This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Matthew 25:14-30, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Jesus told a story to His disciples about a man who went on a long journey and gave some of his money to three of his servants. He said,
“A man was going on a long trip. Before he left, he called his servants to him and gave them each some of his money. To one, he gave five talents, to another he gave two talents, and to the last he gave one talent. He gave them different amounts based on how much he thought they could handle. Then, the man went on his journey.
The servant who got five talents went and traded them, and he got five more talents. The servant who got two talents also traded them and got two more talents. But the servant who got only one talent dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money there.
After a very long time, the man came back from his trip and asked his servants what they did with his money. The servant who got five talents came forward and said, “Master, you gave me five talents, and I used them to get five more talents!” The man was very happy and said, “Well done! You have been a good and faithful servant. You did a good job with a little bit of money, so I will give you more! Come and share in my happiness!”
The servant who got two talents also came forward and said, “Master, you gave me two talents, and I used them to get two more talents!” The man was also very happy with him and said the same thing he said to the other servant.
Then the servant who got one talent came forward and said, “Master, I knew you were a hard man. You get things that you did not work for and gather things that you did not plant. I was scared, so I hid your talent in the ground. Here it is back.”
The man was very angry and said, “You are lazy and wicked! You knew I wanted you to use my money, but you did not! You should have given it to the bankers, and then I would have gotten back more money with interest. Take this talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents! Those who have more will get even more, but those who do not have anything will lose even what little they have. Take that servant who did nothing and throw him out into the darkness, where there will be crying and grinding of teeth.”
Biblical Lessons
- God gives each person different abilities and resources to use for His kingdom.
- We should use our talents and resources to serve God and others.
- We will be held accountable for what we do with what God has given us.
- Those who use their talents for God will be rewarded, while those who do not will be punished.
Related Stories
The Parable of the Prodigal Son