Thursday, November 12, 2009

Tax Collector's Guide to Stewardship 3 - Matthew 25.14-30

Parable of the Talents
The denominations of money used in Matthew's gospel are larger than Luke. Matthew tells Jesus' parable of the talents; Luke recounts the parable of the pounds (not to be confused with this pound) and the widow's mite.
Based on the larger denominations of money, Matthew's community was probably wealthier than Luke's. Matthew's community has the resources to give. Jesus warns Matthew's readers about the consequences of their stinginess; he minces no words.
The parable also calls people to take risks for the kingdom.
As a wealthy people, Matthew's gospel speaks a tough word to us today, even and especially in a harsh economic environment.
The parable of the talents is much discussed, for its obvious English double entendre. The English word talent, meaning abilities, derives from the monetary unit, not the other way around.

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