Matthew 25:19-23 19Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled account with them. 20And after coming forward, the one who had received the five talents forward brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; behold, I have made five talents more.’ 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22And after also coming forward, the one with two talents said, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; behold, I have made two talents more.’ 23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’
The master was away for quite a while, with no time specified. The first two servants had been faithful the whole time, putting their money to work earning a 100% return. This must have taken quite a bit of effort on their part. For the master to be away a long time could raise questions in some people’s minds, possibly discouragement, or cause attention to drift to other matters. The last servant may have thought all was well. The only problem he might face would be if he forgot where the treasure was buried or if someone discovered it (see the story in 13:44). Be assured that the master would return and collect his treasure again. He expected a strict accounting.
The first two servants are impressive in that they actually made the master more money. The master must have been a person of position and wealth. How did he get this kind of money? The first two servants knew how the master operated and so carried on in his place likely doing the same things he did to become wealthy. These two servants experienced great praise with the wonderful phrase well done, good and faithful servant. The servants were good because they kept a strict accounting of the master’s money and did not squander or lose it. They were faithful because they knew what the master expected and carried through in his character. The reward they received was additional responsibility and entering the joy of the master. Faithfulness brings additional responsibility. Some people may view this as a drudge–“more work, ugh.” But the last statement of the job of the master shows that this work is a joy. These servants found joy in serving the master and would experience this joy even more because of their faithfulness.
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