1694 Lesson 12 Wednesday March 22

The Settling of Accounts Near the close of Jesus’ ministry, His disciples came to Him privately and asked, “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matt. 24:3). Jesus then takes two chapters to answer their questions. Matthew 24 tells of signs in the world around us, such as wars, disasters, and so on. Then Matthew 25 talks about conditions in the church just before Jesus comes again. These conditions are illustrated by three stories, one of which is the parable of the talents, which talks about how God’s people have used the gifts that He has given to them. Read Matthew 25:14–19. Who is the one traveling into a far country? To whom does He entrust His goods? What does it mean to “settle accounts” (see Matt. 25:19, NKJV)? ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ We sometimes think of talents as natural gifts, such as singing, speak- ing, and so on, but in the similar story of the minas in Luke 19:12–24, money and its management are specifically mentioned. Ellen G. White also stated, “I was shown that the parable of the talents has not been fully understood. This important lesson was given to the disciples for the benefit of Christians living in the last days. And these talents do not represent merely the ability to preach and instruct from the word of God. The parable applies to the temporal means which God has entrusted to His people.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 197. Read Matthew 25:20–23. What does God say to those who were faith- ful money managers in supporting His cause? What does it mean to “ ‘ “enter into the joy of your lord” ’ ” (Matt. 25:23, NKJV)? ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ It is quite natural for us to think that another person has more talents than we have and is therefore more responsible to God. In this story, however, it is the person with only one talent—the least money—who proved unfaithful and lost the kingdom. Rather than to think of the responsibilities of others, let us focus on what God has entrusted to us and how we can use it to His glory. 100 How are you going to fare when God comes to “settle accounts” with you?