Sunday Morning Service

Matthew 25:1-30 (Click title for audio access)

Servants, Virgins And Talents • 2.12.11 • Calvary Christian Fellowship, Sunday Morning Service

Intro

- Jesus has been giving His disciples a crash course on eschatology from the mount of olives. To say that it has been a challenge for us is to understate the situation.

- Here is a quick synopsis of what we learned over the last three weeks. Jesus answers the question, "What are the signs of your full appearance as the Messiah?"

- Jesus points to general signs like wars and rumors of wars, pestilence, earthquakes. These will be consistently intense when the Tribulation, the predicted 70th week of Daniel, occurs.

- The specific sign will be the Abomination of Desolation, which will signal the final 3 and a half years of the tribulation, a time called "Jacob's Trouble" as well as, the "Great Tribulation."

- For a full study, I commend to your reading Daniel 9, 11 and 12, as well as Revelation 6 through Revelation 19.

- "What the signs would be" was the disciples second question. Their first question was "when will these things be?" Jesus answered, "Nobody knows the day or the hour!"

- This lets us know that there is a difference between the beginning of the events of His coming as King and the final culmination, which is given a definitive time, at least to the very day.

- Jesus describes the normal circumstances and then, the rapture of the church, which will at the very least, precede the time of the Great Tribulation.

- This brings us to the last section of Matthew 24. He has answered "what" and "when." Jesus then begins to discuss the "What for" or "Why" aspect of this information.

- The end of that chapter serves as a perfect set up for what we are looking at today. Jesus gives us the story of two servants, one good and the other evil.

- The good one provided food for the household and took care of things the right way. When the master returned, he gave this servant greater responsibility.

- The wicked servant believed that there would be great delay, which led him to abuse his fellow servants, as well as his own body, with drinking and partying.

- When the master returned and found him in that condition, he called for severe discipline and a banishment into a place with weeping and gnashing of teeth.

- The point of that parable is to illustrate the attitude that we are to have, as well as the accompanying action.

- What we believe about Christ's return, should affect the way that we live! In fact, I will say that the actions that emanate from one's life, provides the authentication of the Lord's work in that life.

-Today, our Lord will give us two more parables that illustrate the same principles. The parable of the virgins will illustrate the proper attitude and the parable of the talents, the proper action.

Text

• Matthew 25:1-5 : “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.” : We have mentioned before that the Jewish marriage ceremony was predicated on the element of surprise.

- The agreement and the betrothal set the stage for the actual wedding day, which could happen at any time during a given day. How would you like that?

- The ceremony would usually take place in the evening time and when it began, it could go for at least a week!

- These virgins are akin to our bridesmaids. They are women of marrying age, whose responsibility is to provide light for the groom, thus the carrying of the lamps, or torches.

- Ten was the usual complement for any given wedding party, in fact, many commentators noted that the number 10 represented completion to the Jews.

- In this story, half the virgins were admirable and the other half, not so much.

- Half of these virgins are notable because they are "wise." The word that Jesus employs speaks to prudence. I really enjoy the meaning of the word "prudence.".

- These two definitions say it best: "careful in providing for the future," and "discreet or cautious in managing one's activities." I would like us to be more prudent!

- In contrast, the other five were foolish, Jesus using the Greek word "moros," from which our word "moron" is derived. This word refers to a lack of concern for future choices.

- These foolish ladies are the opposite in character to the wise ones. The difference is seen in their preparation.

- A procession would soon take place that would require the ladies to light the way for the groom. They would escort him in and would then light the way for the return to the wedding venue.

- This would require oil for the torches, as well as an extra supply to cover the length of the journey. The foolish virgins took none, while the wise brought oil with them.

- While they waited for the bridegroom, they all, foolish and wise, dozed off. As we'll see in a moment, this is getting late in the evening.

• Matthew 25:6-10 : "And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut." : Finally, the groom's party was within sight. The virgins went into action.

- All trimmed their lamps meaning that they prepared them to be lit. The oil had already soaked into the material. Now that the event was imminent, you'd put more oil on for the road.

- Already, the torches that the foolish virgins had were on their way to being extinguished. The starter oil was dry or drying quickly. There was not enough oil to keep the torch lit.

- The previous "oiling" had dried on the material while they slept and the bridegroom delayed.

- By the way, notice that in Jewish weddings, it's the groom, not the bride that makes his entrance! "Here comes the groom..."

- The torches were not equipped for long service, which put the foolish virgins in a bind. They called out to the wise and asked for some oil.

- This crisis that had come upon the foolish virgins was of their own making and the wisdom is seen in action when the reply was "no!"

- Wisdom is knowing when you have the ability to help and sometimes the best answer is "no!" These young ladies pointed the others in the direction of buying some oil.

- This is very late in the evening, perhaps in the later hours of the early evening when shop owners would be open, but very near to closing up for the night.

- They went out to buy, which would have been a good decision earlier, but proves to be a disaster at this time. When they were gone, that's when the bridegroom came.

- They missed their opportunity and when they finally came upon the location of the wedding ceremony, the door was shut to them.

- You have to remember that back in ancient times, celebrations were held in secure locations. When something happened at night, one could only expect to do this indoors.

- In those days, outdoor lighting was not even a consideration. As a result, there was great darkness, which led to great opportunity for thieves to take advantage.

- Therefore, when a door to a venue, house, city, etc., was shut, it was shut and not to be opened under any condition. One couldn't afford to risk the safety of the guests.

- Anyone who was found outside, was stuck in the dark, cold night, with all the dangers inherant to that.

• Matthew 25:11-13 : "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." : Some time later, the virgins, caught up with the wedding party. They are late and the wedding is well underway.

- Jesus does not tell us whether they had oil or not. I am going to say that they were unable to procure the oil. The opportunity had passed and they came holding torches, but shedding no light.

- They knocked, hoping to get in but were turned away. The word "Lord" here refers to the owner of this wedding facility, perhaps a giant estate at the top of a hill.

- These girls cried out, begging for the door to be opened to them. They were not apathetic now. They wanted with all their hearts to enter into that place.

- The words of the Lord are chilling: "I promise you: I don't know you!" These words bring us back to what Jesus said in Matthew 7:22 and 23. There were those who did wonders, prophecied.

- They came to Jesus and He said, "I never knew you!" We had no relationship.

- The point of the parable is simple and singular. Be prepared for the coming of the Lord!

- In the scriptures, oil often represents the Holy Spirit. I can say with confidence that one must have His fill of the Holy Spirit, if Christ is to know that man or woman!

- In this story, just as in the story of the servants, there is an unknown time table, but a known reality. He is coming at a time when you will not know.

- Get your oil while you can! While the day is long, be filled with His Spirit, call upon the Lord and receive the gift of God the Father!

- There will be those who hold torches in that day, but that give off no light. There are men and women who call themselves Christians, but deny all authenticity. Don't be one!

- Whatever satisfaction one might have today for a false Christian confession, will quickly fade when the time of Christ's judgment arrives.

- Jesus has given us a story about our attitudes. We need to be ready. What does that look like? Now, our Lord will give us a story that proves what attitude we possess.

• Matthew 25:14,15 : "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey." : The motif of distant travel is employed over and over. The Lord is hinting to His disciples: This is going to take some time!

- It was common, just as in life today, for men to travel great distances for the betterment of their estate.

- On such occasions, the servants would be employed to take advantage of business opportunities closer to home.

- These servants received talents for that very purpose. They were given capital to invest on his behalf. This money belonged to the master.

- Each of His servants received an individual measure to invest. The talent is the measure of the investment, ie. the size of the amount of currency, which in this case was silver.

- He gave them what they could handle. He gave them what their abilities demanded. This servant's record and skill set warranted a five talent investment, while the other received one.

- The selection was made on the basis of faithfulness and initiative. After this was settled, the man could now go.

• Matthew 25:16-18 : "Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money." : Jesus tells us what each of these men did with the investment capital that they had been given.

- Five talent servant and two talent servant both doubled the initial investment. The third man simply buried what he had been given. Notice the words: He hid his Lord's money.

- Usually, if you wanted to keep money safe in those days, you didn't take it to the bank. You buried it! That's what this guy did.

- It was given to him for the sake of investing it. It was not his to hide, but that is what he did.

• Matthew 25:19-23 : "After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’" : The report brought joy to the heart of the master. He received their report, as both brought in double the initial investment.

- His word to both of these men is one of congratulations. Good work. Well done. There is nothing in the world that is better than the acknowledgement of a superior.

- These are called good and faithful servants. That was their character. That is what best described them. Why? Because of what they produced. Their production proved their character.

- They had been given a few things, something incredibly significant, but small compared to what the master had. Now their reward would be greater responsibility.

- The reward for fidelity is greater responsibility and a position where you share in the life that the Lord has.

- Jesus is telling this story, illustrating that the servants have been promoted to a place where they enjoy wjat their lord enjoys. Come into a place where you share in what brings me joy.

- The NIV translates it in this manner: "Come and share your master's happiness!"

- Come in and have access to what I have access to! This is a wonderful picture of all the great joys and benefits that await those servants who are found to be good and faithful.

• Matthew 25:24-28 : "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents." : The last man's explanation for his inaction revolved around his perception of his master. "You are stern man." He says he knew something about Him.

- What he says shows that he knew nothing at all!

- Because of that, he was afraid. He didn't want to disappoint. It seems so noble. The sense here is one of power and providence.

- The 1 talent man said, "You don't need me. You can gather from anywhere and from anybody!" I could never add to you, so I didn't even want to try. Here, here's what's yours!

- The man was banking on the master's ability to make money in spite of him. Why work?

- The Lord does not buy his explanation. He calls it out exactly the way it is: You wicked and lazy servant! Most of the time, we are not encumbered by our beliefs. We are just plain lazy!

- The master condemns laziness and the scripture is replete with verses that join in that sentiment. This man was not worried about belief.

- He just didn't want to do anything that didn't enrich himself. If he had really believed what he said he did, he would have put his master's money with those who were financiers.

- This man receives no reward. His reward is to watch another man take what had been his.

• Matthew 25:29,30 : "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’" : Those who are faithful, those who use what they have, will be given more. That's always the principle at play.

- But the one who does nothing, is unproductive spiritually, even that small amount, relatively, will be given to another.

˚ "We need not wait for the great future, to obtain this multiplication or withdrawal of our talents. They are already waxing or waning in our hands." Meyer

- Every opportunity that is wasted, leads to another. Soon, one becomes quite comfortable living in waste! What I don't take advantage of, will be another person's reward!

- The unprofitable servant. That is his name. It almost sounds noble. Other words used in other translations are less charitable. A few translate it "worthless" and a few others "useless."

- This person is thrown into outer darkness, the farthest away from any light. In that place, there will be regret and resentment, almost simultaneously.

- One minute the person in that place will blame himself and wish that he had made different decisions. But then, he will blaspheme the one who sent him there!

- "I hate myself, but I hate you more!" will echo in greater intensity for ever and ever! That is what the lost in the lake of fire will experience, unabated, for eternity.

Conclusion

- As we close, we know that we are the Lord's if we are watching for His return. I would question the authenticity of one's love if there was no excitement at the thought of His presence!

- At the same time, I would question a person's watchfulness if there was no work to be seen.

- Many commentators are divided about this question: Are the servants both saved? Did the one lose their salvation? I am inclined to believe that this is an issue of profession v. possession.

- But it's still the wrong question. The right question is what can I do today that will insure that this is not me tomorrow? I want to settle that question while there is still time!