Matthew 25:24-28
“Now the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed. And I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you still have what is yours.’ But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed? Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore: take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’”
I wrote about this same passage last time. Something was brought up that I wanted to address. The servant gives his reason for not investing the talent. The boss repeats it back. The boss doesn’t claim that he is this way, but acknowledges that it’s what the servant thought. It became the standard.
This should have motivated the servant to invest. By burying the talent he is inviting judgment. He didn’t fear his master. It was more important for him to cater to his laziness than to obey. He wanted to do what he wanted to do. We all have that right. Many do that. In fact, most do that.
The issue is Christ’s lordship. Jesus addresses that in Matthew 7:13,14, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
What’s interesting about this verse is the last phrase, “there are few who find it”. The gospel isn’t hidden. In America, most have heard it. So, why is it difficult to find? I would say it’s the enemy’s deception. When one is convicted of sin upon hearing the gospel, they know it’s the right thing to do. However, there is some difficulty. They put it off. This is inviting deception (Romans 1:21). They are resisting the Holy Spirit, so they forget about that conviction and they are fooled into thinking that all is well. They have lost the path.
I just referenced Romans 1. Today’s passage brings up another point in that same chapter. It has to do with the servant in today’s passage. He had a wrong belief about his master. He violated his own beliefs. The master gives that as part of the reason he is damned.
Here is the passage, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse”, (Romans 1:18-20).
I want to use this passage to explain how those who haven’t heard the gospel will be judged. It says the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness. This includes those who haven’t heard. Nature is the spokesman. His attributes, power and nature are seen and perceived by all. That is the knowledge by which they will be judged. In their hearts they know. Their sin comes if they suppress that truth. That is true for all. We all receive different amounts.
There are several camps of people. Those who have heard the gospel and those who haven’t. If they have heard it, then they are redeemed if they’ve accepted it. If they haven’t heard it, then the explanation in the previous passage applies. Today’s servant seems to fit in that category. He had wrong beliefs. He violated them and was judged because of it.
Luke 18:24-27 has Jesus sharing some difficult truths, ‘And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God!” Those who heard Him said, “And so who can be saved?” But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”’ The disciples rightly got the point that it is difficult to get into heaven. Jesus comforts them by saying it’s impossible with people, but possible with God. Many of us have accepted Christ and have received forgiveness. We responded to the gospel. I would say God’s mercy was part of our accepting Him. He put us in positions that made it easier to accept.
Lord, thank You that You are a fair God who gives all several chances to be redeemed. You draw all to Yourself. It’s up to us to yield to that drawing. Your mercy has led us to Yourself. Thank You.