Investing God's Gifts

The meaning of our parable for today seems obvious. God gives each of us talents (yes our word “talent” comes from the Greek word talanton the name of the Greek coin) and we are to do something with them. We note that Matthew’s version is different than Luke’s (Luke 19:27). This difference may be that Matthew received the parable this way considering that it has only three servants not ten and deals with far greater sums of money – both are characteristics of what happens when a story is told and retold through oral tradition. It also seems quite probable that Matthew, however he received it, modified the parable by changing the fate of the last servant who hid his gift. While they both have the talent taken from him only Matthew has him thrown into outer darkness which, as we have seen before, is a theme of Matthew. That last part seems to speak truth about the third servant’s belief and action.  There is a reason to fear the master so you better be careful about what you do with his gifts. That is not uncommon in the church today. Living in the “negative.” Living in fear of the Lord instead of for the Lord. 

This is not to say that we are not to fear the Lord. Luther is very clear about that in the Small Catechism where he tells us that, “We should fear, love, and trust God above anything else”. What Luther is saying and Matthew is emphasizing is that we are called to trust the Lord knowing that God will prosper our talents when we use them for the building up the Kingdom of God. In fact, this parable also tells us that as we use our gifts God will give us more, not so we can rest comfortably in our reward but so we can do more for the kingdom of God. Our reward for answering God’s call and fulfilling God’s command is more work for us. This may even be seen in our parable. Some commentators suggest that the major sin of the third servant is laziness. In order to make the talent grow requires work, and, instead of working to increase it, the servant buries it so he did not need to work. 

We all have talents, gifts given to us by God, and are called to use them to build up the Body of Christ. This is not something that is new to you. You have heard many sermons on the subject.  It is not something that is new to our generation. We note that Paul called the early Christians to the same standard reminding them that they have different gifts given by the same Spirit for the same task. The question for you from this parable is, “What are you doing with the gifts God has given you?” Are you using it to share God’s love? Or have you buried it afraid to share it fearing what others may think or, worse, that it might be a beacon to those you disdain?

Recognize that all you have is God’s gift, pledge to use it for the building up of the Body of Christ, and let your light shine before others so that they may see the glory of the Lord. If you truly fear, love and trust God you will see that your whole life is God’s. Let go of your laziness, desires, and selfishness and live the life God calls you to – the life of love for God and those whom God sends to you.