Thursday, November 6, 2014

Ordinary 33A Bible Study - Matthew 25:14-30

Date
Sunday November 16

Lectionary Sunday
Ordinary 33A

Gospel Passage

Background Information

            Jesus is telling this parable during His last week in Jerusalem. He has been in conflict with the various religious groups situated in the city. He is now talking to the people and teaching them about what God has entrusted to them in each of their lives. He is trying to get them to understand two major points:
a)      Everyone has the potential to bear fruits of faith in their lives
b)     The established religious groups were fruitless despite being initially blessed by God.

Facts of Interest

A talent is equal to 75 pounds of gold. In today’s market, it would be worth $1.25 million.

The parable is about being faithful and effective stewards for God.

Questions to consider

1)     Why did the man entrust his property to his servants? Why did he give them different amounts? What did he expect of them?
2)     How did the servants respond? What made them do this?
3)     When he returned, what did the man seek from his servants?
4)     How did he react to his servants who multiplied the talents of gold?
5)     How did he react to the servant who hid the gold?

If our faith is meant to produce fruit, are we doing this?
If Christ returned today, how would He settle His accounts with us?
If we inwardly hide our faith, are we guilty of misusing God’s gifts?
How should churches and church people apply the teachings of this parable?

Other links


Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing us to serve You each day. Enable us to multiply our faith effectively by helping others in our community and church. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.