Bible study -- Parables for Professors

About “Parables for Professors”

Welcome. The purpose of this six lesson Bible study is to encourage university academicians to delve into the Bible together in a way that will encourage us to see God's grace and purposes in a fresh way.

Since many of Jesus' parables were given while interacting with the Pharisees, who were the intellectual leaders of the day, it is not a far stretch to say that these very same parables have more than passing relevance to the intellectual leaders of our day – university professors.

This study is designed to stimulate discussion of Jesus' unique perspective of life and godliness. There is nothing magical about the questions. The value of this study will be in direct proportion to the willingness of the group to extract and share with one another truth derived from the text itself.

With that in mind, the following notes may be helpful:

Each of the six lessons follows the same format: Launch, Explore, Apply.

The vital part of each lesson comes at the end of the Explore section when the group is asked to discover the Big Idea of the parable. If the group will wrestle with that before sneaking a peak at the author's conclusion, the study will be far richer because of it.

Preparation prior to the group study is encouraged, but not necessary. The scripture passage for each lesson is embedded in the lesson.

Background information is given in the plain text and should be read out loud by someone in the group. Discussion questions are given in italics. Time should be taken to allow each question to be answered adequately. It is encouraged that each person write their answers in the booklet for future reflection.

Even allowing for extensive discussion on several of the questions, each lesson should be adequately covered in about 50 minutes.

The biggest benefit to this study will be in discovering and discussing what Jesus has to say to us. For each question, keep going back to the text and look at it as if for the first time. And remember, we're looking at parables, where the whole idea is to ponder it until we understand it. Don't be satisfied with anything less.

The cover design is by Colby Dunn.

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Parable of the Two Debtors

Luke 7:36-50

Launch:

Suppose that you as a professor did not have to pay fines on overdue books from your university library. Suppose also you had scores of overdue books in your office. Quite a few volumes had been overdue for over a year. You estimate that if you were required to pay fines, you would have over $10,000 in fines from overdue books in your office. But, thankfully, you aren't required to pay.

If the library declared a “Forgiveness Day”, when all fines are waived on books that are turned in on a certain day, would you search your office thoroughly for the overdue books and turn them in on that day? Why or why not?

Now suppose that your university did expect professors to pay fines for overdue books and you had those books that represented $10,000 of fines in your office. Would you then be motivated to search thoroughly and turn your overdue books in on “Forgiveness Day?” Why or why not?

What is the relationship between our sense of indebtedness and our appreciation for forgiveness?

Who would be more excited about “Forgiveness Day,” the professor who had $2.50 in fines or the one who had $10,000 in fines?

Today we are going to examine a passage about two people who had different views on their need for forgiveness and the effect that their respective views had on their relationship with God.

Explore:

Survey the Big Picture : Jesus was in the early part of his ministry when this parable was given. However, he had already had several public confrontations with the Pharisees – the religious and intellectual leaders of that society. The Pharisees were considered very righteous by the people of that day because they were fastidious about observing the religious rules that had been passed down from their traditions and the first five books of the Old Testament. Jesus, on the other hand, was more concerned about the inner man than the outer actions.

Explore the Passage: Read the whole passage: Luke 7:36-50

In verses 36-40

Have you ever been in an innocuous family or social occasion (or departmental meeting) when, seemingly out of nowhere, a tension began to develop? Briefly tell what happened and how you felt.
In that day, dinner guests commonly reclined around a table which was low to the floor. The alabaster perfume would have been worth about a year's wages.

Though the text doesn't say, why do you think the woman was crying and anointing Jesus with perfume?

What do the thoughts of the Pharisee in verse 39 reveal about him?

Verses 41-43

A denary was equal to a day's wages. Failure to pay debts sometimes resulted in imprisonment until the debt was paid.

Who does the moneylender represent in this parable?

Who do the two debtors represent?

Why would the one who was forgiven more be the one who loved more?

Verses 44-47

In what ways is it evident that the woman loved Jesus more than Simon did?

Looking at it from Jesus' perspective, do you think the woman was more sinful than Simon, or just more willing to recognize her sin than Simon was?

Put verse 47 in your own words.

Verses 48-50

What were the results of this encounter with Jesus

1) for Simon

2) for the woman.

Discover the Big Idea:

What did Luke want to make sure that the readers of his Gospel understood from this passage? What is the big idea from this passage?

The consequence of self-righteousness on our relationship with God is that we become little lovers; the consequence of humbly acknowledging our sin and unworthiness is extreme love for God, forgiveness, and peace.

Apply:

With whom do you identify most, the woman or Simon?

What does self-righteousness look like in your life? What sins in your life do you ignore while priding yourself on not being sinful like others?

What is the cost of not acknowledging our own sinfulness? How does it affect the intensity of our love for God? Why would seeking God's forgiveness cause us to love Him more?

It's Forgiveness Day. Would you rather bring a box-load of sins to God and experience His Grace and Mercy or would you rather assume that there is no indebtedness and experience little forgiveness and little love?

Luke 7:36-50 (New American Standard)

36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner."

40 And Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he replied, "Say it, Teacher." 41 "A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have judged correctly."

44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little."

48 Then He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven." 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?" 50 And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price

Matthew 13:44-46

Launch:

Do you know a professor who has paid an enormous cost (health, family, hardship or financially) to pursue his/her academic career? Briefly share about it if you can do so without betraying confidences.

Have you ever known someone who sold everything he/she owned to obtain something they wanted more than anything else? If so, briefly describe what happened.

Why do you think more people don't sell all the things that they don't value as much for the one thing they value most?

In the parables we are going to look at today, two men sold everything for the one thing they wanted most.

Explore: Matthew 13:44-46

Survey the Big Picture: There is a turning point in Jesus' ministry in Matthew 12 after a confrontation in which the Pharisees accuse Him of being of the devil. He begins to speak to the crowds in parables, only revealing the meaning of these parables to His disciples. His objective is to explain to them what the kingdom of heaven is like. The kingdom of heaven began with Christ's appearance (Matt 4:17 ; 12:28 ) and will continue until He comes again to establish a new heaven and new earth. Many of His parables in this section of Matthew begin with “The kingdom of heaven is like ….” He uses something that they are familiar with to explain something that they don't yet understand. Biblical scholars have defined the kingdom of heaven as “God's people in God's place under God's rule and blessing.” (Goldsworthy)

Explore the passage:

Matt 13:44 – The Parable of the Treasure in the Field

In the time before banks, safes, and vaults, it was not uncommon for people to hide their valuable possessions in their fields. It was also not uncommon for people to forget where their treasure was buried or to die before revealing where they had put their treasure. Thus, the possibility of finding buried treasure was not far-fetched.

What would you do if you found millions of dollars worth of gold buried in a field?

What emotions would this person have experienced upon finding the treasure, burying it, selling all that he owed, and buying the field?

Matthew 13:45-46 The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

In what ways is this parable similar to the previous one?

In what ways is it different?

These are parables about two men who went to extremes to get something they valued above anything else. The older we get, the more difficult it is to have zeal and go to extremes. Is that true of you, and if so, how does that affect your relationship with God and your pursuit of His kingdom?

What does it say about your understanding of the kingdom of heaven if you haven't sold out everything in order to pursue it?

Discover the Big Idea : What do these parables tell us about the kingdom of heaven?

There may be a double entendre in these twin parables.

Most people think that the protagonists (the purchaser of the field and the merchant) in these parables refer to “believers” who discover the kingdom of heaven. And if that is the case, the big idea would be: The person who finds the kingdom of heaven will zealously pursue it, holding nothing back.

How does it change the big idea if the protagonists in the two parables represent God?

In what ways do the two possible meanings of these parables work together?

Apply:

In what ways do our emotions indicate to us what is most valuable in our lives? What is it that you get emotional about?

Have you ever felt like your academic career was your pearl of great price? If that were so, what would be the consequences?

If the protagonist in this parable is God and the treasure is you, what does that tell you about how God views you?

What are the implications if God truly treasures us this much?

Matthew 13:44-45 (New American Standard)

• The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

• Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought

Parable of the Lamp

Luke 8:16-18

Launch:

Have you ever been tempted to hide something about your family, yourself, or your background from another person? If it is not too personal to share with the present company, briefly describe what the situation was.

What are some reasons that people are tempted to keep things hidden from others?

Explore:

Survey the Big Picture: This parable occurs during the third major section of Luke's Gospel (Bock 1995:85) while Jesus is traveling through Galilee ( 4:14-9:50 ). This section is replete with miracles, revealing the power of Christ and His authority. However there is an underlying tension with the Pharisees, hence Jesus' effort in this parable and the proceeding one to convey what a true believer is and does.

Explore the Passage: Read Luke 8:16-18

Immediately prior to this parable, Jesus gave the parable of the four soils, concluding with “But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.” Describe what a Christian professor would be like were she/he a “seed in the good soil.”

Describe, in general, where the lights are in your house. Why are they placed in those locations?

What/Who does the lamp represent in this passage? If you are not sure, cross reference with Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12 ; 12:46 . (These verses are found below the parable verses for today.)

In verse 16b, where does Jesus say the lamp should be placed, and why should it be placed there?

What will happen if you as a professor try to conceal the light that is in you? Vs 17

How do you interpret verse 18?; Who are those “who has”; What does the “more” refer to?; Who are those “who does not have”?; What does it mean when it says that “even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”?

Discover the Big Idea:

What is the Big Idea from this parable?

We need to lift up Christ in our lives so that all who around us will see Him and not remain in darkness

Apply:

How do you put your light on a lamp stand as a Christian professor at a secular university?

What are the pressures and forces that make you want to hide your faith in Christ?

How would you describe someone who is trying to hide something when everyone already knows about it?

As a Christian professor, what are the consequences of hiding your lamp?

Verse 18 begins: “So take care how you listen.” Take a few minutes to read over this parable and listen to what God is saying to you about it.

Luke 8:16-18 (New American Standard)

16. “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lamp stand, so that those who come in may see the light.

17. For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.

18. So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken from him.”

Matthew 5:14-15

14. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

15. nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

John 8:12

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

John 12:46

46 “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

The Parable of the Rich Man

Luke 12:13-34

Launch:

What retirement goals does the world tell us that we should have?

Which of the following retirement goals are biblical ? Write True or False by each statement.

• I should leave a nest egg for my children.

• I should be liberal in giving my money to others and let God provide for my retirement needs.

• I should have enough money saved to provide for my wife and me for as long as we may live.

• I should have enough saved to purchase a vacation home.

• I should not retire, but I should work for as long as I am physically able to do so.

• As soon as I am financially able, I should retire from my job and go to the mission field.

Discuss the answers given above.

In the parable we will read today, Jesus takes issue with some of the world's values regarding wealth and retirement, and tells us what the values are for the kingdom of God .

Explore:

Survey the Big Picture: Tension continues to build between Jesus and the religious leaders of that day. In Luke 11:53, the Pharisees are plotting to catch Jesus saying something which would condemn Him. But Luke 12:1 tells us that thousands of people are crawling all over each other to get where they can hear Jesus. In this atmosphere, someone, whether planted by the Pharisees or not, shouts out to Jesus – asking him to intervene in a family matter regarding an inheritance. In the Jewish culture of this time, being rich was considered to be a sign of God's blessing.

Explore the Passage:

Read Luke 12:13-33

Discuss verses 13-15

Have you ever had a student ask you to intervene in a personal matter? What happened and what was your response? If you had two siblings in your class, and one asked you to tell the other to divide the family inheritance, what do you think you would do?

What did Jesus discern to be the root of the problem?

What was Jesus' advice concerning greed?

How much greed is allowable?

According to Jesus, what is the relationship between a person's life and her/his possessions? What does verse 15b mean?

How did Jesus' own life illustrate his words?

Discuss verses 16-21

In keeping with His pattern of speaking in parables and explaining them only to his disciples, this is a story that Jesus told the whole crowd to explain what he meant in the previous verses.

Who did the rich man use for a sounding board?

How many times did the rich man say “I” in this parable?

What does God call the rich man? Why is the rich man a fool?

How does this parable tie into Jesus' warning about greed?

What does it mean to be rich toward God?

Discuss verses 22-34

This is Jesus' explanation to the disciples (22a) of the previous parable.

What are things that these verses tell us not to worry about?

According to this passage, why should we not worry about these things?

What attributes of God must be true if one was to live this way without worrying?

Discover the Big Idea:

What is the big idea of this passage? What did Jesus want the disciples to learn from this parable and passage?

Greed kills the life of our soul. Richness toward God yields true life.

Apply:

What does greed look like in your life?

How much “I” is in your retirement planning?

How would your relationship with Christ be affected if you were to give away all your possessions?

What does it mean in your life to be “rich toward God?

Jesus gives a series of three personal applications in verses 31-33. Which of these would be hardest for you?

Go back to the true/false statements about retirement, and choose the one that you think best fits the message of this parable and passage.

Luke 12:13-34 (New American Standard)

13 Someone in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." 14 But He said to him, "Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" 15 Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."

16 And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' 18 Then he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."' 20 But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?' 21 So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

22 And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! 25 And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span? 26 If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying.

30 For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The Parable of the Two Sons

Luke 15:11-32

Launch:

What if one of your articles was turned down for publication in a respected academic journal, when another colleague who (in your view and in the view of others whom you respect) had a far inferior paper sent back for revision, review and publication? How would that make you feel?

Could you be truly happy for your colleague when you got the news of his getting published?

What would you be thinking about the journal's referees?

Explore:

Survey the Big Picture: The parable of the prodigal son is the third of three parables that Jesus gave in response to criticism from religious leaders that He spent time with sinners. Each of the three parables follows the same pattern: something valuable was lost, it was found, and great rejoicing took place, with the main point being that there is great rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents. But, this third parable brings a twist in the plot that is missing in the other parables.

Explore the passage:

Read chapter 15:11-19

Have you ever asked for something or been given something as a young person before you were either physically, emotionally, or financially able to handle it? What was the result?

What are some various ways we can respond when things hit rock bottom and our alternatives are not promising?

In what way was the son taking a risk by returning to his father? Did his father have reason to reject him?

Read chapter 15:20-24

In verse 20, what does the text say was the motivation for the father's running out to meet his son?

Who does the father represent in this parable?

Who does the younger son represent?

What part of the son's speech was cut off by his father? What does it tell us about God's grace and mercy towards us that the last part of the son's speech was cut off?

Look at the conclusions of the three parables in this series - verses 6-7, 9-10, and 22-24. In what ways do they correspond? In what ways do they differ?

One way in which the three parables differ is that this is not the end of the third parable.

Read chapter 15:25-32

What was the basis for the older brother's relationship with the father? Vs 29

Compare how the younger son described himself to the father (vs 18-19) and how the older son described himself (vs29-30)? What do you think each son was hoping for from the father?

Who does the older brother represent in this parable in Jesus' time? Who would you say it represents in our day?

Discover the Big Idea

What is the big idea of this passage?

Because of His compassion, God will always receive with mercy and grace those who come to Him as unworthy sinners. He rejoices when that which was dead comes to life.

Coming to God on the basis of our works/service to him will distort our view of God and ourselves by focusing on our perceived worthiness, and keep us from experiencing joy with our heavenly father and with others. When it comes to our relationship with God, we have the choice of sweet grace or sour grapes.

Apply:

Which son in this parable do you relate to the most? Why?

Do you tend to approach God on the basis of His grace and mercy or on the basis of your service to God?

How is your view of God and view of others distorted when you approach God with a self-righteous attitude?

What changes in your perspective are necessary in order to experience God's sweet grace?

Luke 15:11-32 (New American Standard)

11 And He said, "A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me ' So he divided his wealth between them. 13 And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. 14 Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. 17 But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."' 20 So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; 23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.

25 "Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. 27 And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.'

28 But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 But he answered and said to his father, 'Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30 but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.' 31 And he said to him, 'Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'"

Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30

Launch:

Looking back over your life as a Christian, what was the most exciting/meaningful/abundant period for you?

What has been the most exciting/meaningful/abundant time for you since you have been a professor?

What were the reasons for that? What makes the Christian life exciting?

Explore:

Survey the Big Picture: During the latter stages of his ministry, many of Jesus' parables were about persons going away and leaving their investments, vineyard, or kingdom in the care of trusted servants (Ogilvie 1979:296). As we know now, Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure and eventual return. These parables should be very pertinent to us because we are living in the period between Jesus' first and second coming.

Explore the Passage:

Read Matthew 25:14-30

“It is just like” – the “It” refers to the kingdom of heaven in vs 1.

It was not unusual for the prominent men of that society to be called to travel to Rome or provincial capitals for a period of time. They would entrust their responsibilities and businesses to their stewards while they were gone.

A talent was worth about 15 years of wages. Imagine if you received 15 years worth of wages to care for while your boss was away for several years. Would you look forward to that responsibility or dread it? Why?

According to the text, what determined which servant would receive five talents, which would receive two, and which would receive one?

Who does “the man” in this parable represent?

Who do the servants represent?

What “talents” were Jesus followers given when he departed and expected to multiply?

The English word “talent” is derived from the Greek word used in this text. It has come to mean natural endowments and special gifts. But be careful not to interpret the parable based on the evolved meaning of the word.
What was it that Jesus gave to us and expected us to multiply?

What did He give us that we will be accountable for when He returns?

What qualities did the servant of five talents and servant of two talents display?

If you are going to seek to turn a major profit on someone else's investment money, what do you have to be willing to do – Take a _ _ _ _

What did the servant with one talent do with the master's money? Why?

Verses 19-23

The master gave the exact same praise to one who had doubled the five talents and to the one who had doubled the two talents.

If both received the same praise, even though one brought more than twice the profit of the other, what was it that the master found praiseworthy?

Did the servants ever receive any talents for themselves? What is the significance of that?

In what way did the servants “enter into the joy of the Master?”

In what way do people in the kingdom of heaven enter into the joy of the Master?

Verses 24-30

What are the reasons the man with one talent gave for not taking a risk on the investment which he was given?

What are reasons that Christians give today for not taking a risk with what God has entrusted to us?

What did the servant do that would be considered lazy? What did he do that would be wicked (vs 26).

What do verses 28-30 tell us about the kingdom of heaven?

Discover The Big Idea :

What is the big idea of this passage?

Jesus did not leave us in the earthly kingdom to maintain the status quo. We enter the joy of our Lord when we embrace the opportunities we are given to multiply the spread of the gospel which He has entrusted to us.

Apply:

Which of the three servants do you relate to most? Why?

If Christ were to return today, would you be able to show Him an increase for what He has entrusted to you?

What might be some “risks” that you need to take to be able to enter into the joy of your Master when he returns?

Matthew 25: 14-30 (New American Standard)

14 For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 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. 16 Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17 In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18 But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.

19 Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 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.' 21 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.' 22 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.' 23 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.' 24 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. 25 And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.'

26 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. 27 Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.'

29 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. 30 Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Used by permission from Christian Leadership Ministries. This Ministry Minute may be copied or forwarded in its entirety for ministry purposes.

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