Bible Studies

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This is the story of the slaves left to trade their talents (money) while the master is away. Upon his return, he speaks words of praise or criticism to each one according to the effort made to use what has been given to him. The main point of the passage is that God expects us to use the gifts and abilities that we have to promote the spiritual agenda of the Kingdom. Let us consider the following questions for reflection and discussion with family members and close friends so that we all will be challenged to judge our own work before Jesus judges it.



Bearing in mind what the main point of this passage is, what is it saying to you personally? What work is God entrusting to you right now? Often we do not take the fact seriously that God has a call on each of our lives?



In the story we are told that: “the one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money” (v. 16-18). Where are your areas of 5 talents (maximum strengths or giftedness? Where is your area of 1 talent (hidden strength)?



When it comes to using your gifts, how productive is your life right now? Who is being blessed by your faithfulness? There are those whose time is limited but they do the best they can to find some balance that includes ministry to others.



Often, we allow our skills to diminish until we may not be able to offer our services in the same way ever again. A beautiful voice may begin to waver from the notes or arthritis may cripple a musician. What have you lost because you neglected it? Is it possible to restore it before it is really too late?



When it comes to doing new things for the Lord, some of us are braver and bolder than others. If we consider the successful traders as representing those who are willing to be used by God compared to those who hide their gifts and refuse to cooperate with God’s plan for their lives, then we move beyond the subject of trading, gambling or investing. How do you feel about taking risks, venturing out, as the Holy Spirit directs?



As you consider the way that your life is going right now, when are you likely to hear that you are a “good and trustworthy” slave? When are you likely to hear that you are a “wicked and lazy” slave? Are there areas of your life where you are enjoying better results than in others or where you are making a more concerted effort than in others?



The slave who hid the talent gave this as his reason: “Master, I knew you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter” (v. 24). What do you think about the God Whom you serve? How does this image affect your behaviour? Indeed, God is wonderful, trustworthy and loving, let us serve faithfully.

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