Mar 13, 2019

Matthew 25:14-30
14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 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. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 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.’ 21 “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!’ 22 “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.’ 23 “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!’ 24 “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. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ 26 “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? 27 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. 28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags.29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Following Jesus means trusting him with every area of our lives, including our finances. For the next three weeks (Mar 4 - 22), we’re going to grow closer to Jesus by immersing ourselves in his stories and teachings about money, stewardship, and generosity. We invite you to open your heart to his words, and also to join us as we discuss them together. Join our Facebook group where you’ll find additional insights and resources and be able to share your thoughts and questions!

The COMMUNITY Bible Reading Plan is designed so that we read God’s Word in small doses. It is made with the intention of reading for transformation, not just information. A suggested method to use when you are spending time with God is Read, Reflect and Respond.

READ
Slowly, thoughtfully read God’s Word. Read the passage more than once. Notice a word, phrase or verse that sticks out and write it down.

REFLECT
Is there a command to obey?

Is there a promise to claim?
Is there a sin to avoid?
Is there a lesson to learn?

Is there a new truth to carry?

Why do you think this passage stood out to you? Write out a few sentences on what you think you’re hearing from God.

RESPOND
How will you respond? Write a short prayer to God In response to what you just heard him say through his Word. Thank Him for speaking to you.

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