March 15, 2025
A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
Have you ever played the game Operation or Jenga? In both games, keeping a steady hand is crucial—if you’re too nervous, you might set off the buzzer or make the tower collapse! Just like in these games, many real-life activities require a calm and steady approach to be successful.
Look at the list of activities below. Which one do you think requires the most calmness and confidence to succeed? Why?
Read the parable and notice how knowing the master well impacts their actions.
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
Read Matthew 25:14-19
14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
Make sure that you read the whole parable (Matthew 25:14-30).
The Parable of the Talents is part of a trilogy of teachings about final judgment, emphasizing how we respond to what God entrusts us with. The Master gave servants different amounts, but the true test wasn’t the amount—it was their faithfulness in using it. The first two acted, while the third buried his talent, paralyzed by fear. His excuse? “I knew you were a hard man” (Matthew 25:24-25). His perception of the Master shaped his response.
What we believe about God determines how we live. The Bible shows that the key factor in a relationship with God is not fear but confidence in God. In 1 John 4:18 we read that perfect love casts out fear, while Ephesians 3:12 reminds us that faith in Christ gives us bold access to God. Fear makes us bury our gifts, while trust in God frees us to invest and take risks. How does your view of God affect the way you step out in faith?
This parable isn’t just about talents—it’s about knowing the Master. The wise know God’s character, trust His promises, and act boldly.
What talents has God given you? Are you using them or burying them? What would change if you truly believed God is for you, not against you?
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.