Welcome to today’s Sunday school lesson! As teenagers, it is crucial for you to deepen your faith and understand how it applies to your everyday lives. Today, we will explore the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30. This passage challenges us to use our God-given abilities and resources to make a difference in the world.
Bible Reading: Matthew 25:14-18
Matthew 25:14-18 (NIV)
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 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. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.”
Explanation
- In this parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a man who entrusts his wealth to his servants.
- The bags of gold symbolize the resources, talents, and abilities that God has given to each one of us.
- The first servant invested wisely and doubled his master’s money, demonstrating responsibility and faithfulness.
- The second servant did the same, though with fewer resources, still making a significant impact.
- However, the third servant buried his talent out of fear and failed to use it for any productive purpose.
Discussion Questions
- What does this parable teach us about the resources and abilities God has given us?
- How do you think the servants felt when their master entrusted them with his wealth?
- Why do you think the third servant buried his talent instead of investing it?
- What are some examples of talents or resources we have been given by God?
- How can we use our talents and resources to make a difference in the world?
Bible Reading: Matthew 25:19-30
Matthew 25:19-30 (NIV)
“After a long time, the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.”
Explanation
- Upon the master’s return, he commends the first two servants for their faithfulness and rewards them accordingly.
- The third servant, who buried his talent, is rebuked by the master for his lack of faith and initiative.
- The parable teaches us that God desires us to use our talents for His purposes and expects us to be faithful stewards.
Discussion Questions
- What were the responses of the faithful servants when their master returned?
- How do you think the master’s response made the servants feel?
- Why do you think the master was so impressed with the faithfulness of the first two servants?
- What does it mean to be a faithful steward of the resources and talents God has given us?
- How can we overcome fear and complacency to actively invest our talents and make a difference?
Youth Group Game: “Investing Talents”
In this game, divide into small groups and give each group a set of random objects or supplies (e.g., craft materials, paper, scissors, etc.). Each group must come up with a creative way to use these resources to solve a problem or create something meaningful. They will have a specified time limit to brainstorm and create their project. After the time is up, each group will present their creation and explain how they utilized their resources effectively.
This game serves as a metaphor for the parable of the talents, emphasizing the importance of using our God-given resources creatively and responsibly.
Closing Prayer
Let’s close our lesson in prayer:
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the valuable lesson we have learned today from the parable of the talents. We acknowledge that you have entrusted us with unique gifts, abilities, and resources. Help us to be faithful stewards and to use these talents for your glory. Give us the courage to step out in faith, overcome fear, and make a difference in the world around us. Guide us in finding creative ways to invest our talents wisely. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.”
As we conclude this Sunday school lesson, remember that God has given each of you incredible talents and resources. Use them wisely and be faithful stewards, knowing that when you invest in His kingdom, you will experience the joy of sharing in His happiness.