Bible Reading
Matthew 25:14–30 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 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. Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”
[32:45] [35:04] [35:33]Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
[55:28]Galatians 5:25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”
[55:50]Isaiah 55:11 “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”
[49:57]Observation questions
- In Matthew 25, what belongs to the master, and what does he entrust to each servant?
- What differences are seen between the first two servants and the one-talent servant in their actions, timing, and words to the master? [53:58]
- What reason does the third servant give for burying the talent, and what does his description of the master reveal about his view of him? [01:00:45]
- According to Matthew 28:19–20 and Galatians 5:25, what are believers called to do, and who is present to guide them as they do it? [55:24]
Interpretation questions
- The master gives different amounts “according to ability,” yet both faithful servants receive the same words of approval. What does this show about how God measures faithfulness?
- The third servant keeps the master’s money safe but receives a strong rebuke. Why is simply preserving what God has given not the same as faithful stewardship? [01:08:50]
- How does a false view of God as harsh, distant, or impossible to please lead a believer toward fear and inactivity? [01:01:15]
- Isaiah 55:11 promises that God’s word does not return empty. How can that truth help believers obey the call to share the gospel without trying to control another person’s response? [59:24]
Application questions
- What has God placed in your hands right now—time, relationships, abilities, resources, spiritual gifts, encouragement, wisdom, or a chance to serve—that may be sitting unused? What is one way it could be put to work for someone this week? [42:42]
- Where might fear be digging a hole in your life? Is there a conversation, invitation, act of service, or step of obedience that you have delayed because you are worried about how it may turn out? [01:03:02]
- What “reason” in your life may need to be honestly named as an excuse? Hard seasons are real, but how can you tell when a limitation is genuine and when it has become a shovel? [01:04:55]
- Who is one person in your neighborhood, workplace, family, or daily routine who may need a blessing, encouragement, practical help, or a clear invitation into relationship with Christ? What would it look like to take one simple step toward that person? [01:14:26]
- The faithful servant acted “immediately.” What is a next step God has already made clear to you that does not require waiting until you feel fully ready? [55:04]
- Rest and restoration can also be part of good stewardship. What would healthy rest with God look like in your present season so that you are not flat wore out and unable to serve others well? [01:07:18]
