Dear Christian friends:

During the past few weeks, we have discussed with you that we are stewards, managers of all the things God gives to us here on earth. In our text today, Jesus Himself talks about that. Jesus emphasizes that we must be faithful stewards. "Faithful" means regular and true. Do your duty according to your ability. Sometimes deaf people sign that word, "Faith + full." That is a poor sign for this word. Here is a better sign, "True, regular in doing your duty." So this morning, I want to preach to you about:


The faithful steward uses his talents, time, and money to serve His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He understands that he is a "servant", manager of his Lord's things. In verse 14 of our text, we read Jesus' words, "The Kingdom of Heaven is compared with a man leaving on a trip. The Man called his servants and gave them his money to manage for him."

In this parable (compare story), Jesus means that He, Himself is the Owner and we are His servants or managers. We are not owners really. When we talk to one another, we can say, "My money, my house, my car, my talents, my life, my time." But when we talk to God, we must not talk that way. When we talk to God, we must say about our things: "Your money, Your house, Your car, Your talents, Lord, You gave them all to me to spend and use for Your praise and glory."

The faithful steward understands that he is not the owner. God is the owner. He is only a steward, manager. Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's." Yes, the earth and everything on it belongs to God, but it is mine to manage. The faithful steward also understands that God does not give all stewards the same amount of talents, time or money. He understands that God gives one steward more than another. This is what Jesus teaches here in our text. We read, "He gave one servant $10,000, another servant received $4,000, and the third servant received $2,000. Each servant received the money according to his skills." (verse 15) The man's servants did not all receive the same gift to manage as one received $10,000, the second one received $4,000, and the third one received only $2,000. God does the same to us. He does not give all of us the same amount of money, talents, or time. Some people live only 30 years and die. Others live 50 and still others live 75 or 80 or more years. The same thing is true with talents and abilities. Also the same with money as some earn more than others.

No matter the amount of money, whether it is large or small, God expects His stewards to be faithful. Sometimes, Christians say, "I am poor. I cannot give anything." It is true that the poor Christian cannot give as much as the rich Christian, but he can give what he has.

Sometimes, Christians say, "I have no talents. I cannot do anything." Do not say that! You do have some talents. Maybe you do not have as many talents as someone else, but you do have some talents. God gives each one of His people some special talents. St. Paul writes in Romans 12:6, "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well." And in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul says, "God has given us many special abilities, but it is the same Holy Spirit who gives them all.

There are different kinds of service to God, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are His. The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means (way) of helping the entire church."

Therefore, we see that the faithful steward understands God has given him certain special talents, time, and money which he uses for God's profit, glory.

The faithful steward also understands that one day he must give a report to his Lord about how he used and managed his time, talents and money. In verse 19, Jesus says, "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called his servants to him to give account for his money."

On Judgment Day, Jesus will ask each one, "What did you do with My money? What did you do with the life I gave you? What did you do with the talents I gave you?" The Lord will reward (praise and honor) those who used their talents, life and money for His glory. This, we also learn from the parable. "The servant with $10,000 came and brought $20,000. He said, "Lord, you gave me $10,000 and I earned a profit of $10,000 more for you. Then the Lord said, "You have done good, you are a good and faithful servant. You showed me that I can trust you with few things. Now I will give many things to manage. Come and be happy with me." (verses 20-21) The same thing happened to the servant with $4,000. The Lord praised him and honored him because he used that money and earned $4,000 more for his Lord.

Jesus will also honor and praise you if you are a good and faithful steward during your life on earth. That will be a wonderful event when we receive praise and honor from our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That ought to encourage each one of us to love Jesus more and serve Him more faithfully each day.

Those stewards who are not faithful must also give a report to the Lord. We also learn this from the parable which Jesus told here. Jesus says, "The third servant came with the $2,000 and said, "Lord, I knew you were a strict man. You gather food from places you do not plant. I was afraid, so I hid your $2,000 in the ground. Here is your $2,000. The Lord said, "You wicked and lazy servant. You knew that I earn food from places I do not plant. You should have brought my money to the investment house (bank). Then, when I came back you could have given me the $2,000, plus the interest money. I will take the $2,000 from you and give it to the man with $10,000. Because the man that uses my things wisely, to him, I will give more and more. And the servant that carelessly uses my things, I will take away those things from him. Throw this wicked servant outside into the darkness. Out there, he will cry aloud and gnash his teeth."

The unfaithful stewards will be cast out of Jesus' kingdom. Their report will not please the Lord. That should be a warning to all people who live carelessly and waste their life, time and talents on worthless and sinful things.

Therefore, let each one of us wake-up and find our talents which the Lord has given to us. Let us remember that we are stewards and be faithful stewards of our Lord. Where we have failed in the past we must repent and look to God for mercy and forgiveness in Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Then with our faith and love renewed, let us strive against temptation to be ever more faithful stewards. Jesus promises: "Remain faithful even when facing death and I will give you the crown of life—an unending, glorious future." (Rev. 2:10)

Amen.