Matthew 25 - 9.27.23

Scripture

Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Observation

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the master who entrusts his wealth to three of his servants while he goes away on a trip. He doesn’t give all three of them the same amount, but instead divvies it up to each according to their ability. Two of the servants took initiative and doubled what the master had entrusted them with. One put it in a hole for safe keeping.

Application

God did not make each of us exactly the same. God gave Carol the gift of evangelizing. He gave Levi the gift of preaching. He gave Robin the gift of intercession. He gave Crystal the gift of hospitality.

“The gifts we receive from God include skills, abilities, family connections, social positions, education, experiences, and more. The point of the parable is that we are to use whatever we have been given for God’s purposes.” Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Sometimes we might feel inadequate – like we have don’t have any special talents. How can God use us? We don’t know where or how to serve. Sometimes I feel inadequate because I’m not brave – I struggle with praying in public or with sharing Jesus with strangers. But I do have a talent for organization and details. And I have found a way to use those talents.

As we read in the parable, the master was angry at the servant who hid and did nothing. So step out and do something, or to quote Nike: Just Do It! Find a way to serve God and serve others, no matter how small. He says “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Many things might sound scary, but not the next part – “Come and share your master’s happiness!”

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the reminder that even if I don’t feel talented, you still want to use me. You have made each of us unique – our skills, our connections, our experiences - in order to serve you in exactly the way you have designed. Help us to walk in your calling. I know that I want to hear, “Well done faithful servant.”