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I. THE TALENTS ENTRUSTED TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SERVANTS.

1. The man travelling represents our Lord, the absolute Owner of all things, Lord and Redeemer of His Church.

2. The servants represent the professed disciples and members of Christ, the visible body of the faithful, particularly the ministers and stewards of His mysteries.

3. The talents represent the various powers and blessings which Christ has assigned to us for the salvation of our souls, the benefit of our fellow-men, and the glory of His name.

II. THE RIGHT EMPLOYMENT OF THE TALENTS BY THE FAITHFUL SERVANTS.

1. The faithful servant of Christ studies to do his Lord's will, and has a delight in the work.

2. Shrinks from no trouble or danger, estimating all he can do for such a Master as nothing.

3. Aims at approving himself to his Master, not to the world.

4. Laments lost opportunities.

5. Walks wisely in the management of his concerns.

6. Begins immediately, proceeds diligently, works contentedly, and perseveres cheerfully.

III. THE FAITHFUL SERVANT'S REWARD.

1. He receives the commendation of his Master.

2. Made ruler over many things.

3. Enters into the joy of his Lord.

IV. The slothful servant.

1. His character. It is not said that he wasted his Lord's goods; simply that he buried them — made no use of them, and this was enough to condemn him.

2. His doom.

(Bishop Daniel Wilson.)

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KJV: For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

WEB: "For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them.