The parable analyzed

  • Distribution of talents to the servants (Matthew 25:14-15)
  • A talent was about 6000 denarii.
  • A denarii was a day’s wage.
  • Two doubled their talents and one hid his.
  • The two that doubled their talents were happy to see the master.
  • The one who hid his talent began making excuses immediately.
  • The Lord’s response – “wicked and lazy” (Luke 16:19-31)
  • Matthew 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18; 19:26

Godly one talent Christians

Andrew – Peter’s brother

  • John 1:29-42
  • John 1:41-42 – Andrew brings his brother to Jesus.
  • Andrew is mentioned 14 times. Peter is mentioned 176 times.
  • John 6:5-9 – Andrew brought the boy with the lunch to Jesus.
  • Matthew 19:13; Mark 10:13; Luke 18:15 – The apostles rebuked people for bringing children to Jesus.
  • John 12:20-22 – Philip seeks advice from Andrew.
  • Peter had constant issues with Gentiles, so he probably was not the logical person for Philip to ask.
  • Andrew and Philip brought these people to Jesus.
  • He brought his brother, the young boy, and the Greeks.
  • That was Andrew’s talent, and he used it well.

More stories – Dorcas

  • Acts 9:36-43
  • The widows used one of their talents to persuade Peter when he got to Dorcas’ house (Acts 9:41 – the widows were listed separately from the saints).

More stories – Lydia

  • Acts 16:11-15 – Lydia was at a prayer service on the Sabbath.
  • She heard the gospel and responded.
  • She helped to convert her entire household.
  • She urged Paul, and prevailed upon him to stay with her family for some time.

The parable applied

  • Main points – we must find and use all that we have.
  • If we do not, we:
    • Lose that ability in this life
    • And are judged for it in the next life
  • Diligence is rewarded, neglect is punished!
  • Is it possible that you once had a God given talent that you never used, and God took it away?