Matthew · New Testament · Matthew 25:14–30
The Parable of the Talents
The Story
Jesus described a master who was preparing to go on a long journey and entrusted his wealth to three servants according to their individual abilities — giving five talents to the first, two to the second, and one to the third. The servant who received five talents immediately put them to work and gained five more, and the one with two talents did the same and doubled his as well — but the servant who received one talent dug a hole in the ground and buried it, telling himself he was simply keeping it safe. When the master returned after a long time and settled accounts, he praised and rewarded the first two servants identically — welcoming them into his joy as faithful and trustworthy stewards — but confronted the third sharply, pointing out that at the very least he could have deposited the money with bankers to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the fearful servant and given to the one who had ten, and the worthless servant was thrown into outer darkness — and Jesus closed with the sobering principle that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has nothing even what he has will be taken away.
The Message
Every gift, ability, and opportunity we have been given belongs to God and will be accounted for — faithful and active use of what He has entrusted to us is not optional but expected.