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A Story about Ten Servants
(Matthew 25.14-30)
11 The crowd was still listening to Jesus as he was getting close to Jerusalem. Many of them thought that God's kingdom would soon appear, 12and Jesus told them this story:
A prince once went to a foreign country to be crowned king and then to return. 13But before leaving, he called in ten servants and gave each of them some money. He told them, “Use this to earn more money until I get back.”
14But the people of his country hated him, and they sent messengers to the foreign country to say, “We don't want this man to be our king.”
15After the prince had been made king, he returned and called in his servants. He asked them how much they had earned with the money they had been given.
16The first servant came and said, “Sir, with the money you gave me I have earned ten times as much.”
17“That's fine, my good servant!” the king said. “Since you have shown that you can be trusted with a small amount, you will be given ten cities to rule.”
18The second one came and said, “Sir, with the money you gave me, I have earned five times as much.”
19The king said, “You will be given five cities.”
20Another servant came and said, “Sir, here is your money. I kept it safe in a handkerchief. 21You are a hard man, and I was afraid of you. You take what isn't yours, and you harvest crops you didn't plant.”
22“You worthless servant!” the king told him. “You have condemned yourself by what you have just said. You knew I am a hard man, taking what isn't mine and harvesting what I've not planted. 23Why didn't you put my money in the bank? On my return, I could have had the money together with interest.”
24Then he said to some other servants standing there, “Take the money away from him and give it to the servant who earned ten times as much.”
25But they said, “Sir, he already has ten times as much!”
26 The king replied, “Those who have something will be given more. But everything will be taken away from those who don't have anything. 27Now bring me the enemies who didn't want me to be their king. Kill them while I watch!”
Reflect
Do you remember the first time you got to stay at home alone for a weekend? There’s something heady about being trusted.
What is the sensation? Is it feeling the power of choice … the freedom to do whatever you want – whenever you want? In the back of your mind you know what your parents expect. They look around when they come home and give EACH OTHER a high five! Why the smirks? They know the two week cruise is now a definite possibility. Yes!!
The servants in Jesus’ story experienced this. They were on their own with a piece of the prince’s wealth in their hands. He wasn’t looking over their shoulders clearing his throat as they contemplated decisions. He was gone for his coronation. The next time they would see him, he would be a king. In the meantime, they were to go make money.
It’s interesting that a protest group purporting to represent all citizens came trailing after him. Their agenda was to hijack the royal ceremony and openly block him from becoming their king.
Contrary to such popular opinion, the first two servants saw things differently. They were thrilled to be trusted with the money. They did their best! And when the returning king saw their commitment, he entrusted them with way more!
One wonders why the prince took a chance on the third servant. And likewise, did this servant just go through the motions of accepting the money to have the security of having a place somewhere – even if it was under a prince he only knew in passing and barely tolerated.
One wonders about some people. Why do some accept Jesus as Saviour but quietly continue to resist his Lordship. And, what will he say to them when he returns as King …
Respond
Lord Jesus,
On that great day when you return, it will be glorious! Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that you are Lord! By your spirit, enable me to joyfully live today with the celebration of that day in mind. Through your Holy name. Amen.
Keith Elford
Keith Elford serves as the bishop of The Free Methodist Church in Canada. His mandate is to oversee a diverse group of godly, competent leaders who, using a variety of approaches, work together to see healthy churches developed within Canada and beyond. Prior to being elected as bishop in 1997, Keith was a pastor for 24 years, serving congregations in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan. He regularly writes for The Mosaic, a Free Methodist publication.