A local church was hosting Stewardship Awareness Sunday. The goal was to raise awareness about the variety of activities the congregation was engaged in. As part of the initiative everyone in the congregation was being offered $20 seed money. The hope was that people would take the $20, use it for some good purpose and where possible increase the amount of money. Everyone was given one month to accomplish the task.
At the end of the month a special offering was taken up and everyone was able to contribute what they had earned with the original $20. The amount of money raised from the event was staggering, surpassing the highest expectations of the Stewardship Team. The congregation prayed and the money was used to continue the good work that the congregation was engaged in.
The Parable of the Talents is a challenging passage. It asks that we use our gifts wisely, that we use our money wisely and that we use our time wisely. However, it is also a deeply troubling passage with the harsh treatment we see towards the third servant.
As you prepare for worship this Sunday read this passage over several times. It is one of those pieces of scripture that is so familiar to us that we often assume we know it well. Give it a second and third reading and see what new details emerge.
Text: Matthew 25: 14-30
Questions for Sunday:
- Which character do you identify with in this story?
- Why?
- If you were given a handful of ‘talents’ (money) today, how would you use it for the kingdom?
- What does this story tell us about being a good steward?
A Prayer for Sunday:
Guide me oh Great Redeemer as I seek to study your word today. Clear my eyes so that I only see your truth and fill my heart with love for you. Heavenly Father, as you reveal yourself to me in scripture, allow me to find new ways to apply your teaching to my life. Grant me the courage to share my faith, to live according to your teaching and truth. In Jesus name, Amen.