Using Your Talents

New Testament Passage

Matthew 25

 14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Discussion Questions

  1. The Master distributed his talents unevenly amongst his servants, perhaps knowing each one’s ability to handle the talents. On his return, he rewarded both servants with the same words: “Enter into the Joy of your Lord.” What does this show us about Christ’s expectations from me? How can I tell if I am dealing with my talents appropriately?
  2. On the master’s return, he began to settle his accounts with his servants. What did he expect to receive from each of them? What might He expect to receive from us?
  3. The servant who had one talent didn’t lose it, yet he was still punished. What does this tell us about how Christ might perceive us if we do not commit evil deeds, but at the same time are not striving to practice righteous works?

Old Testament Passage

 Genesis 4 3-7

And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

Discussion Questions

  1. St Gregory the Great comments that the servant who was afraid to invest the talent for interest, like Cain, should have rather been afraid only of bringing it back to his master without interest. Many people in the church resemble that servant: they are afraid to attempt a better way of life. They perceive themselves as sinners, but they are too afraid to try to return to the path of holiness, whilst not having any fear at remaining in their wickedness. Peter is a good example of this. When he was still weak, he saw the miracle of the fish and said, “Depart from me, O Lord, because I am a sinful man.” St Gregory writes: “If you regard yourself as a sinner, it is only right that you not drive God away from you!” How can we teach ourselves not to be afraid of returning to God, but rather fear remaining in sin?
  2. St Gregory the Great teaches that “burying in the ground” is as if he chose to focus on earthly affairs, rather than failing to seek spiritual profit. What are some common barriers to me not investing my talents?