The Talents
Use What You've Been Given
Matthew 25:14-30about 2 minutes to read aloud
"The kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a long journey," Jesus said. "He called his servants and gave them what he owned."
"To one he gave five bags of gold. To another, two. To another, one. Each according to his ability. Then the master left."
"The servant with five bags traded and worked and earned five more. The one with two bags earned two more. But the one with one bag dug a hole in the ground and hid it."
"After a long time, the master came home. The first servant brought ten bags. 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' said the master. The second brought four. 'Well done.'"
"Then the third came. 'Master, I was afraid. Here is your one bag, safe in the ground.' The master was grieved. 'You should have put it to work.'"
What the Lord gives, He means for us to use. Every small gift, offered back to Him, is welcomed by the Master.
Questions to talk about
How did the master share the gold with his servants?
Show the answer
To one he gave five bags, to another two, to another one — each according to his ability.
What did the third servant do with his one bag of gold?
Show the answer
He buried it to keep it safe but did not put it to work.
What does the story teach us?
Show the answer
'Well done, good and faithful servant' is the word to all who use what they have been given.
The lesson
What the Lord gives, He means for us to use. Even one bag, in faithful hands, brings joy to the Master.
