ENGAGE WITH SCRIPTURE

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FOR THE WEEK OF

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Matthew 25:14-30

Typically this passage is read through the lens of our modern definition of “talent”: unique skills and abilities that set a person apart. Sometimes we consider it within its original context, where a “talent” was a large sum of money. But God isn’t in the market for material goods or wowed crowds—He’s looking for people who will worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23). So today we’ll look at this passage in a different light: are we investing in the relationships our Master has brought into our lives, or squandering them in fear and distrust?

Read Matthew 25:14-18:
  1. What comes to mind when you think of the “possessions” Jesus has left His people while He is away?
  2. How might someone “cover up” the talents God has given them (specifically in the realm of relationships)?
  3. What is scary about going all out for Jesus with the talents He’s entrusted to you?
Read Matthew 25:19-30:
  1. What pleased the master in the parable, and what angered him? Why do you think he reacted like that?
  2. Do you think it’s common for people to view God the way the third servant viewed his master?
  3. What might it look like to believe God to be a “hard master” when it comes to our relationships with others?
  4. How can you tell if you’re truly investing in God’s kingdom or just being “churchy?”
Taking it home:
  1. What about your opinion of God as Master and Giver needs to change so that you can trust Him more fully?
  2. How might your relationships look different this week if you were to give your attention to God’s priorities?
Other Scriptures to Engage with this week:

2 Samuel 9; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-3:10; Romans 15:1-7; 1 John 4:7-16; 1 Corinthians 3:5-23; 1 Peter 2:9-3:2.