In a sandbox a little boy snatches a plastic mould from a girl, shouting: don’t touch it, it’s mine! This scene from a children’s story opens a reflection on the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), the story of a master who entrusts his entire estate to his servants because he sees them as friends, not employees. The sermon shows that God does not give us abilities, time and resources so that we bury them in the ground, but so that they serve others and bring joy to Him and to us. Listen and ask yourself what you are doing with what you have received.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Jesus' time a talent was a huge sum, about 34 kilograms of gold or silver, and rabbis advised burying wealth. Why might the third servant's behavior have seemed sensible back then?
- What in Matthew 25:14-30 shows that the master knew his servants well and trusted them, since he gave to each according to his ability?
- The third servant calls the master hard and says he was afraid of him. How does your picture of God affect whether you take risks and get involved or bury what you have?
- The master doesn't just hand out a bonus; he invites the servants to enter into his joy. What does this invitation tell you about what God wants in his relationship with you?
- When do you say to God, like the boy in the sandbox, "Don't touch, it's mine"? Which of your abilities, time, or resources is hardest for you to place at his disposal?
- Which excuse, like the ones mentioned in the sermon, do you use most often, and what one small step in serving God and people can you take this week?
