NOTE.—In the preparation of these lessons all Scripture references, and the pages of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” should be thoroughly studied first, then the questions. The questions are not the lessons. They are only for the purpose of finding out what we have observed while studying. More of the preciousness of these lessons will be obtained if the lesson is studied each day throughout the week. In the parables of Jesus there is salvation from sin for every type of sinner—from the Pharisee to the prodigal. The notes are wholly selected from such portions of “Christ’s Object Lessons” as apply to each lesson.
14 “For it is as when a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey. 16 Straightway he that received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other five talents. 17 In like manner he also that received the two gained other two. 18 But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them. 20 And he that received the five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: lo, I have gained other five talents. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 And he also that received the two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter; and I was afraid, and went away and hid thy talent in the earth; lo, thou hast thine own. 26 But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter; thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back mine own with interest. 28 Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him that hath the ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away. 30 And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
By what did Christ again represent the kingdom of heaven?
Where did the man go? Unto whom did he deliver his goods? For what purpose?
How were these gifts distributed? Did any receive more or less than he was capable of using? How did each servant treat his gift?
On his return, what did the lord do? What report did each bring?
What reward did he bestow upon the one who had received five talents? The one who had received two talents? How did their rewards compare with their faithfulness?
What did he who had received one talent say? How did he thus bring judgment upon himself? What reply did the lord make? What was done with his talent? How did his sentence compare with his unfaithfulness?
What is naturally expected of one to whom goods have been entrusted? How much do we possess that does not belong to the Lord?
What lesson is taught in this parable? What warning does it contain for those who think that the smallness of their gift excuses them from service? What encouragement to faithfulness?
Why was this lesson given? What condition does it show will exist in the church just before the coming of the Lord?
Mention the many gifts that may be included in the talents. What practical lesson does this parable teach?
