MATTHEW 25:14-30

2. One servant was irresponsible. He simply did not use the Lord’s gift. But note: he was somewhat active. He spent time
and energy to go out and bury the Lord’s gift—he hid it. His days, his time, and his energy were to be the Lord’s; but he took his
life and days into his own hands. What was he doing? We are not told, but his efforts were not spent in the Lord’s cause. He
served only himself. He was worldly, lusting after the flesh and possessions of this world. He was out to serve himself instead of
God

“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a
foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and
the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Mt.7:26-27).
“And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are
choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Lk.8:14).
“He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he
came and sought fruit thereon, and found none” (Lk.13:6).
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting,
and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare
shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Lk.21:34-35).
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (Jas.4:17).
“Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as
in a day of slaughter” (Jas.5:5).
“And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the
day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they
feast with you” (2 Pt.2:13).
“Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because
thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men” (Hos.10:13).

Thought 1. Note four lessons.
1) Immediate work—immediate action—immediate use of God’s gifts are expected. Each hesitation—each
hour—each day where maximum energy and effort are not given is a lost opportunity. Each lost opportunity
equals unfaithfulness and slothfulness. What a strong example the two faithful servants were!
2) The efforts of the faithful and diligent will bear interest (fruit). The servant who uses his gifts faithfully and
diligently will witness a manifold increase in the goods of his Lord.
3) A striking point: the person with one talent is as responsible to use his gift as the person with many talents.
4) Too often, a person who is gifted with little feels his service matters little, that it is not really worth the time
and effort it takes. This attitude forgets something: the gift is not ours; the gift is the Lord’s. It is to be used,
and full energy and effort are to be exerted in its use. The use of a single gift is to occupy what days and
hours we have on earth. We are to be faithful, even in the single gifts—always faithful and always using what
we have for the Lord, even if it is a single gift.

4
(25:19) Jesus Christ, Return: the day of reckoning came, but it was only “after a long time.” By the time Christ returns,
it will have been a long time in the eyes of men. However, it will have been only a short time to Christ: “Lo, I come
quickly” (Rev.3:11; cp. 2 Pt.3:3-4, 8-11).
Note a second fact: Christ says the Lord did return, and He returned to reckon with His servants, not with the world. Chr-
ist is talking about His servants in this passage—professing believers and church members, some genuine believers and some
only professing believers, who are making a false profession (v.30).

“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of
his servants” (Mt.18:23).
“And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they
might receive the fruits of it” (Mt.21:34).
“And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he com-
manded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know
how much every man had gained by trading” (Lk.19:15).
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Ro.14:12).
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb.9:27).
“Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil
of you” (1 Pt.4:4).

Thought 1. We must always remember this: the Lord is not slack concerning His promise to return. He is ready to
judge the living and the dead (1 Pt.4:5). He is ready now, but He is longsuffering, wanting more and more to come
to repentance (2 Pt.3:9).

5
(25:20-23) Reward: the reward for work well done will be more work to do. Note that the experience was the same for
the first and second servants.
1. They both acknowledged God’s gifts and graces: “Lord, thou delivered unto me.” All that the servant had was given
to him by Christ. There is appreciation, thankfulness, privilege, and a sense of responsibility expressed. The two servants
had counted it a privilege to serve their Lord. He had given them purpose and meaning in life and the greatest privilege in all
the world: the privilege of serving the Lord Himself. They were appreciative and thankful.
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