Introduction:

1. The previous parable emphasized the need to be watchful for Christ’s return.

2. This parable emphasizes the need to do the work we are given while we wait.

3. There are but two types of workers: 1) good and faithful, or 2) wicked and lazy.

Discussion:

I. Responsibility (vv. 14-15)

A. Jesus left His people work to do until his return (John 9:5; Matthew 5:13-16).

B. Our responsibility is proportionate to our capabilities (Luke 12:47-48).

C. He does not expect more than we are able; He demands our best efforts.

II. Reliability (vv. 16-18)

A. The first two servants doubled the deposit entrusted to them.

B. The third servant did nothing except keep the original deposit.

C. The first two went right to work and worked until the Master returned.

D. The third servant made no effort to produce for his Master.

III. Accountability (vv. 19-30)

A. After a long delay, the Master returned to settle accounts (vs. 19).

B. The first two servants were judged good and faithful (vv. 20-23).

1. Their reward was to enter into the joy of their Master (vv. 21, 23).

2. Though the one yielded more than the other, they were equally commended and rewarded for giving their best.

C. The third was deemed wicked and lazy (vv. 24-27).

1. For his laziness, he was cast into the outer darkness (vs. 30).

2. The sin of the third was passive, not active; he did nothing and was punished for his inactivity.

D. To know our standing, we simply compare our abilities with our efforts.

1. This parable demonstrates that the Lord expects all His disciples to be active in His service as we await His return.

2. He demands no more of any of us than what we can do.

As with the Ten Virgins, the sin in this parable was a matter of omission rather than commission.