The parables in Matthew 25 called for God’s people to lead lives ready for the Great Master’s return. These passages dwelled specifically on the importance of being moved to action rather than halted by complacency or fear. This infamous parable demonstrated the call to be doers of the Word rather than mere hearers through the different types of workers called to the same purpose of Christ’s kingdom.
Who did the master and his servants represent in this passage? What were the talents that Jesus discussed? The master of the estate represented Christ, and the servants were God’s people. Just as the master entrusted his possessions to the servants for profitable use, so, too, did the Lord entrust us to steward the gifts He delegated. This parable emphasized the role of human responsibility under the calling of those in Christ, as well as the eternal joy promised to those who walk faithfully in His ways. His call is to forsake earthly security for what is infinitely greater: a life lived in step and in service to the Great Master.
Each servant was faced with the choice of whether or not he would honor his master with faithful service. The one who received five talents produced five more for his master, while the servant given two likewise earned back the same. In the end, both received affirmations for the faithfulness they actively employed amid his absence.
However, the servant who received only one talent did not act as instructed; instead, he was motivated by fear, choosing to hide his talent in the ground. As a result, he received rebuke rather than praise. The last servant failed to hold a correct view of his lord, declaring him to be a harsh man who reaped what he did not deserve. From this incorrect perspective came the failure to act faithfully on his master’s behalf. Consider how you can lead your kids closer to a right view of the Lord in His goodness.
Our goal in this session is to strengthen our kids’ perception of God so that they, too, may enter faithfully and joyfully into His service, being moved to eager action and stewarding their lives to the worthiest Master and Lord.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: Everyone who believes in Jesus will live with God and be happy with Him forever.
- Younger Preschool: Everyone who believes in Jesus can serve Him as Lord. Jesus’ followers will live with God in heaven and be happy with Him forever.
- Older Preschool: Everyone who believes in Jesus can serve Him as Lord. God is happy when people know and love Jesus. One day, every believer will live with God and be happy with Him. People will be happy to know, worship, and be with Jesus forever.
- Kids: Every believer, as a servant of Christ, has the task of serving God with his or her life. We eagerly wait for the day we can share in the joy of our Master. Heaven is the joy of knowing, worshiping, and enjoying Jesus forever.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: How is Jesus the perfect Prophet? Jesus tells us God’s message.
- Older Preschool: How is Jesus the perfect Prophet? God speaks to us through Jesus.
- Kids: How is Jesus the perfect Prophet? Jesus perfectly reveals God the Father and fulfills what the prophets spoke.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: We can listen to Jesus. Deuteronomy 18:15
- Younger Preschool: God wants us to listen to Jesus. Deuteronomy 18:15
- Older Preschool: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet … . You must listen to him.” Deuteronomy 18:15
- Kids: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.” Deuteronomy 18:15
** Next week: Jesus Is Our Perfect Prophet (Deuteronomy 18)