Read Together: Matthew 25:14–30

On Sunday, Bryan challenged us to live with joyful generosity as those who live in light of eternity. When we stand before God one day, he will ask us, “What did you do with what I gave you?” Jesus himself illustrated this reality with a parable in Matthew 25:14–30.

In this story, a man gives his servants differing amounts of talents (i.e., money) to manage while he is away on a journey. Two servants use this wealth to create more wealth, while another simply buries his money in the ground. The first two servants are praised and rewarded, but the third servant is condemned by his lazy failure to use what he had been given for the sake of his master.

The main point of this parable has to do with how Christ’s disciples are to live while they await his second coming. The talents in the parable represent the different opportunities, responsibilities, vocations, and even the wealth God has given each of us. We are not to live in lazy self-service or fear of failure but boldly use what God has given us for his glory and the good of others.

All that we have comes from God—all our opportunities, responsibilities, wealth, time, and giftings. How are you using these things? Do you spend most of your energy just trying not to mess up with what you have? Or are you using these things faithfully for God? As pastor and author Greg Gilbert put it in a message on this parable (which is well worth listening to): “Being a Christian isn’t just a matter of avoiding doing something wrong. It’s a matter of burning up our lives in service to our King.”

Discussion Questions

1. What is the main point of this parable?
2. What are some of the opportunities and responsibilities God has given you? How are you currently using these?
3. What are some ways you can use your God-given opportunities, responsibilities, wealth, time, and giftings in bold service to King Jesus?

Ideas for Younger Kids

• Read this parable together with your children. Consider summarizing or re-telling portions of it if needed. Emphasize how all that we have is a gift from God that he has given us to honor him and love others. Ask your children about what God has given them and talk about how we might use these things for the service of our King.

Memorization: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:21)

Song: Listen to “My Jesus, I Love Thee” (TGC Live, feat. Shane & Shane, Davy Flowers). Genuine service to King Jesus flows from a deep love for Jesus!

Pray Together

• Praise God that he is Lord and King over all and he has given us so many good things.
• Confess before God that we often use what he has given us with selfishness and fear.
• Give thanks to God that through Jesus we are forgiven and given new hearts that begin to long to love and serve our King more.
• Pray that God would help us use all that he has given us to serve him and love others.

Go Together

• Return to Question #3 above and choose one practical way to use what God has given you as a family or individuals to serve him this week.