Matthew 25:19
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Matthew 25:19 (KJV)
Context
Matthew 25:19 belongs to Jesus’ parable of the talents, which begins in Matthew 25:14. A master entrusts his possessions to his servants before going on a journey, giving to one five talents, to another two, and to another one, “each according to his own ability.” The term “talents” refers to a large sum of money, but it also represents the various gifts, resources, and opportunities God gives to His people.
The master represents Jesus Christ, and the servants represent His disciples. The phrase “after a long time” points to the period between Christ’s first and second coming, during which believers are entrusted with responsibilities. The master’s return denotes the return of Christ, when all people will give an account for how they have used what God gave them (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Meaning
The word “reckoneth” means to settle accounts or to inquire into stewardship. This verse establishes the certainty of accountability: every believer will give an account to God for what he or she has been given. The delay in the master’s return tests the faithfulness of the servants, showing that the Christian life is a period of active, faithful stewardship, not idle waiting.
The verse sets the stage for what follows: the commendation of the faithful servants, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and the judgment of the unfaithful one who hid his talent. Jesus uses this teaching as part of His larger discourse on the end times and judgment, urging readiness and faithful service in light of His certain return.
Biblical connections
The principle of accountability before God appears throughout Scripture. Romans 14:12 states that each of us will give an account of himself to God, and 2 Corinthians 5:10 teaches that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Acts 1:11 assures us that Jesus will return in the same way He ascended, and Acts 17:31 declares that God has appointed a day when He will judge the world. These passages reinforce the certainty and seriousness of the reckoning described in Matthew 25:19.
Application
As followers of Jesus, we are called to use our talents and resources wisely for the advancement of God’s kingdom. We should cultivate and develop the gifts He has given us, seek His guidance in using them effectively, and be faithful and diligent in our service to Him. The parable emphasizes that God has entrusted us with different gifts and abilities, and He expects us to be faithful stewards of what He has given us, whether material resources, skills, time, or spiritual gifts.
The parable teaches that one day we will all give an account of how we have used our God-given talents. The servants who faithfully used and multiplied their talents received commendation and reward from their master (Matthew 25:21, 23), highlighting that God rewards faithfulness, diligence, and good stewardship. The servant who hid his talent and did nothing with it faced the master’s rebuke and lost even what he had been given (Matthew 25:26-30). This warns us against complacency and encourages us to actively use our gifts for God’s purposes. The delay before the master’s return is not an invitation to neglect our duties but a season for faithful service.
Reflection
Matthew 25:19 calls us to consider how we are using what God has entrusted to us. The master’s return is certain, and the reckoning will come. This truth should shape how we live each day, investing our time, abilities, and resources in ways that honor God and serve others. We are not called to idle waiting but to active stewardship, knowing that the Lord who entrusted us with His gifts will one day settle accounts with us.
