Known by the Master: Living Faithfully for Christ
Faithful or Foolish? Living for Christ and being Known by the Master in the Parable of the Talents
(Matthew 25:14–30)
When Jesus told the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30, He wasn’t offering financial advice or a productivity lesson. He was teaching about salvation—about what it truly means to know Him and to live in faithful obedience until He returns.
This parable tells of a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of wealth—five talents, two talents, and one talent—before leaving on a long journey. When he returns, the first two servants have invested what they were given and doubled it. But the third servant buried his portion in the ground and earned nothing.
At first glance, it might seem like a simple story about using our abilities or opportunities wisely. But Jesus’ point runs much deeper. Each servant represents how people respond to the truth of the gospel and the call of Christ. Everyone receives the invitation of the kingdom, but not everyone responds with genuine faith.
Faith that Acts, Not Hides
The first two servants show us what real faith looks like—it acts. They trusted the character of their master enough to take risks, to invest, to work, and to produce something meaningful. Their actions were proof of their trust.
The third servant, however, reveals the heart of unbelief. He knew about the master, but he didn’t really know him. His words exposed his heart: “Master, I knew you to be a harsh man…” (v. 24). In fear and distrust, he hid what was entrusted to him. He had the appearance of a servant but none of the faith or devotion of one.
Jesus is drawing a line between those who profess faith and those who possess faith. True followers of Christ don’t just acknowledge His authority—they trust His goodness and live in response to His grace.
As James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Our actions don’t earn salvation, but they reveal the reality of it.
Faithfulness Reveals Relationship
The two faithful servants were welcomed with one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” (v. 21)
This isn’t just a commendation for good performance—it’s an invitation into eternal fellowship. It represents the joy of knowing Christ and being known by Him.
But the final servant stands as a sobering warning. He represents those who might claim to know Jesus yet remain spiritually unmoved, unchanged, and unfaithful. Like the servant who buried his talent, their lack of spiritual fruit exposes that they never truly knew the Master at all.
Jesus said elsewhere, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you’” (Matthew 7:21–23).
Living in Readiness and Relationship
The Parable of the Talents isn’t just a story about productivity—it’s about readiness. It challenges us to ask: Am I truly living in a way that shows I know and love Jesus?
Faith that saves is a faith that serves. It’s a faith that treasures the gospel, lives in obedience, and bears fruit for God’s glory.
Everyone will respond to Jesus, but not everyone will truly know Him. And in the end, that’s what matters most—because eternity hinges not on what we claim about Christ, but whether we are known by the Master.
Final Reflection:
Don’t bury what God has placed in your hands.
Live faithfully, love deeply, and let your life prove that you know the One who gave it all for you.
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