We often read this parable and interpret to be about individual gifts that God has given us. The common translation of “talents” lends itself to that understanding, as does the individual nature of the story.
What if it’s something else though? What it’s not some special gift that I have versus the special gift that you have, but what if Jesus is referring to gift that we all have, just in different portions.
Sometimes those who don’t consider that they’ve been forgiven a whole lot (usually because they don’t think they’ve sinned a whole lot) are the most miserly about extending forgiveness to others. Yet, those who have truly experienced grace, who have experienced the transformation that redemption can give, are the people who are slow to judge and quick to forgive.
The self-righteous don’t seek forgiveness, nor do they give it. Those who humbly stand (kneel?) before Jesus and receive God’s grace are expected to go into the world and give that grace away.
…[it’s] like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. *
Have you given forgiveness in the portion you have received it? Have you invested God’s grace in others?
Journey Through Scripture 