Some of Jesus’ most stinging words were reserved for the Pharisees. Jesus used several terms to describe them; Sons of hell, brood of vipers and hypocrites, to name just three.In fact, the word hypocrite (Greek Hoopacrita which means; actor under an assumed character) was used frequently. (14 times)
Apparently, Jesus thinks being a hypocrite is a bad thing.
I see the servant with the one talent as a hypocrite. He may have acted out the role of a servant of the master but he didn’t live his life according to that identity. This is evident in the way he exercised stewardship over what was entrusted to him and in his mistaken characterization of his master.
The master called the servant wicked and lazy. He then pointed out the hypocrisy of the servant’s behavior by explaining that his actions didn’t match his supposed beliefs. In other words, his actions were not those of a servant. Nor did he behave as someone who truly believed that the master was a hard man, reaping where he did not sow, etc. If he really lived out his belief of what the master was like, he would have put the money on deposit. The servant is a hypocrite and a liar. His actions betray his true identity.
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1 comment:
I like your breakdown of the parable. The man is a liar, more accurately a false convert. The man has deceived himself into thinking that he too will be in heaven with our Lord.
I believe that the parables of the ten virgins proceeding this parable and what Jesus says about separating the sheep from the goats just post this parable shows us the continuity of the "true/false" convert idea Jesus wanted all of us to be aware of.
Knowing that people may have objections to this parable regarding having to "do" something (the good servants went out and put the money to work) we can tell others that the work of these servants demonstrates their faith. Remember, we are saved by grace THROUGH FAITH, not of works so that no man may boast. Jesus says is we love Him (faithfulness) we will keep His statutes. Even though we fall short, our attempt to be the hands and feet of God, serving others, and trusting in God demonstrate our faith in Him, thus becoming the keyhole that the key of grace can fit into and unlock the gift of salvation.
Blessings,
Dave Bourbinay
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