"Give, and it will be given to you..." (Luke 6:38)

 [E]very person is valued and loved not for his will and understanding alone,
but for the use which he performs from them.
 (see Apocalypse Explained 1193:2).

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus told His disciples of a man who entrusted three servants with large sums of money. Each was given a different quantity - according to his ability. After a long time, the master came back and inquired how they had used his money. Two wisely used the talents for trade and doubled the amount given to them. But the third servant had done nothing but bury the talent in the ground (Matthew 25:14-30).

As with all of the Lord's parables, there is an inner meaning here. The talents symbolize the wealth of good and truth that the Lord gives to us. And just as the master goes far away for a long time, the Lord leaves us in freedom to use these gifts as we will. The faithful servants are they who use these gifts wisely, serving or helping other people from love. After death, they are received into heaven.

When we speak of "talents" today, we mean the potential abilities we are given and can choose to develop. The goal the Lord sets for us is to put our inborn talents and spiritual gifts to use in serving others and in living a good and productive life. In this way we can become "good and faithful servants" and enter into the joy of our Lord.

Highlights include

Read: "The Good Life"

Read "Using Our Gifts from the Lord"

  Dramatize the Parable of the Talents (PDF)

  An Activity Identifying Talents (PDF)

  Sunday School Lesson on the Parable of the Talents (PDF)