as well as the basic gifts accessible to all example your time, strength, influence, and speech.

The gifts of the Spirit or “the special gifts of the Spirit” as well as those that are called “spiritual gifts” are not the only talents represented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual.” All are to be used to help others especially those in Christ's service.