The Parable of the Talents (Money in Trust)
Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27
- The Character of the Leader
The character of the leader in this parable is of utmost importance. We see that he is a nobleman or political leader who is only out to gain power. He does not have in mind the interest of those he leads, as a matter of fact he abuses his power to amass great wealth. Matthew does not describe the character of the leader he leaves that to the slave towards the end of the parable. Luke begins by describing the character of this leader and allows the story to unfold with that as its backdrop. Often this parable has been understood with God taking on the person of the nobleman. However, as we can see those who were the poor and outcast of society would have never accepted this understanding they would have rejected this because God would never take on the character of a manipulative, greedy, power hungry dictator.
- The Charge of the Follower
Each of the slaves was given a responsibility. It is not hard to believe that each of these slaves already had a reputation for either working with or working against the nobleman. We can assume this because of how much he entrusted each one of them with. They each had a choice to make once they received the talents/pounds. They could either continue to work along with the corrupt system and allow the nobleman to continue to exploit his power and make money on the backs of those he oppressed or they could resist by refusing to be accomplices to his selfish power seeking plan. Only one of the slaves decided to take the more difficult choice and to resist the nobleman, which in my opinion makes him the hero of the story. When asked why he clearly states his reasons “because you are a harsh man, you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.”
- The Consequences of our Actions
There are clear consequences when we make the decision to resist those who stand in opposition to the justice of the kingdom of God. We see that the slaves who went along with the system were rewarded for their behavior. They received power and wealth themselves and were able to lift themselves out of their degrading predicament. No longer slaves by name they were still slaves to the system created by their master. For unless they continue to produce wealth for him at the rate in which he desired and to go along with his plan for amassing power they could quickly find themselves back in the same position in which they began. However, there consequences are the complete opposite for the slave who resists and bucks the system. He is stripped of the little he does have (one pound/talent) and it is given to the obedient slave with the ten pounds. The nobleman shouts “ I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing , even more will be taken away.” This is the exact opposite of the way the kingdom of God works.
- What people, places or things do you need to resist in your life because they are in opposition to the kingdom of God?
- Name some ways Christianity itself is a form of resistance?
- As we celebrate Dr. King this week, what are some actions in which you can participate to show your care for the oppressed in our society?