This chapter opens up with the very familiar parable of the ten virgins (bridesmaids) (verses one through 12). There were 5 foolish virgins and 5 wise virgins; the foolish ones were not prepared and the wise ones were prepared. When the bridegroom came to get the bridesmaids, the five foolish were left behind and locked out of the wedding. When they got back to the waiting area, they attempted to get in but were denied access. Verse 13 is the key verse for this parable; Jesus said, “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return”. We must be ready for Jesus’ return. We will not have time to get ourselves together for as the previous chapter mentioned the moment will be as quick as a lightening flash. Friend, will you be ready?
In verses 14 through 29, we read about the parable of the three servants. The master was going on a long trip and left his servants behind to tend the his affairs. He distributed his money to each of the for the amount of time he would be gone and according to each servant’s ability. When he returned, two of the servants had doubled what they received, but the one that received the least earned nothing in addition to it. The master was pleased with the two who doubled what they received and gave them additional responsibilities as they had stewarded their talents well. But the one who didn’t gain interest was condemned and sent away. As mentioned in chapter 24, we must steward what God gives us well. God gives us talents according to our individual abilities. He expects multiplication just as the master did. Our gifts and talents are not for our personal gain, but instead, they are for His glory and the saving of souls. Don’t be like the one who sat on his talent and offered no return when his master called him forth.
Jesus said, in verse 29, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This verse reiterates precious points. Friend, don’t be a useless, hell-bound servant due to sitting on your talent.
In verses 31 through 40, Jesus talked about the final judgment. Jesus will sit upon His thrown with His angels. All the people will be gathered; the sheep will stand to His right and the goats to His left. Jesus will say to the sheep, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. Thirsty, you gave me drink. A stranger, you invited me into your home. Naked, you clothed me. Sick, you cared for me. In prison, you visited me”. They will reply, “When did we do all these things”. Jesus will reply, “When you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you were doing it for Me”. But in verses 41 through 46, we read of the goats being sent away for refusing to do the things the sheep had done. They are destined for eternal punishment while the sheep are destined for eternal life. Are you a sheep or a goat? Where will you spend eternity?
Real Talk with Keve 