Day Eighty – Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus measures the work he gives us, matching our resources to our ability. He will not demand of us anything we cannot give him nor will he set us up to fail. If our ability is equal to two talents, he will not give us five; if our ability is limited to one, he will not give us two. But if he gives us one, he knows we are able to produce something more with it.

We cannot concern ourselves with the resources Jesus has given to other believers or envy their talents. If he knows they are capable of doing and managing more than we can do or manage, then we can trust his wisdom, accept our humble role, and rejoice in the successes of those whose work in God’s kingdom is greater than our own.

The first slave was wise to “immediately” put his talent to work. The absence of the master is what creates the tension and temptation in the story. It is also what makes the present moment so critical, because once the master returns (v. 19) and the door is shut (v. 10), there will be no more opportunity to make something of this life. We do not want to die with money in the bank, unwritten books in our minds, or unfulfilled intentions to do good in our hearts.

O Lord, it is clear that mere talent or money is not Your primary concern and that You have already given us everything we need to please You. We learn from Your teaching that the “real deal” is not the person who works wonders, but the person who does good for others. Walk with us, Lord, and when we are tempted to be “wicked” or “lazy,” bring someone our way who can use our love and help.