Primary Text: Matthew 25:1-30
Memory Verse: “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.” Matthew 25:29
Introduction:
Matthew 25 focuses on two major parables: one about a wedding party; one about household servants. Both have similar themes and deal with our responsibility as followers of Jesus. They focus on the importance of what we’re doing with our time here on earth and stress the need to be “found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
In the parable of the Ten Virgins, the virgins (bridesmaids) are maintaining the necessary supplies so that when the bridegroom comes they have their lamps lit and prepared with enough oil to go with the bridegroom to the wedding feast.
In the parable of the Talents, the servants who are faithful invest the talents that they are entrusted with. When the master of the house returns, he finds that they have brought profit and honor to his household by their actions while he was gone.
There are four major themes to both these parables—resources, labor, time, and accountability—and all of them hinge on the sovereignty of God. As His children, God gives us the resources to live faithful lives in His service. Among the many resources He provides are strength, comfort, wisdom, and boldness. With these tools we are able to stand against the wiles of the enemy, bring others into the knowledge of the saving power of Jesus, and bring glory and honor to the Kingdom of God.
The problem is that many become lazy, like the servant in the Parable of the Talents. He made excuses and laid blame on his Master, but the truth is he just didn’t see the work needed to be productive in the Kingdom as being important. Additionally, the foolish virgins didn’t place a high priority on Kingdom living either. When the Master/Bridegroom returned neither was prepared and neither had any fruits of their labors that would glorify and honor the King.
This is a great challenge to us: how are we occupying our time? Are we in active service for the Kingdom of God, or are we just spinning our wheels and accomplishing little for the greater purpose—our heavenly Father’s purpose? Are we “worldly-focused,” or “eternally-focused”?
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What does being “prepared” require of Christians? Matthew 25:1-13; 19:17; 7:17; 2 Peter 3:14
- Discuss the value of faithfulness. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; Titus 1:7-9; 1 Peter 4:10
- Do we ever reach an age when we should stop actively working for the Kingdom of God? Hebrews 4:11; Matthew 24:45-47; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 5:12-14
- Are our works the key to the “faithfulness” God wants to find in us upon Jesus’ return? Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:9-26; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-8
- What should be a motivating factor of our Christian walk? 1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31; Philippians 1:20; 1 Peter 4:11; Matthew 20:28
- How is “spiritual profitability” judged? Matthew 25:16-17; 6:19-21; 25:29
- Explain the sentence for the servants who are unfaithful. Matthew 25:29-30; 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18; 19:26-27
- What is the reward for faithful service? Matthew 25:21, 23; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Corinthians 4:5; James 2:23; 1 Peter 1:7; 2 Peter 1:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:8