Mat 25:14-30 | Family | STEP | The kingdom of heaven ; the object of this parable was to show, that as all our blessings come from God, we are accountable to him, and should so use them as to meet his approbation.

Matthew 25:14-30

The kingdom of heaven; the object of this parable was to show, that as all our blessings come from God, we are accountable to him, and should so use them as to meet his approbation. His several ability; representing the various gifts which God bestows on different individuals. All our blessings we receive from God, and to him we are justly accountable for the use of them. He does not give the same to all, and he requires only according to what a man hath. Of course, no one will be condemned for not having received more. Traded with the same; showing the good improvement he made of what had been given him. Hid his lord's money; where he would have no trouble in taking care of it, while he ought to have traded with it for his lord's profit. This shows that a failure to improve our opportunities to do good is a heinous sin which Christ will severely punish. The lord of those servants; Jesus Christ. Those who employ the blessings which God bestows in his service and to his glory, will have their blessings greatly increased. Make thee ruler over many things; advance thee to a higher station in my service. The principle here stated is perpetually illustrated in Christ's dealings with his servants in this world, but will have its highest fulfilment at the resurrection of the just. Good and faithful servant; he receives the same reward as the servant to whom five talents had been entrusted; because it is not the amount of talents given, but the faithful use of them, that Christ regards. Not strewed; not scattered seed. This showed that he had no love to his lord, no disposition to honor him, or even to be just towards him. Thou knewest; this may be taken as an argument out of the servant's own mouth: Didst thou know? Then thou oughtest, etc. Exchangers; answering nearly to our brokers or bankers. They were persons who dealt in money.

Usury; interest. Lawful and proper increase was the meaning of this word when our translation of the Bible was made, not unlawful interest, as it means now. Take therefore; as he would not rightly use what he had, he could no longer have it. Those who refuse to employ what God gives them in his service and to his glory, will soon have all their blessings removed, and no more will be given to them for ever. Every one that hath; a disposition to rightly use the blessings which God gives, is a preparation for more and greater blessings.

That hath not; he that hath not this disposition, when God calls him to account, will be deprived of all blessings, and for his unfaithfulness will be punished as he deserves.