Matthew 25:20

Matthew 25:20 is a pivotal moment within Jesus's famous Parable of the Talents, illustrating the diligent response of a faithful servant. This verse describes the first servant, who received the most significant trust from his master, returning a doubled investment.

Context

This verse is part of a series of parables Jesus taught on the Mount of Olives, just days before His crucifixion. These parables, including the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), all emphasize the importance of readiness and responsible living in anticipation of the master's (Jesus's) return. The narrative speaks to the disciples about how they should live their lives while waiting for the Kingdom of God to be fully established, highlighting themes of accountability and wise stewardship of entrusted resources.

Key Themes

• Stewardship and Responsibility: The core message revolves around managing the gifts, abilities, and resources God has given us. The master entrusted varying amounts to his servants, signifying that each individual receives unique blessings and opportunities.
• Diligence and Faithfulness: The servant with five talents did not squander or hide what he received. Instead, he actively engaged in trade, demonstrating diligence and faithfulness in his assigned task. This proactive approach contrasts sharply with the inaction of the unfaithful servant later in the parable.
• Investment and Growth: The expectation was not merely to preserve the talents but to grow them. This points to the spiritual principle that God desires His gifts in us to be used for His glory, producing fruit and expanding His kingdom.
• Accountability: The master's return signifies a time of reckoning, where each servant must give an account of how they managed what was given to them. This foreshadows the ultimate judgment and the need for believers to be prepared to answer for their lives.

Linguistic Insights

The term "talents" (Greek: talanta) in this parable does not primarily refer to innate human abilities as we often use the word today. Rather, a "talent" was a significant unit of weight, typically of silver or gold, representing an enormous sum of money. One talent could be worth many years of a common laborer's wages. This underscores the immense value and trust the master placed in his servants, making their responsibility substantial and their potential for gain considerable.

Verse Breakdown & Significance

Matthew 25:20 specifically highlights the immediate and successful action of the first servant. He "came and brought other five talents," indicating a clear, confident presentation of his profitable work. His declaration, "Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more," is a joyful and honest report of doubling the master's initial investment. This act of multiplying the resources demonstrates active obedience and a clear understanding of the master's expectations. It sets the stage for the master's commendation in Matthew 25:21, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 25:20 serves as a powerful reminder that we are all entrusted with various "talents"—whether they are spiritual gifts, natural abilities, financial resources, time, or opportunities. The call is not to compare the quantity of what we've received, but to be faithful with what we have. Just as the servant actively invested, we are called to use our gifts for God's glory and the benefit of others. This might involve using our skills in ministry, serving our communities, sharing the Gospel, or wisely managing our finances for kingdom purposes. The principle is to be productive and fruitful, eagerly anticipating the day when we will give an account to our Master, hoping to hear, "Well done."