Proper 28: Gospel, Matthew 25:14-30                             

Matthew 25:14-30

Fairly familiar territory this weekend as we explore having a job to do, receiving supplies and moving out to “get ‘er done.” Jesus tells the parable of the talents. Perhaps there are two things at the outset of this passage that are critical to hold on to. First, the supplies for the work are given to the worker and not earned by him. Second, there is wisdom on the part of the Master that the supply He gives is in accordance with the abilities of his workers. So the Master knows his laborers well. Fellowship-that enduring quality of having something sewn up in common with another. Whereas we perhaps don’t think of that in the case of an employer with his employee today, studies have shown that when the boss has taken time to actually know his employees, they are more productive. The parable bears that out and we shouldn’t miss that. Provision and prowess. The Master provides and knows.

Five. Two. One. The Master expects a return. There should be no doubt about that. I love that the Master goes away. What does that say? First, He has business, too. He is a busy Master and not an “armchair quarterback.” But he also displays a measure of real trust in his servants, even the lazy one. Perhaps that should be great motivation for those of us who tend to sloth. Our Master trusts us and has entrusted treasure to the very least of us. Marvelous thought. 

But the real issue lies in the response of the servants and on what it is based. Jesus told the disciples after a long and unsuccessful night of fishing to cast the net one more time. Peter came back with something akin to, “We’ve been at it all night. We’re the professionals here. But, because it’s you, we’ll give it one more shot.” Why did they cast out the net one more time? Because of who made the request. And they loved him. Better. They knew he loved them. 

You see, motivation to service by law is servitude, or at best dry duty. But service borne out of fellowship, out of a Master providing for and knowing his workers, well that’s totally different. And for the purposes of Jesus’ parable, it’s what makes the lazy servant’s lack of productivity so tragic. Why didn’t he produce? Because he didn’t know his Master. Oh, he knew his identity and the distinction in their roles, no doubt. But he had yet to taste that marvelous fellowship that bore fruit in the other two. Know your Master. He already knows you.