2. Parables on Preparedness
Matthew 25

3. Consider the context The women were all virgins A week long feast
Street procession
General time for grooms arrival
Honor to be chosen
The women were all virgins
All had lamps
All wanted to be present
This parable not about unbelievers being locked out, it is about chosen ones, disciples, us!

4. Questions about the situation
Q: Why didn’t the 5 bring extra oil? A: They didn’t challenge themselves to think that this was a one shot deal Q: What did he mean by “watch”? A: be ready! be prepared! Q: Why all this talk about lit lamps? A: it is our essence, we are lights in the world

5. Transition to the Talents
Greek talent = 57 lbs
Roman talent = 71 lbs
Egyptian talent = 60 lbs
Babylonian talent = 67 lbs
Israelite talent, NT times = 65 lbs
1 talent was about 20 years wages, therefore the 1 talent man given a great blessing.

6. Transition to the Talents
To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. (Matthew 25:15 ESV)
Only expected what each servant could give

7. Transition to the Talents
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. (Matthew 25:14 ESV)
Gave his servants equal opportunity, entrusted all of them with his property

8. Transition to the Talents
He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. (Matthew 25:16-17 ESV)
The key to disobedience is NOT doing what is asked NOW

9. Transition to the Talents
Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (Matthew 25:19 ESV)
The “long time” lulls us to sleep. Are we ready now?

10. What does this accounting of talents look like today?
Time Opportunities Children Friends House
Fellow Christians
Car
Job
Money
Abilities

11. What of the 1 talent man?
He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, (Matthew 25:24)
Remember, 1 talent = 20 years wages

12. What of the 1 talent man?
He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, (Matthew 25:24)
Wicked? Because he was lazy
Lazy? With his masters possessions
Had been busy a long time with self

13. One can be moral (5 virgins) and busy (1 talent man) and still be wicked and lost

14. The end of these parables?
Punishment? Servant cast into outer darkness, foolish virgins locked outside
Reward? Faithful over little? Will be put over much. Enter into the joy of your master