⁹ After relating the parable of the virgins to emphasize the need to be prepared and vigilant, Jesus related the parable of the talents. That parable highlights the need to be industrious.

THE TALENTS

10. How did two slaves prove faithful? (Matthew 25:19-23)

¹⁰ In the parable of the talents, Jesus spoke of two slaves who were faithful to their master and one who was not. (Matt. 25:14-18) The two slaves proved faithful by working hard to increase their master’s interests. Before traveling abroad, he entrusted them with talents​—a large amount of money. The two faithful slaves were industrious and used the money wisely. The result? When their master returned, they had doubled the amount he had given them. The master commended them​—they entered “into the joy of [their] master.” (Read Matthew 25:19-23.) But what about the third slave? What did he do with the money his master had given him?

11. What happened to the “sluggish” slave, and why?

¹¹ The third slave received one talent but was “sluggish.” His master expected him to use the talent wisely. Instead, he buried it in the ground. When the master returned, this slave had nothing additional to give him. The slave did not have a good attitude. Rather than apologize for his failure to increase the master’s belongings, the slave unjustly called the master “a demanding man.” This slave did not receive his master’s approval. More than that, the talent was taken away from him and he was cast out of the master’s household.​—Matt. 25:24, 26-30.

12. Whom do the two faithful slaves represent today?

¹² The two faithful slaves represent faithful anointed Christians. The Master, Jesus, invites them to “enter into the joy of [their] master.” They receive their heavenly reward, the first resurrection. (Matt. 25:21, 23; Rev. 20:5b) On the other hand, the bad example of the sluggish slave provides a warning for anointed ones. How so?

13-14. What lesson do anointed ones learn from the parable of the talents? (See also picture.)

¹³ Prove yourself industrious and diligent. In the parable of the talents, as in the parable of the virgins, Jesus was not predicting that the anointed would become sluggish. Rather, he was explaining what would happen if ever they did lose their zeal. They would fail to make their “calling and choosing sure for [themselves],” and they would not be permitted to enter into the heavenly Kingdom.​—2 Pet. 1:10.

Also, in Jesus’ parable of the talents, we considered the two faithful slaves who were industrious and diligent. They worked hard in behalf of their master and earned his approval. However, the sluggish slave was rejected. The lesson? We must keep busy in Jehovah’s service right up to the end.