Mat 25:14-30 | PNT | STEP | For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country . Compare . Christ's departure from the earth to heaven is referred to. Called his own servants . The church members or disciples. Delivered unto them his goods . This applies to the trust of the entire interests of the kingdom of our Savior to his servants on the earth.

Matthew 25:14-30

For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country. Compare Mr 13:34-36 Lu 19:11-27. Christ's departure from the earth to heaven is referred to.

Called his own servants. The church members or disciples.

Delivered unto them his goods. This applies to the trust of the entire interests of the kingdom of our Savior to his servants on the earth. Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one. The talent was not a coin, but a weight, and was especially applied to the weighing of the precious metals. The Hebrew talent is variously estimated to be equivalent to a weight of silver ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.

To every man according to his own several ability. The sums entrusted to the servants were graded by their capacity. The trust of the Lord to each servant is measured according to his mental ability, wealth, position, or influence. Then he that had received the five talents, etc. Whoever diligently uses the powers and means of grace the Lord has given in such a servant. The result is gain to himself. He that had received one, etc. Before the days of banks of deposit, and still in countries where they are not established, it is a common thing to hide treasure in the earth. The servant's only care was to hold on to what he had. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh. There is certainly a hint here that a long period would pass before the Lord's return.

And reckoneth with them. When our race meets the Lord, every mortal, saint, and sinner, good and bad, will be called on for a reckoning. Every one's opportunities, as well as the character of his life and works, will be considered. He that had received five talents, etc. He had doubled what he had received, and in acknowledgment that all was due to his lord who had given all and whose he was, he brought all to lay at his feet. I will make thee ruler over many things. (1) Observe here that it is God's talents that have made the ten talents. The fruitfulness of our work depends on what God has given us. (2) In God's government, promotion depends on fidelity. This is in a measure true, here and how; fulfillment of duty in a lower and lesser station is rewarded by the providence which bids us to go up higher. (3) Present duties are trials of character; God gives the talents that he may test and see who is worthy of a trust. (4) The trusts given here below, by our use of which are to show ourselves capable of receiving the crown above, Jesus calls "a few things". This is in contrast with the trusts we will enjoy in the heavenly kingdom. He also that had received two talents, etc. His fidelity and reward are indicated, acknowledged and rewarded in exactly the same terms as in the case of the first servant. The final reward depends on "faithfulness", not greatness. I knew thee that thou art an hard man. The charge against the lord is insulting. The term "hard", and the charge in the next clause, "of reaping where thou hast not sown", affirm that the lord was harsh, unfeeling, grasping, and unscrupulous about his methods of acquisition. It states the position of many of our fellow men. Many refuse to employ their talents in Christ's service because they think it a hard, exacting service, making unreasonable demands of self-denial, self-control and self-sacrifice. [Thou] wicked and slothful servant. The wickedness of the servant is demonstrated, not only his unfaithfulness, but by his false and slanderous excuses. To the exchangers. To the bankers. If the lord was so exacting as he supposed, he ought at least to have put his money to use with the money brokers that it might have earned something.

Usury. Interest. The Jews were forbidden to take it from their brethren, but were allowed to take it from aliens. See De 23:19,20. Take therefore the talent from him. He had shown himself unworthy of the trust. He had enjoyed opportunity to serve the lord, but had utterly neglected it; therefore the opportunity was taken away. The application is easy.

Give [it] unto him who hath ten talents. Because he has shown himself worthy of great trusts. To every one that hath shall be given. Every attainment of honor, wealth, knowledge, or spiritual grace helps to render further attainment more easy and more assured; while it is spiritually as well as materially true that "the destruction of the poor is their poverty" (Pr 10:15).

Shall be taken away even that which he hath. For every "hath" there is a richer "hath"; and in every "hath not" a deeper, poorer "hath not". Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness. A state of banishment from the presence of the Lord. Have you a trust from the Lord? Are you useful to him according to your ability?