2019-06-07

Bible Study Method: Fill in the Blank- Matthew 25:29

A good way to study the Bible is to fill the blank. 

Let's take an example:

"For to everyone who has _____, more ____ will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away." - Matthew 25:29
The blanks are not in the original text. But without knowing them, we don't really understand the verse. Jesus used it as a summary and a principle for us to learn.

We can figure out what the blanks are by studying the context. It is the parable of the talents.  

Why were the first two servants rewarded? They make good use of the talents that their master had given to them. They are faithful and good stewards of the entrusted resources. The rewards from the master are:
  • His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ - Matthew 25:21
So we can fill in the blanks as:

"For to everyone who has [faithfulness/stewardship], more [money/power/rulership + joy of Lord/relationship] will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away." - Matthew 25:29

Luke 19:11-27 has a similar parable, the parable of the pound, where rulership over cities is given.

The most shocking part is this:
    Mat 25:28  Therefore take the talent from him and give it to him who has ten talents.

The shock was expressed by the servant in the parable of the pound,

   Luk 19:25  And they said to him, Lord, he has ten minas. 

Is it fair, you may ask?

If you want to invest your money, which investment will you choose?
You will invest in the one that guarantees to give you the most returns.

Are we good stewards of the talents and pounds that the Lord has given to us?

What are we doing with the time, talents, money, relationships, spouse, children, etc that we have now?

What are we pursuing with such resources?

Are we investing in the treasures in Heaven?

Lim Liat (c) 7 Jun 2019


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