Key Passage: Matthew 25:14-30

Topic: Evangelism

"Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them." (Matthew 25:19, ESV)

This is the fourth story in a row Jesus told to urge His followers to watch and prepare for His return and the end of this age.

In the story a man goes on a long trip leaving his servants in charge. Before he leaves, he gives them some money: the first received five talents (a talent was equal to about 20 years of wages); the second, two talents; and the third, one talent.

When he returned, he asked them what they did with his money. The first two had invested it and earned more. But the third servant had buried his and had nothing more than the original coins. The master wasn't pleased with this "wicked and slothful servant" (Matthew 25:26, ESV).

What is Jesus saying in this parable? "Live your life on purpose. Invest your time and finances now to increase the number of men, women and children who will be in heaven." He's given us each resources we can use for Him. He wants us to use them to help others get to know Him.

What has God given you? Can you sing, draw, provide a friendly, welcoming environment for guests in your home, teach, preach? Maybe even give faithfully?

We can bury our resources and opportunities like the third servant in this story. We can even make excuses like he did. But the "wicked and slothful servant" was thrown into outer darkness while the other two were commended by their master and celebrated with him.