Where is the Righteousness?
March 19, 2023
Matthew 25:14-30 | Psalm 15 | Gospels in Lent Track: Luke 15-16
The parable of the talents. This is the one that at first glance seems to say that we should be good stewards of what is given to us. While we should be good stewards of what comes to us, after reading this story in the light of the totality of the Christ in the gospels, we might be left wondering…what is the righteousness in this parable? Just how is the kingdom of heaven like this parable? A man who reaps what he doesn’t sow? Those who haven’t much will lose even the little they have? Is this the kingdom described and lived by Jesus?
In light of the Jesus of the full gospel story, this parable just seems like it might rather be another contrast to what the kingdom is actually like…especially when we read tomorrow’s image from Jesus.
Let the parable work on you.
Matthew 25:14-30
“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who was leaving on a trip. He called his servants and handed his possessions over to them. To one he gave five valuable coins, and to another he gave two, and to another he gave one. He gave to each servant according to that servant’s ability. Then he left on his journey.
“After the man left, the servant who had five valuable coins took them and went to work doing business with them. He gained five more. In the same way, the one who had two valuable coins gained two more. But the servant who had received the one valuable coin dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money.
“Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five valuable coins came forward with five additional coins. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five valuable coins. Look, I’ve gained five more.’
“His master replied, ‘Excellent! You are a good and faithful servant! You’ve been faithful over a little. I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’
“The second servant also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two valuable coins. Look, I’ve gained two more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done! You are a good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful over a little. I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’
“Now the one who had received one valuable coin came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man. You harvest grain where you haven’t sown. You gather crops where you haven’t spread seed. So I was afraid. And I hid my valuable coin in the ground. Here, you have what’s yours.’
“His master replied, ‘You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I harvest grain where I haven’t sown and that I gather crops where I haven’t spread seed? In that case, you should have turned my money over to the bankers so that when I returned, you could give me what belonged to me with interest. Therefore, take from him the valuable coin and give it to the one who has ten coins. Those who have much will receive more, and they will have more than they need. But as for those who don’t have much, even the little bit they have will be taken away from them. Now take the worthless servant and throw him out into the farthest darkness.’
“People there will be weeping and grinding their teeth.
Psalm 15
Who can live in your tent, Lord?
Who can dwell on your holy mountain?
The person who
lives free of blame,
does what is right,
and speaks the truth sincerely;
who does no damage with their talk,
does no harm to a friend,
doesn’t insult a neighbor;
someone who despises
those who act wickedly,
but who honors those
who honor the Lord;
someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts;
someone who doesn’t lend money with interest,
who won’t accept a bribe against any innocent person.
Whoever does these things will never stumble.
Prayer
God,
As we begin a new work week, let our thoughts, words, and actions reset in you and rest in your righteousness. Meals and meetings, conversations and connections, people and places - go with us to each one. Work through us within each one.
As for me, help me to be a good steward of all that comes my way, be it people, resources, money, and my own life. Give me wisdom and compassion in doing well with the power I will emit in my home, at work, or in my neighborhood.
Help me be like Jesus.
By your Spirit and in Christ,
Amen.