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.’”
This is Jesus’ last week before the crucifixion. Things are concluding. This is the second parable in this chapter. The first one began by saying “The Kingdom of heaven is like”. This one is also a comparison to the kingdom of heaven. This is a frightful conversation. The last entry we wrote about the ones who got rewards. We will all have one of these two conversations. These are the ones before the throne of God. The condemned will be in front of the great white throne (Revelation 20). Believers won’t be there. 2 Corinthians 5:10 speaks of where they will go, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.” This will be like a positive work review.
There appears to be two types of people, the responsible and the lazy. The ones going to heaven aren’t just responsible. They must be forgiven. It’s also possible for a lazy person to go to heaven. However, he would be resisting the Holy Spirit strongly. Once that’s understood we can look at the parable.
Jesus is praising a good work ethic. This is a major theme throughout the bible. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes delve into it heavily. A good work ethic is good for the family and society. It’s how one advances himself. This one is respected by his peers.
Psychologists speak of the importance of having a good self esteem. Work contributes to that strongly to that. Proverbs 18:16 says, “A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.” This person doesn’t have a self esteem problem.
Another point is to focus on our gifts. Some go to college and pursue majors that aren’t their talents. This is frustrating and inefficient. I was involved in ministry in my 20’s. That was great, but wouldn’t have been a good career for me. I didn’t have the make up for it. I ended up being a teacher. That was great. While I wouldn’t say I was the favorite, but cared for students and did good job. The saved person with a good work ethic will have a great entry into heaven.
The lazy person will be frustrated and be looked down upon. This person is selfish. They probably aren’t redeemed. I say that because the saved individual will be prodded by Holy Spirit to work hard. Caring individuals in his life will also assist in being a responsible worker. However, it doesn’t always work that way.
Our primary act is to be right with God. Once that’s settled we are to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us. That way we will have a great conversation with Jesus at the judgement seat. The great white throne is for the unredeemed and the lazy. They had two strikes against them; they ignored Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins, but also neglected using their talents to work hard. May we be good stewards.