Responsibilities are delegated to three workers, two of whom shoulder their responsibilities and develop the business so that it grows. The third, however, is so paralysed by the responsibility and the possibility of failure that he does nothing with the responsibilities that have been entrusted to him and consequently there is no development and no growth. When the boss returns the first two are rewarded and the third is sacked.
Jesus told this parable to prepare his disciples for his death, resurrection and ascension. He was going to leave them but he was entrusting them with the responsibility of continuing his mission and ministry in his physical absence. It has to be said that this was and is an awesome responsibility and we can understand why the third worker was paralysed by fear at the prospect. However, it also shows the value that Jesus saw in his disciples and sees in us. It is amazing but true that God believes in us enough to entrust us with working towards the coming of his kingdom, on earth as in heaven.
So the story suggests that we have a responsibility to use all that we have for the benefit of the world. If the Boss represents God then his property is the world and we, his workers, are placed in charge of his world and given responsibility for its change and development. It is also worth noting that in the story we have the resources needed for this responsibility. The Boss gives out resources alongside responsibilities.
How we respond to this situation is what is at the heart of the Jesus’ story. The faithful workers are those that accept this responsibility and act on it. The unfaithful worker is the one who does nothing, who does not act.
Can we say something similar? Are we faithful or unfaithful workers? Are our lives dedicated to using the gifts which God has given to us for the benefit of others and our world? Do we recognise that each of us has much that we can give; that we are all people with talents and possessions however lacking in confidence and means we may sometimes be?
We all have something we can offer, so how will we respond? How can we, through our lives and work, benefit and develop the world for which God has given humanity responsibility? What resources - in terms of abilities, job, income and possessions - has God given to us in order to fulfil our responsibility to benefit and develop the world?
Will we be faithful or unfaithful servants? How will we respond?
Jesus told this parable to prepare his disciples for his death, resurrection and ascension. He was going to leave them but he was entrusting them with the responsibility of continuing his mission and ministry in his physical absence. It has to be said that this was and is an awesome responsibility and we can understand why the third worker was paralysed by fear at the prospect. However, it also shows the value that Jesus saw in his disciples and sees in us. It is amazing but true that God believes in us enough to entrust us with working towards the coming of his kingdom, on earth as in heaven.
So the story suggests that we have a responsibility to use all that we have for the benefit of the world. If the Boss represents God then his property is the world and we, his workers, are placed in charge of his world and given responsibility for its change and development. It is also worth noting that in the story we have the resources needed for this responsibility. The Boss gives out resources alongside responsibilities.
How we respond to this situation is what is at the heart of the Jesus’ story. The faithful workers are those that accept this responsibility and act on it. The unfaithful worker is the one who does nothing, who does not act.
Can we say something similar? Are we faithful or unfaithful workers? Are our lives dedicated to using the gifts which God has given to us for the benefit of others and our world? Do we recognise that each of us has much that we can give; that we are all people with talents and possessions however lacking in confidence and means we may sometimes be?
We all have something we can offer, so how will we respond? How can we, through our lives and work, benefit and develop the world for which God has given humanity responsibility? What resources - in terms of abilities, job, income and possessions - has God given to us in order to fulfil our responsibility to benefit and develop the world?
Will we be faithful or unfaithful servants? How will we respond?
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Larry Norman - I Am A Servant.
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