Same Parable, Different Question

We are all familiar with the Parable of the Talents.  It's one of my favorites.  Take a minute to read through it to refresh your memory.  I have highlighted the verses that really speak to me.  And remember, this is Jesus telling this parable.

Matthew 25:15-30(NKJV)

15And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 

16Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 

17And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 

18But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 

19After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 

21His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 

22He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 

23His 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.’

24“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 

25And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 

27So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 

28So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29‘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. 

30And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

I think we can all agree here that the main point is that God gives us all talents and abilities and we need to use them or lose them.  We are rewarded by God for developing and using those talents to serve God. 

The title of this blog mentions a different question and I am getting to that.  This parable, as well as several other parables in Matthew start with some version of this phrase.
 

Matthew 25:14(NKJV)

14“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 

OK so we understand the parable.  But how exactly do we understand it in the context of the verse that precedes it?  How exactly is the Parable of the Talents like Heaven? 

Is this just another way of stating that our rewards will differ in Heaven based on the work that we do for God?  Could be.  Or is there more to it than that?  It might make an interesting study to put them all together and look for any commonalities. 

Here is another one to ponder as you go about your day.  Enjoy!  :)
 

Matthew 25:1-13(NKJV)

1“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 

2Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 

3Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 

4but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 

5But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom £is coming; go out to meet him!’ 

7Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 

8And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 

9But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 

10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

11“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 

12But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

13“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour £in which the Son of Man is coming.