GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS

[Jesus said,] “At that time the Kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there was a man who was about to leave home on a trip; he called his servants and put them in charge of his property. ¹⁵ He gave to each one according to his ability: to one he gave five thousand gold coins, to another he gave two thousand, and to another he gave one thousand. Then he left on his trip.” (Matthew 25:14-30, GNT)

The Parable of the Three Servants

This parable is too long to quote in its entirety here, so I hope you’ll take a few moments to re-read it. Like all the parables Jesus taught with, it’s open to multiple interpretations. Depending on which servant we identify as the focus of the story, the outcome looks quite different.

The Good and Faithful Servants

The parable tells us about two good and faithful servants: one entrusted with 5,000 gold coins, the other with 2,000. Both of them worked hard and doubled the amount the master entrusted to them. The master praises both of them equally. It’s clear the issue is not how much the servant begins with. The issue is using the resources to grow them.

As I’m aging, the amount of energy I have is diminishing. Activities that used to be easy are becoming harder. Activities that used to be challenging are no longer possible. This parable comforts me because I know the Lord expects me to use the resources I have now, not keep up with the resources I had years ago.

The Lazy Servant

The parable also tells us about a lazy servant. The master entrusted this servant with 1,000 gold coins, but instead of using those coins to make more, he buried them. When the master returned, this servant returned the coins he was given, excusing his lack of effort by saying he knew how demanding the master was. The master is angry that the servant didn’t even put the money in the bank to earn interest. Calling the lazy servant “useless,” he throws that servant out of the house.

When we focus on this servant, the parable carries a warning. Remember, Jesus began the story by saying, “The Kingdom of heaven will be like this…” It’s true the Lord only expects us to use what resources we have, but it’s equally true the Lord expects us to do as much as we can with the resources we’ve been given.

“Well done!”

When I’m tempted to take for granted the resources of money, energy, time, talents, security, and love the Lord has showered on me, I remember the lazy servant. More than anything, when I go to the place Jesus went to prepare for us, I want to hear the Lord say, “Well done, you good and faithful servant…Come on in and share my happiness.” (verse 23)

Your Turn

As you reflect on this parable, how do you interpret it?