mgpcpastor's blog

I preached on the parable of the talents from Matthew 25 yesterday.
Something that didn’t fit in the sermon, but which kept arising as I prepared were the contrasting similarities between this parable and the parable known popularly as the prodigal son from Luke 16.
In Matthew 24 and 25 Jesus tells three stories to illustrate facets of the preparedness of his people for his return, the second of which involves a master who leaves three servants with sums of money to use until he returns.
In Luke 16 Jesus tells three parables which demonstrate the joy inherent in people entering the kingdom, the third of which involves a father who lost a son.
A side comment in something I read about the tendency that some people tend to have toward the ejected servant in the talents parable and the older son in the prodigal son story set me off.
You see, a bare reading of both stories might give the impression they contradict each other.
In one the fruitful are affirmed while the fruitless is rejected, while in the second the wasteful is affirmed and the productive stands estranged.
But it is the focal point of these two stories which ties them together and shows that they really affirm the same basic principle.
Each story has an element of great joy.
In Matthew, the master celebrates the fruitfulness of two of his servants who have each doubled the original sum entrusted to them.
In Luke, the father celebrates the return of a son who has taken and squandered what is thought to be a third of the value of the family estate.
In each story there is no doubt that servants and son will be part of the wonderful season which lies ahead.
Each story has an individual who stands apart from the joy.
In Matthew, a third servant refuses to acknowledge the true nature of his master, or the wonderful opportunity for fruitfulness he has been given. He refuses to be fruitful, seemingly because he doesn’t want to make any effort that sees his master’s holdings enlarged. That which he has is taken from him, and he finds himself on the outside, estranged from the joy and celebration within.
In Luke, there is an elder brother who remained at his father’s estate, working and, presumably, being fruitful and productive in the family name. But he does not rejoice over his brother’s return and cannot join his father in the celebration. He also finds himself on the outside, estranged from the joy and celebration within, though the story ends with the invitation for him yet to come in.
So, some will find themselves sympathising with a servant who did nothing or with a workaholic son who did everything.
And there is a place for empathy.
Our hearts ache for those who are close to the kingdom, those who are in the life of the church, but who do not have the living power of the Holy Spirit working within them.
Those who see opportunities to serve and minister as either a draining burden or a means of earning the favour of God cause our hearts to break, particularly those of us who can remember seasons in our own lives when this was our attitude.
Suffusing these stories, drenching them to saturation, is the joy of the kingdom.
A place where the yoke is easy and the burden is light.
In this life there are aches, pains and tears, yet there is also a joy unspeakable because we know the one who loves us and has forgiven us.
To think that God has so set His heart upon us is at once incomprehensible but also all we need to know.
And so, with bemused confusion we feel His embrace, welcome, and joy, as we come to Him with less than nothing; while also experiencing His commendation, affirmation and encouragement as we take the opportunities and responsibilities which we are given and see fruitful productivity flow from them.
Focus on the love which God has for you through the saving work of Jesus Christ, appreciate the joy which is inherent in their salvation of you and then feel free to join in the fruitful and productive kingdom party.