The Five-Talent Man vs. the One-Talent Man

In Matthew 25, Jesus contrasts three men to help us learn more of what He expects in His kingdom. In this article, we will limit our comparison to the five-talent man and the one-talent man.

Before noticing the differences, pay close attention to the similarities of these two men.

First, they were both servants of the same master. Though different men, with different personalities, their role towards their master was the same—to serve. Likewise, though we be of different genders, races and classes our ultimate role towards God is to serve Him since He is the Master of all.

Second, they were both given “talents.” This is not like that of a “talent show.” Instead, in the culture of Jesus, a “talent” was a unit of measurement for money. In fact, if we were to measure out a “talent” in gold in American dollars it would equal approximately $273,000. A “talent” of silver would equal approximately $5,460. So, this “master” had generally given his servants a large sum of money and expected them to do something with it. In your case, what have you done with those physical, mental or monetary blessings for Him?

Third, we notice that these men must give an account for what they do. Thus, they are not to sit idly—but are to be busy finding ways to increase and multiply his goods. Similarly, may we be reminded that God will someday return and judge us for how we have used the blessings He has given us in this life.

Yet, there are clearly differences in the five-talent and one-talent men in this passage.

One was given more than the other. There is the obvious difference in the five talents and the one talent. Thus, one had more opportunity for gain than the other. Yet, the key point to remember is both were given something. We should not worry about the talents we do not have, but do something with what we have!

Also, one did something and the other did nothing. Based on this simple fact, the master calls one “good and faithful” and the other “lazy and wicked.” What are you doing with your opportunities?

Finally, one was blessed with more and the other was punished with less. Do you really expect God to bless you with heaven if you do nothing for Him on earth? Jesus answers this simple question in the parable of the talents.

Matthew 25:14-30

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

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.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘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. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
 

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