When the Lord returns, we will be held accountable for our stewardship of His provision. Matthew 25 gives us insight into how God entrusts His children with resources—and expects faithfulness in return. Jesus tells the story of three men, each given bags of gold based on their abilities.
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
(Matthew 25:14-15)
Each servant was entrusted with a significant investment. One was given five bags, the second was given two bags, and the last awarded one bag of gold. Just for some perspective, each bag was worth about 20 years of a worker’s wages.
Right out of the gate, we see this: God knows what a man can carry. It is clear from this parable that we are not all created with the same abilities, and not all men have been given the same assignment. The bags of gold represent not only resources but also responsibility. The gap between five bags of gold and one is substantial. Notice that the two men who were given the larger sums didn’t waste time; they leveraged what they were given and produced a return.
The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
(Matthew 25:16-18)
But as we see, the other man went out, dug a hole, and buried the master’s money. The key word—master—reminds us that each servant knew the money belonged to his lord and was entrusted to him. This is the first step in understanding where our money comes from. While we may work hard, we must remember that our health, jobs, and resources come from the Lord!
After a long time, the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
(Matthew 5:19)
This long time shows God’s patience—He gives a man time to learn his assignment, grow up, and put what he’s been given to work. He not only blesses us with different abilities and resources, but also gives us time to figure it out. Our time on Earth may feel long, but compared to eternity, it’s short. The King’s return may feel far off, but it’s nearer than we think.
At the master’s return, the two servants who had been given five bags of gold and two bags of gold came to him and said, “Look, I have doubled what you gave me.” Notice the master’s response.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'(Mathew 19:21)
First, we see that the master was well pleased: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Second, good stewards are recognized as faithful. Third, proven faithfulness is met with increased assignment—as the master says, “Because you did well with a few things, I’ll put you in charge of many things.” Lastly, they will share in their master’s happiness. Consider the Lord, who created everything and is in charge of giving everything out, saying, “Because you have done well, I will not only bless you with more, but you will be given great responsibility in Heaven and be part of My happiness.” Yes, God is a good Father, and He takes joy in blessing His children.
In contrast, consider the servant who buried his allotment of gold. This man not only doubted his master, but he also misunderstood God’s character. He lived in fear of his responsibility. Instead of working, he wasted. He buried the blessing and returned what the master had entrusted.
Why is this important? This servant failed to understand how God’s kingdom—and our eternal home—works. God invites and calls His children to participate in His will and work while on Earth. While we wait for our eternal destination in Heaven, we all have an assignment. And yes, our talents, abilities, and provisions are different. Yet, what we do with these God-given talents and responsibilities will shape the Father’s response.
Both servants who were given the five and two bags of gold received the same response and blessing from the master. They were both called faithful and given more responsibility. But the other servant was called wicked and lazy.
“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned, I would have received it back with interest.”
(Mathew 5:27-28)
He didn’t scatter or sow. Scatter represents sharing. Sowing means reaping a harvest. So, this lazy servant didn’t even try to grow or reproduce. When God blesses us—whether with wealth, health, or a voice—we should faithfully invest what He’s entrusted to us, so it bears fruit now and leads to greater reward and responsibility in Heaven. When much has been given, much is required.
If you’re reading this, then the Master has given you more time to be faithful. Praise Him!
Have a great weekend,
Stephen L. Thomas, RTM