Matthew 25:20

In this parable told by Jesus, a wealthy master divides large sums of money — called "talents," each worth roughly 20 years of a laborer's wages — among three servants before leaving on a long journey. When he returns, the servant who received five talents has doubled the investment and comes forward to report. What stands out is his framing: "You entrusted me" — he doesn't claim ownership, only stewardship. The word "talent" in modern English actually originated from this very parable, though Jesus was speaking literally about money. The deeper point is about what we do with what God places in our care.

Lord, thank you for trusting me with what you've given — even when I don't feel ready or worthy. Help me remember that my gifts come from you and exist for more than just me. Loosen whatever fear keeps me from investing what I've been entrusted with. Amen.

Imagine being handed the keys to someone else's business — not asked, just handed — and told to figure it out while they're gone. That's essentially what this servant experienced. What's remarkable isn't that he doubled the investment. It's the posture: "You entrusted me with five talents." He understood that nothing was originally his. The gift came first. The work came second. He's not showing off a profit report — he's returning something that was never his to keep. There's something both freeing and sobering about that framing. What has God entrusted to you? Not just money — time, relationships, creativity, a platform of ten followers or ten thousand. The servant who buried his talent in the same story did so out of fear — he says so plainly in verse 25. Fear paralyzes. Trust activates. You don't have to double everything perfectly — but you do have to show up and use what's been placed in your hands. What are you waiting for permission to start?