Be Vigilant and Be Diligent - Be Diligent as the End Nears

In his next parable, Jesus did more than urge his followers to be vigilant. After telling of the wise and the foolish virgins, he related the illustration of the talents. (Read Matthew 25:14-30)  In many respects this resembles his earlier parable of the minas, which Jesus gave because many were imagining that the kingdom of God would display itself instantly." - LUKE 19:11-27.

In the parable of the talents, Jesus told of a man who, prior  to making a journey abroad,   summoned three slaves. To one he committed five talents, to another two, and to the last just one-"to each one according to his own ability."  Likely, this meant a silver talent, a standard amount than worth what a laborer would earn in 14 years-a lot of money!  When the man returned, he had the slaves account for what they did during the "long time" that he was away.  The first two slaves had doubled the value of what was entrusted them.  He said "well done," promised each one more responsibility, and concluded:  "Enter into the joy of your master." Claiming that the master was extremely dominating, the slave with one talent had not put the talent to any profitable use.  He  hid the money, not even depositing it with bankers to earn interest.  The master termed him "wicked and sluggish" because he had worked against his master's interests.  Consequently, the taken from  him, and he was put outside "where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth" would be.

Next time: Be Vigilant and Be Diligent - Conclusion of   Be Diligent as the End Nears 

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