Love your neighbour as yourself.
We’ve come to the last day of our series on the parable of the Ten Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)—and what a journey it’s been! 🙌.
Over the past week, we’ve discovered that, just like the servants in Jesus’ story, we’ve been given a job.
Paul describes it like this:
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10
So, what are these “good works” we’re created for? To answer that, let’s zoom out one last time and look at the parable in context.
The parable of the Talents, along with the parable of the Ten Virgins, is part of a larger teaching Jesus gives to His disciples about the end times (Matthew 24 and 25).
He begins with a list of the signs of the end times, then shares both the parables to urge us to be ready, and concludes by listing the criteria for salvation.
In a very famous passage, Jesus describes the action of the righteous:
‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:35-40
These☝️are the works!
The talents, resources, and influence God entrusts us with are never just for our own benefit. God’s Kingdom is always about blessing those around us.
At the heart of everything—every parable, every commandment, every calling—is this commandment:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and your neighbour as yourself. – Matthew 22:37-40
Let’s pray!
Heavenly Father, show me how I can use what you have entrusted me to bless those around me. Let me be a good steward of what You have given me by giving to others. Thank you for your blessings on my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
It could be as easy as forwarding this email to someone who needs encouragement today!😉
