Matthew 25:14-30

In Matthew chapter 25 we find three different parables about preparing for the end-times, which Jesus told in the final week of his earthly life. The second of the three is about the Talents.

As the editors compiled the Spark Story Bible for children, they included all three of the Matthew 25 parables. This is how they recounted the second:

Jesus told a story about using the gifts God gives us.

A man was going on a trip. “I need someone to take care of my money,” he thought. He called his servants and handed each one of them some talents. “Take care of this money while I’m away,” he said.

Two of the servants went to the market. They traded their talents and made more. One servant was afraid. He dug a hole and buried his talents.

The man returned, and two servants handed him more than they had been given.

“Good job,” the man said. “You shall have more.”

The third servant brushed the dirt from his talents. “I was afraid,” he said. “I buried my talent.”

“Give your talent to the others,” the man said. “You did not use what I gave you. I will not give you any more.”

After telling the story, the editors ask the readers to try a little experiment:

Smile at five people today. If they smile back, you now have ten smiles.

We all have some obvious, maybe hidden, a talents. Let’s use what we have been given to make this world a happier and better place today.

Prayer

Dear God, remind me to put a smile on my face and the face of others as I use the talents I have been given. Help me to claim each talent as I walk the path of discipleship, following my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.