Jesus' Parable Of The Talents:
Meta Description: Join Jesus as He shares a timeless story about the parable of the talents. Discover how even little ones can learn to be good stewards of the money that God puts in our hands.
My dear children, gather 'round, for I have another parable to tell you, a story about a man who was going on a long journey, just like some of your fathers might travel to distant towns for trade or to visit family.
Meta Description: Join Jesus as He shares a timeless story about the parable of the talents. Discover how even little ones can learn to be good stewards of the money that God puts in our hands.
My dear children, gather 'round, for I have another parable to tell you, a story about a man who was going on a long journey, just like some of your fathers might travel to distant towns for trade or to visit family.
A Journey and Important Business
Now, in our land, people often traveled for many reasons. Sometimes, they would go to Jerusalem three times a year for the great feasts, or perhaps to the bustling markets in cities like Capernaum or Jericho to sell their olives, grapes, or fish. This man, a wealthy landowner, had many servants who helped him care for his fields and flocks, and manage his household. Before he left for his long journey, he called three of his trusted servants to him. He had important business for them to tend to while he was away.
He gave each of them some of his precious coins, called talents. A talent was a very large sum, and is valued about about 200 pounds in weight. A talent of gold was more money than most people would see in a lifetime! It was like giving them a whole big sack of gold coins, enough to buy many sheep, or even a small piece of land!
Now, in our land, people often traveled for many reasons. Sometimes, they would go to Jerusalem three times a year for the great feasts, or perhaps to the bustling markets in cities like Capernaum or Jericho to sell their olives, grapes, or fish. This man, a wealthy landowner, had many servants who helped him care for his fields and flocks, and manage his household. Before he left for his long journey, he called three of his trusted servants to him. He had important business for them to tend to while he was away.
He gave each of them some of his precious coins, called talents. A talent was a very large sum, and is valued about about 200 pounds in weight. A talent of gold was more money than most people would see in a lifetime! It was like giving them a whole big sack of gold coins, enough to buy many sheep, or even a small piece of land!
The Employer Gave Money To His Servants To Invest
The employer gave five talents to the first servant. To the second, he gave two talents, while he gave one talent to the third. He gave to each according to their ability, knowing what each one could handle. He was just like a shepherd that knows which sheep can graze on the highest mountains and which need to stay closer to the safe pastures. He then said to them, "Go now, and do business with this while I am away." And with that, he set off on his journey.
The First Servant Doubled His Investment To 10 Talents
The first servant, with his five talents, was very diligent. He didn't just sit and wait; he went out and traded! Perhaps he bought fine cloth from Damascus and sold it in the markets of Tiberias. Maybe he invested in more olive groves, knowing that good olive oil was always in demand.
This first servant worked hard, day in and day out. He worked just like your fathers work in the fields under the hot sun, or like your mothers as they spin wool into warm clothing. And guess what? He doubled his master's money! He turned five talents into ten! Isn't that wonderful?
The employer gave five talents to the first servant. To the second, he gave two talents, while he gave one talent to the third. He gave to each according to their ability, knowing what each one could handle. He was just like a shepherd that knows which sheep can graze on the highest mountains and which need to stay closer to the safe pastures. He then said to them, "Go now, and do business with this while I am away." And with that, he set off on his journey.
The First Servant Doubled His Investment To 10 Talents
The first servant, with his five talents, was very diligent. He didn't just sit and wait; he went out and traded! Perhaps he bought fine cloth from Damascus and sold it in the markets of Tiberias. Maybe he invested in more olive groves, knowing that good olive oil was always in demand.
This first servant worked hard, day in and day out. He worked just like your fathers work in the fields under the hot sun, or like your mothers as they spin wool into warm clothing. And guess what? He doubled his master's money! He turned five talents into ten! Isn't that wonderful?
The Second Servant Doubled His Investment To 4 Talents
The Third Servant Did Not Invest His Talent
But then there was the third servant, who had received only one talent. He didn't go out and do business. Instead, he dug a hole in the ground and hid his employer's money there. In our land, where there were no big banks like you see today, sometimes people would bury their treasures to keep them safe from robbers. But this servant hid it out of fear. He was afraid he might lose it, or that he wouldn't do a good job. He didn't trust his master, and he didn't trust himself.
But then there was the third servant, who had received only one talent. He didn't go out and do business. Instead, he dug a hole in the ground and hid his employer's money there. In our land, where there were no big banks like you see today, sometimes people would bury their treasures to keep them safe from robbers. But this servant hid it out of fear. He was afraid he might lose it, or that he wouldn't do a good job. He didn't trust his master, and he didn't trust himself.
The Employer's Return: A Time for Reckoning
After a long time, the employer returned. Imagine the excitement in the household as he rode back into the courtyard! It was time for him to settle accounts with his servants.
He called the first servant. The servant came forward, beaming, and said, "Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more!" The employer was overjoyed! He said, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master!" He was so pleased that he gave him even more responsibility and welcomed him into his celebration.
Then came the second servant. He said, "Sir, you entrusted me with two talents. See, I have gained two more!" And the employer replied, just as warmly, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master!" He, too, was welcomed into his employer's joyful celebration.
Finally, the third servant came forward, looking a bit nervous. He said, "Sir, I knew you to be a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours."
Oh, my dear children, his employer was not pleased. He said to him, "You wicked and lazy servant! You knew that I harvest where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest!"
Even if the third servant was afraid to trade, he could have put the money with someone who would make it grow a little, just like a farmer plants a tiny seed that grows into a big, strong plant.
And then, the master commanded, "Take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance. But from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
After a long time, the employer returned. Imagine the excitement in the household as he rode back into the courtyard! It was time for him to settle accounts with his servants.
He called the first servant. The servant came forward, beaming, and said, "Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more!" The employer was overjoyed! He said, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master!" He was so pleased that he gave him even more responsibility and welcomed him into his celebration.
Then came the second servant. He said, "Sir, you entrusted me with two talents. See, I have gained two more!" And the employer replied, just as warmly, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master!" He, too, was welcomed into his employer's joyful celebration.
Finally, the third servant came forward, looking a bit nervous. He said, "Sir, I knew you to be a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours."
Oh, my dear children, his employer was not pleased. He said to him, "You wicked and lazy servant! You knew that I harvest where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest!"
Even if the third servant was afraid to trade, he could have put the money with someone who would make it grow a little, just like a farmer plants a tiny seed that grows into a big, strong plant.
And then, the master commanded, "Take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance. But from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Meaning Of The Parable Of The Talents
My children, this story teaches us a very important truth. You see, the employer represents God, our Heavenly Father. The talents represent all the wonderful gifts He gives to us: your brilliant minds, your nimble hands, your kind hearts, your voices to sing praises, your feet to run and play. Any special gift that you have is a talent, like drawing, singing and other things that you can do well.
God gives each of you unique gifts and abilities. He doesn't want you to bury them or hide them away out of fear. He wants you to use them! When you use your gifts, whether it's sharing your toys, helping a friend, learning new things, or using your hands to create, you are like the good and faithful servants who doubled their master's money. You are growing what God has given you! And when you use your gifts for good, you bring joy to God and to others.
Remember, God loves you and has given you so much. What will you do with the precious gifts He has given you? Will you use them and make them grow? Or will you hide them away?
My children, this story teaches us a very important truth. You see, the employer represents God, our Heavenly Father. The talents represent all the wonderful gifts He gives to us: your brilliant minds, your nimble hands, your kind hearts, your voices to sing praises, your feet to run and play. Any special gift that you have is a talent, like drawing, singing and other things that you can do well.
God gives each of you unique gifts and abilities. He doesn't want you to bury them or hide them away out of fear. He wants you to use them! When you use your gifts, whether it's sharing your toys, helping a friend, learning new things, or using your hands to create, you are like the good and faithful servants who doubled their master's money. You are growing what God has given you! And when you use your gifts for good, you bring joy to God and to others.
Remember, God loves you and has given you so much. What will you do with the precious gifts He has given you? Will you use them and make them grow? Or will you hide them away?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a "talent" in this story?
A: In this story, a "talent" was a large amount of money, usually silver. It wasn't like the "talent" we use today to mean a special skill. It was a measure of wealth, showing how much the employer trusted his servants.
Q2: Why was the third servant called "wicked and lazy"?
A: The third servant was called wicked and lazy not just because he didn't make more money, but because he didn't even try. He let his fear stop him from doing anything, and he didn't trust his master's generosity. He also had a wrong idea about his employer, thinking he was too harsh.
Q3: What does this story mean for us today?
A: This story teaches us that God gives each of us gifts and abilities. He wants us to use these gifts, to grow them, and to serve others with them. It's about being faithful with what we have, no matter how big or small it seems.
Q1: What is a "talent" in this story?
A: In this story, a "talent" was a large amount of money, usually silver. It wasn't like the "talent" we use today to mean a special skill. It was a measure of wealth, showing how much the employer trusted his servants.
Q2: Why was the third servant called "wicked and lazy"?
A: The third servant was called wicked and lazy not just because he didn't make more money, but because he didn't even try. He let his fear stop him from doing anything, and he didn't trust his master's generosity. He also had a wrong idea about his employer, thinking he was too harsh.
Q3: What does this story mean for us today?
A: This story teaches us that God gives each of us gifts and abilities. He wants us to use these gifts, to grow them, and to serve others with them. It's about being faithful with what we have, no matter how big or small it seems.
Conclusion
So, my dear little ones, remember the story of the talents. Look around you and see all the wonderful things God has given you. How can you use your hands, your minds, and your hearts to grow His gifts? Will you share your joy, learn something new, or help someone in need?
Jesus wants us to know that one day He will reward all those who use their talents to bring glory to His name. Those who bury their talents by refusing to invest them in His Kingdom will be cast into the lake of fire.
Every little act of kindness and effort to learn is like planting a seed that will grow into something beautiful. Go now, and be good stewards of the wonderful gifts God has given you!
Read about how to receive eternal life.
So, my dear little ones, remember the story of the talents. Look around you and see all the wonderful things God has given you. How can you use your hands, your minds, and your hearts to grow His gifts? Will you share your joy, learn something new, or help someone in need?
Jesus wants us to know that one day He will reward all those who use their talents to bring glory to His name. Those who bury their talents by refusing to invest them in His Kingdom will be cast into the lake of fire.
Every little act of kindness and effort to learn is like planting a seed that will grow into something beautiful. Go now, and be good stewards of the wonderful gifts God has given you!
Read about how to receive eternal life.
Jesus' Parable Of The Talents Matthew 25: 14 - 30 NKJV
14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’
21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’
23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’
26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Jesus' Parable Of The Talents References
Bailey, K. E. (2008). Jesus through Middle Eastern eyes: Cultural studies in the Gospels. IVP Academic.
Borowski, O. (2003). Daily life in Biblical times. Society of Biblical Literature.
Esler, P. F. (2004). Conflict and identity in Romans: The social setting of Paul's letter. Fortress Press.
Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2014). How to read the Bible for all its worth (4th ed.). Zondervan.
Freedman, D. N., Myers, A. C., & Beck, A. B. (Eds.). (2000). Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
Wright, N. T. (2006). Matthew for everyone, Part 2: Chapters 16-28. Westminster John Knox Press.
Bailey, K. E. (2008). Jesus through Middle Eastern eyes: Cultural studies in the Gospels. IVP Academic.
Borowski, O. (2003). Daily life in Biblical times. Society of Biblical Literature.
Esler, P. F. (2004). Conflict and identity in Romans: The social setting of Paul's letter. Fortress Press.
Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2014). How to read the Bible for all its worth (4th ed.). Zondervan.
Freedman, D. N., Myers, A. C., & Beck, A. B. (Eds.). (2000). Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
Wright, N. T. (2006). Matthew for everyone, Part 2: Chapters 16-28. Westminster John Knox Press.
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