The Third Servant is a figure found in the Parable of the Talents, a teaching of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 25:14-30. This parable is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks about the Kingdom of Heaven and the responsibilities of His followers in anticipation of His return.

Context and Setting

The Parable of the Talents is set within a broader discourse on the end times and the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the importance of faithfulness and stewardship. The account involves a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money, referred to as "talents," before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, the master evaluates the servants based on how they managed the resources given to them.

The Role of the Third Servant

In the parable, the master gives five talents to the first servant, two talents to the second, and one talent to the third, "each according to his own ability" (Matthew 25:15). The first two servants invest their talents and double their master's money. However, the third servant, fearing his master's sternness, hides his single talent in the ground and returns it without any increase.

Character and Actions

The third servant is characterized by fear and inaction. He perceives the master as a "hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed" (Matthew 25:24). This perception leads him to act out of self-preservation rather than faithfulness or initiative. His decision to bury the talent reflects a lack of trust and a failure to understand the master's expectations.

Master's Response

Upon the master's return, the third servant's actions are met with rebuke. The master calls him a "wicked, lazy servant" (Matthew 25:26) and points out that he could have at least deposited the money with bankers to earn interest. The master then orders the talent to be taken from the third servant and given to the one with ten talents. The servant is cast into "the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 25:30), symbolizing judgment and separation from the master's favor.

Theological Implications

The Third Servant serves as a cautionary example of unfaithfulness and missed opportunities in the Christian life. The parable underscores the expectation that believers are to actively use their God-given gifts and resources for the advancement of God's Kingdom. The servant's fear and inaction are contrasted with the faithfulness and diligence of the other servants, highlighting the importance of trust and obedience in the life of a believer.

Lessons for Believers

The account of the Third Servant teaches that fear and misunderstanding of God's character can lead to spiritual stagnation. Believers are encouraged to recognize the graciousness and generosity of God, who entrusts them with resources and opportunities. The parable calls Christians to be proactive and faithful stewards, using their talents for God's glory and the benefit of others, with the assurance that their efforts will be rewarded in the fullness of God's Kingdom.