Given a Chance: Matthew 25:14-30
Focus Passage: Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT)
In this journal entry’s passage/parable, a subtle but amazing truth about God is shared. While most people simply think of this parable on the surface level of money and/or talents, Jesus gives an amazing hint into God’s character that is often missed.
This truth is found when combining something we know about God with something that is shared in the parable – specifically as the characters are being introduced. In verses 14-15, we read, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities.”
What clued me into thinking there must be something is deeper is the very last phrase in verse 15: “dividing it in proportion to their abilities”. If we understand the man leaving on the trip to represent God, think for a moment about what God knows – which is everything, including the past and the future. While dealing out the money, He already knows that the first two servants will double their investments, while the third one would do nothing with it. This foreknowledge would affect His choice when determining the “abilities” of each of the three servants.
But while He knew that servant #3 would miss the intention of this exercise, what amazes me is that God still gives this servant the chance to prove Him wrong. Even if this third servant was the least promising one of the group, he still is given the chance to invest and grow the master’s money. Even with one bag of silver, this least promising servant could have doubled, tripled, or quadrupled the investment, and while it would have been harder for him, since he had the least ability, I don’t think the percentage difference would have been missed when the master returned.
The truth this tells me about God is simple: Even though God knows the future, He still gives everyone the opportunity to invest with Him, and to multiply the gifts He has given to each of us. Even the least “talented” person is given the chance to invest and grow.
This thought was inspired by studying the Walking With Jesus “Reflective Bible Study” package. To discover insights like this in your own study time, click here and give Reflective Bible Study a try today!
Read this article on the web on it's official page: Given a Chance: Matthew 25:14-30
Comments