Note 21 at Mt. 25:14: This parable of the talents is continuing the theme of being ready for the Lord's return (see notes 17-18 at Mt. 24:43-44, p. 403), but it also makes a very strong point that we are accountable to the Lord for the gifts that He has given us.

There is much disagreement about what the talents entrusted to these servants are supposed to illustrate. Some believe that they are representative of the gift of salvation while others teach that they illustrate talents, abilities, or other gifts. One thing is certain. The Lord intended us to use these gifts to further His kingdom -- not keep them hidden.

This parable also shows the Lord dealing with His servants according to their own individual gifts and abilities. The servants who doubled their Lord's money were praised exactly the same even though one had produced two and one-half times as much revenue for His Lord as the other. Every man's work shall be judged as to what sort it is -- not what size it is (1 Cor. 3:13).