10112007

Matthew 25 

In Today's Scripture Reading:

Parables; plot to kill Jesus; Jesus anointed; Lord's Supper; Christ's agony and prayer; Judas' betrayal; Jesus' trial; Peter's denial

Jesus represented Himself in a parable saying: The Kingdom of Heaven is as a man travelling 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 (own) ability; and straightway took his journey (Matthew 25:14-15). These talents did not belong to the servants, but remained the property of their master. They were to be his managers (stewards) of the goods entrusted to them. The goods of this parable represent the opportunities and abilities that God has given to us and that He expects us to use for His Kingdom.

The servant who received five talents recognized that what he had received belonged to his master. On the day of judgment he said: Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more (25:20).

And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two (25:17). He was not expected to gain five since he had been given according to his own ability. Both faithfully doubled their talents and both were equally commended.

The third servant had received one talent. He put forth no effort for his master. Instead, he went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's (master's) money (25:15,18). His effort for "earthly security" was inexcusable. He tried to excuse himself like the person today who shows great diligence working in the secular world, but says: "I'm too busy now. I'll serve the Lord at some more convenient time, or after I retire."

The consequences of neglecting the opportunities to serve his master were irreversible; there was no second chance to relive his life. The master declared: Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30; compare 8:12; 22:13; 24:51).

We can choose to ignore our opportunities to serve Him, withhold our tithes, and desecrate the Lord's Day; but, without an exception, every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12). Ye are not your own. . . . ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Corinthians 6:19-20).

Word Studies:

25:27 exchangers =b> moneylenders; 25:27 usury =b> interest on money lent; 26:15 covenanted =b> agreed on; 26:47 staves =b> clubs; 26:63 I adjure thee =b> I charge you under oath before God.

Cross References:

For Matthew 26:31: See Zechariah 13:7. Matthew 26:64: See Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Officials: Rep. Bob Inglis (SC), Rep. Sam Johnson (TX), and Sen. Patty Murray (WA) • Country: Madagascar (15 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique • Major languages: French and Malagasy • Increasingly anti-Christian • 43% witchcraft, ancestor worship, and some astrology; 21% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to deliver you from willful sins (Psalm 19:13).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:6