This is the third post in the series “7 Money Secrets from the Parable of the Talents”. The first post details the Money Secrets #1 through #3, and has a video reading of the scripture text from Matthew 25:14-30 to remind you about this parable. The second post in the series describes Money Secret#4, the Day of Reckoning.
In this third post, the focus is on Matthew 25:20-23, where Protégée#1 and Protégée#2 receive the accolades from Rich Guy on how well they handled his holdings while he was away, thus the subtitle “the Rewards of Excellent Stewardship“, Money Secret#5.
The need for approval is a deeply rooted human need. It starts with a child’s desire for a parent’s love. The emotion precedes a child into adulthood. That need for approval extends to friends, colleagues and bosses. In a work environment, adults even compete for the highest rewards, recognition and approval of their boss. The pat on the back, and the verbal kudos are most sought after. For a most deserving employee to hear their boss speak the words “Well done, good and faithful” to them causes great elation.
So, let’s dive into the verses 25:20-23 listed here in NKJV:
20 “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.’
21 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.’
22 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.’
23 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.’
Money Secret# 5: the Rewards of Excellent Stewardship
Rich Guy represents Jesus. In this illustration, we can learn from both the boss and his Protégées.
- Rich Guy is exuberant in his praise of his Protégée#1 and Protégée#2, who simply follow his instructions to skillfully manage his wealth so that increase occurs. The boss is very happy with the Protégées, which would naturally lead to great favor and approval.
- The Protégées are allowed to enter into the boss’ “joy”. This means a real partnership ensues. The employees are really getting a piece of the action.
- Faithfulness over a few things leads directly to rulership. Rulership speaks of the ability to exercise extreme power or authority within a limited sphere. This rulership relates directly to the employee’s promotion to greater levels of responsibility, according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary.
- Both Protégée#1 and Protégée#2 doubled their allotment. But, their resource handling capabilities were different, based on verse 25:15 which describes how Rich Guy gave them their original assignments, “according to their ability”. The Boss knows his Protégée’s capability-levels so well, that he matches their assignments with their current level.
- In the end, Protégée#1 receives Protégée#3’s portion to manage. Those folks who refuse to listen or to use their skills to cause the boss’ resources to increase, lose what they have to those with greater skill. The unprofitable employee loses what he has.
Questions for you:
- How is your stewardship?
- Are you making the best of what you have?
- Is what you have charge over growing?
- What could you be doing differently to increase your money handling capability?
Please feel free to comment and share your stewardship strategies.
Check out Money Secrets #6 and #7 in my closing post on the 7 Money Secrets of the Parable of the Talent – So, You Want More Money?
