Matthew 25:14-30:The Parable of the Talents
I’ve always had trouble with this parable. Verse 29 seems especially harsh to me: “For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” As a child, this verse contrasted with my young sense of fairness, kicking someone when they were down. As an adult, Matthew 25:29 appears to contradict the central understanding of the grace of God (grace being God’s free gift–a gift which cannot be earned).
However, this a parable that really invites us to examine the context. This is Matthew’s telling of the parable and Matthew has some very provocative things to say about faith and deeds. I think we must read the Parable of the Talents in light of Matthew 5:16–“Let your light so shine before others that all may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” It is also good to read all of Matthew 25 for a greater context of what is going on in The Parable of the Talents.
So, this here is my struggle with the parable. Let me know what you think! God’s Investment Banker.
Emmanuel Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ 
2 responses to “Sermon of November 13, 2011–“God’s Investment Banker””
“‘For all of those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’” God often humbles us even to the point of no return..Things appear in riddles, question marks, sometimes, curve balls…I call it the polishing phase… Coal is being turned into diamonds….It is then that I feel magnanimous strength…I look forward to the journey and the challenge….and simply testify about his greatness. Today, our pastor concentrated on Acts and Ephesians. Now, however, I will read and restudy the entirety of Matthew.
Thank you for your feedback. I look forward to hearing about your study of Matthew. Many blessings. Pastor Joseph