弟兄姐妹们，主内平安！
    新年伊始，我开启了半年读完一遍圣经的计划，今天读到了马太福音第25章，其中的14-30节（和路加福音19章11-27节都）记载了“才干的比喻”，有一些感想，和大家分享。
    这段经文通过主人的三个仆人对金钱的不同处理方式，反映了基督徒对神的恩赐（先天条件）和使命的态度。以下是对这段经文的解读以及对主内弟兄姐妹们的建议，顺便也将路加福音相关经文一并罗列出来了，方便弟兄姐妹们对比查看。

经文及解读：

“天国又好比一个人要往外国去，就叫了仆人来，把他的家业交给他们，按着各人的才干给他们银子：一个给了五千（five talents），一个给了二千，一个给了一千，就往外国去了。那领五千的随即拿去做买卖，另外赚了五千。那领二千的也照样另赚了二千。但那领一千的去掘开地，把主人的银子埋藏了。过了许久，那些仆人的主人来了，和他们算账。那领五千银子的又带着那另外的五千来，说：‘主啊，你交给我五千银子。请看，我又赚了五千。’主人说：‘好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人，你在不多的事上有忠心，我要把许多事派你管理；可以进来享受你主人的快乐。’那领二千的也来，说：‘主啊，你交给我二千银子。请看，我又赚了二千。’主人说：‘好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人，你在不多的事上有忠心，我要把许多事派你管理；可以进来享受你主人的快乐。’那领一千的也来，说：‘主啊，我知道你是忍心的人，没有种的地方要收割，没有散的地方要聚敛，我就害怕，去把你的一千银子埋藏在地里。请看，你的原银子在这里。’主人回答说：‘你这又恶又懒的仆人，你既知道我没有种的地方要收割，没有散的地方要聚敛，就当把我的银子放给兑换银钱的人，到我来的时候，可以连本带利收回。夺过他这一千来，给那有一万的。因为凡有的，还要加给他，叫他有余；没有的，连他所有的也要夺过来。把这无用的仆人丢在外面黑暗里；在那里必要哀哭切齿了。’”(马太福音 25:14-30 和合本)

众人正在听见这些话的时候，耶稣因为将近耶路撒冷，又因他们以为 神的国快要显出来，就另设一个比喻，说：“有一个贵胄往远方去，要得国回来，便叫了他的十个仆人来，交给他们十锭（锭：原文作弥拿，一弥拿约银十两）银子，说：‘你们去做生意，直等我回来。’他本国的人却恨他，打发使者随后去，说：‘我们不愿意这个人作我们的王。’他既得国回来，就吩咐叫那领银子的仆人来，要知道他们做生意赚了多少。头一个上来，说：‘主啊，你的一锭银子已经赚了十锭。’主人说：‘好！良善的仆人，你既在最小的事上有忠心，可以有权柄管十座城。’第二个来，说：‘主啊，你的一锭银子已经赚了五锭。’主人说：‘你也可以管五座城。’又有一个来说：‘主啊，看哪，你的一锭银子在这里，我把它包在手巾里存着。我原是怕你，因为你是严厉的人；没有放下的，还要去拿，没有种下的，还要去收。’主人对他说：‘你这恶仆，我要凭你的口定你的罪。你既知道我是严厉的人，没有放下的，还要去拿，没有种下的，还要去收，为什么不把我的银子交给银行，等我来的时候，连本带利都可以要回来呢？’就对旁边站着的人说：‘夺过他这一锭来，给那有十锭的。’他们说：‘主啊，他已经有十锭了。’主人说：‘我告诉你们，凡有的，还要加给他；没有的，连他所有的也要夺过来。至于我那些仇敌，不要我作他们王的，把他们拉来，在我面前杀了吧！’”(路加福音 19:11-27 和合本)

    让我们分别对比一下结合原文的解释，在马太福音中：

按着各人的才干，给他们银子，一个给了五千，一个给了二千，一个给了一千，就往外国去了。(马太福音 25:15 和合本)

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.(Matthew 25:15 KJV)

    这里的银子数量的单位是talent，他连得，1他连得相当于30公斤，按今天的银价每克约7元人民币，1他连得相当于21万，给五千银子的大约105万，二千银子的42万，一千银子的21万。这样一算是不是很吃惊？怎么会有这么多钱呢？如果弟兄姐妹们难以理解的话，可以将他连得（talent）理解为才能或才干，因为这是talent的常见含义，每个人的才能不同但衷心持守神的恩典却始终如一。

在路加福音中：

便叫了他的十个仆人来，交给他们十锭银子（“锭”原文作“弥拿”一“弥拿”约银十两），说：‘你们去作生意，直等我回来。’(路加福音 19:13 和合本)

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.(Luke 19:13 KJV)

    这里的一锭银子约10两即500克银子，仍按每克约7元人民币计算，一锭银子约3500元，十锭银子约3.5万元，以此类推。

    可以看出马太福音和路加福音里的银钱单位并不相同，但即便在今天，赚3.5万元也不算那么容易的事情，更不要说赚105万或42万了，如果我是那些仆人，我能想象的办法恐怕只有把主人的房子卖了，但那样的话主人肯定也会把我扔到黑暗角落里暴打一顿然后送监狱里。在马太福音中被主人嫌弃的那个仆人，如果是拿了21万我觉得不去投资或至少存个定期存款也不至于埋在地下，头脑不灵光是其一且没有理由这样毫无作为，但在路加福音中拿3500元钱的那个仆人恐怕只能去批发点橘子去摆摊儿卖赚钱了。

经文的现实意义：

    很多人听说过‌马太效应（Matthew Effect）这个词，它‌是由社会学家罗伯特·K·默顿（Robert K. Merton）于20世纪中期提出的概念，是指好的愈好，坏的愈坏，多的愈多，少的愈少的现象，其名称便是来源于马太福音的这段经文。马太效应描述了一种常见的社会心理现象，即‌强者愈强、弱者愈弱‌，导致两极分化的现象。‌但在很多解经注释中，大多将银钱比做神给人的恩赐，我是赞同这个观点的，本文探讨的不仅仅是所谓马太效应描述的内容，更应该了解一下这段经文的现实意义。

主人象征神：主人离开前把银子分给仆人，按“各人的才干”给予不等的钱财，可否理解为耶稣基督升天后按照每个人的能力、环境和特质赐下了恩典和托付，从每个人出生后，乃至长大成人以及工作、生活中遇到的一切境况，都伴随左右。神对每个人的期待因条件不同而不同，但最终的目标是一致的——为祂的国度做工，荣耀祂的名。

仆人象征基督徒：三个仆人分别象征条件不同的基督徒，第一个和第二个仆人（五千和两千银子）代表那些充分利用恩赐、勤奋侍奉神的人。他们没有因为条件不同而消极，而是积极用神赐予的资源为祂的国度增值；第三个仆人（一千银子）象征那些埋没恩赐、抱怨眼前拥有的一切、不愿为神做工的人，他的耶稣恩赐面前的失败在于惧怕与懒惰，把主的托付束之高阁。

钱财象征先天条件与恩赐：主人分发的银子可以理解为神赐给每个人的先天条件，包括家庭环境、教育背景、社会地位、个人才干等。这些条件虽有高低之分，但在神眼中并不以数量多少评判，而是以是否忠心负责、是否愿意跟随内心主的呼召去面对生活中的一切。

奖惩的公平性：主人对前两位仆人的奖励完全相同，表明神不看结果的绝对多少，而看努力和忠心。对于第三位仆人，他没有完成托付，不仅失去了银子，还受到了责备，这便是很多基督徒当前需要思考的问题，计划经济的束缚、蔬菜食品被毒害、医疗卫生的非人商业化等等实际上是提醒我们不要在这些消极的压榨下失去对主的跟随和信心，千万不能学“约拿”的样子啊。

基督徒的现状与不足：

缺乏对恩赐的认知：许多基督徒对自己从神而来的恩赐缺乏认识，只想得到好处不想在当下的环境中思考主的恩典，甚至认为自己的条件不足，攀比其他人，唯独忽略了的主的呼召。在家庭环境、社会地位、教育资源较差的情况下，任凭自卑心理战胜内心的感动，误以为神的呼召只针对“有才干”的人，忽视了“忠心”才是神看重的。

物质满足后的骄傲和懈怠：一些基督徒拥有更优越的社会地位或经济条件，有能力参与公益事业或支持教会事工。但他们可能因为生活安逸而懈怠，甚至把自己的成功归因于个人努力，而非神的恩典，从而忽略了荣耀神和服侍他人乃至社会的使命。

物质匮乏后的消极和埋藏才干：类似“第三个仆人”的现象在部分基督徒中普遍存在，尤其是在当前的社会环境下，特朗普就任后中国如何面对并与之相处最终会影响到每个人的生活。那些因惧怕失败或外界压力，不愿意使用自己的恩赐为神服侍，选择“埋藏神所赐才干”，甚至认为贫困限制了他们对神的忠心。殊不知，贫穷并非服侍的障碍，而是更需要依靠神积极向上的时刻。

缺乏长远的国度观念：有些基督徒对神的国度缺乏长远的视野，更倾向于追求眼前的安逸，而忽视神对他们生命的呼召与托付。他们的信仰生活流于形式，缺乏使命感，如同被阉割的信仰与追求自由的缺失里描述的那样。

基督徒该怎样看待神的恩赐：

无论在何种境况中，忠于神的托付：经文提醒我们，无论先天条件如何，神对每个人的要求是一致的：忠心使用祂所赐的一切为祂的国度服务，思考一下尼克.胡哲、廖智等依靠神的榜样，可以看出他们完全折射出了第一、二位仆人的样子，即不要羡慕他人的条件，而是要看到自己手中的“一千银子”同样珍贵。

物质丰富后要谨防骄傲与懈怠：如果你有更多资源、更好的条件，应意识到这些都是神的恩赐，目的是为了荣耀祂，并通过帮助他人彰显祂的爱。参与社会公益活动、教会奉献等都是实践恩赐的方式，但切勿因为生活的安逸而懈怠。记住：“多给谁，就向谁多取；多托谁，就向谁多要”（路加福音12:48）。

物质缺乏的更要依靠神活出自由：即使先天条件有限，也不要因物质上的匮乏而感到自卑或无力，反而要更加仰望神，通过祂赐下的平安与智慧，活出积极、自由的人生。真正的自由在于相信神掌管一切，并在祂的带领下突破环境带来的束缚，积极追求生命的意义。

培养国度视野：这片土地上的基督徒更应放宽眼界，从个人的得失、当下的环境跳脱出来，极力摆脱墙内的“老大哥”式的思维束缚，放眼墙外的自由，并放眼瞄向神对国度的整体计划，积极参与教会事工、福音传播和社会公益，用行动去回应神的呼召。

信靠神的公平：神的奖赏是基于忠心，而非成就的大小。无论是“五千银子”还是“一千银子”，只要我们尽心竭力，神都会说：“你这又良善又忠心的仆人，可以进来享受主人的快乐！”

结语：

    马太福音25章14-30节提醒我们，神赐下的每一份恩典都是神国度的一部分，基督徒的责任在于忠心地使用这些恩典，无论条件优劣，都应积极回应神的呼召。对于拥有丰富资源的基督徒，要避免骄傲懈怠，牢记自己的一切都来自神；而对于处于困境的基督徒，更要依靠神的恩典，以信心和自由去追求生命的意义。愿我们都能用手中的“银子”荣神益人，在这信仰的旅途中，成为又良善又忠心的仆人！
    让我们共同为此祷告，如有问题请联系hu0023@gmail.com。

The Matthew Effect and the Exaltation of Grace

Dear brothers and sisters, peace in the Lord!

At the start of the New Year, I began a plan to read through the entire Bible within six months. Today I reached Matthew chapter 25, specifically verses 14–30 (and similarly Luke 19:11–27), which record the “Parable of the Talents.” I would like to share some reflections on this passage.

This section of Scripture, by describing how a master entrusted varying sums of money to three servants according to their abilities, reflects the attitude of Christians toward the gifts (or innate conditions) and the mission bestowed by God. Below is my interpretation of this passage along with some suggestions for our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. For ease of comparison, I have also included the related text from Luke’s account.

Scripture and Explanation:

(Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV): ““For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

(Luke 19:11-27 NKJV): Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’ “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ “Then another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.’ (But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’) ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ”

Let’s compare the explanations in conjunction with the original text, in Matthew’s account, the unit of money is “talent” (a unit sometimes interpreted as a measure of both wealth and personal ability). One talent is substantial—equivalent to about 30 kilograms of silver, which at today’s silver price (roughly 7 RMB per gram) is valued at around 210,000 RMB. Thus, the servant who received five talents would have been given approximately 1,050,000 RMB; the one with two talents about 420,000 RMB; and the one with one talent, around 210,000 RMB. These figures are startling and remind us that, in this parable, the “money” may also be understood figuratively as representing one’s abilities or talents. Though every person’s gifts differ, the call to faithfully steward what the Lord has given remains consistent.

In Luke’s account, however, the master calls his ten servants and gives them “ten minas” (the original word is “mēnna,” a unit roughly equivalent to ten pieces of silver) before setting them to work until his return. Here, one mina (about 500 grams of silver, which—at 7 RMB per gram—is roughly 3,500 RMB) is much less in comparison. Even in today’s context, earning 3,500 RMB is no small feat, let alone multiplying it to achieve 1,050,000 or 420,000 RMB. One might imagine that if I were one of the servants receiving such an amount, my only option might be to sell my master’s house to generate the necessary funds—which, of course, would incur a severe penalty. The servant in Matthew’s parable who received one talent, if he ended up with 210,000 RMB and did nothing to invest it (or at least deposit it in a fixed savings account), would not only forfeit his reward but also lose the opportunity to honor his master’s trust. In contrast, in Luke’s account, the servant given 3,500 RMB would likely need to hustle by, say, wholesaling oranges at a street stall to generate profit.

The Real-World Meaning of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25):

Many of you may have heard of the “Matthew Effect,” a term coined in the mid20th century by sociologist Robert K. Merton. It describes the phenomenon where “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer” or more broadly, where those who already have much receive even more, while those with little see even less. Its name is derived from this very passage in Matthew. The “Matthew Effect” illustrates a commonly observed social phenomenon. However, in many commentaries on this parable, the money is also interpreted as representing the gifts God bestows upon individuals. I agree with this view. What we should explore in this passage is not solely the content described by the Matthew Effect, but also its practical, real-life significance.

• The Master as a Symbol of God: In the parable, the master entrusts his money to his servants “according to each man’s ability.” This may be understood as signifying that, after Christ’s ascension, He has distributed grace and responsibilities among believers according to their abilities, circumstances, and unique qualities. From birth onward, and throughout life—in every situation we face in work or daily living—God’s blessing accompanies us. Though God’s expectations vary with individual conditions, the ultimate goal is consistent: to work for His Kingdom and to glorify His name.
• The Servants as a Symbol of Christians: The three servants represent different kinds of Christians. The first and second servants (those given five and two talents) symbolize those who diligently use God’s gifts and labor to expand His Kingdom; they do not become discouraged by differences in conditions but actively invest the resources given by God. The third servant (who received one talent) represents those who hide their gifts, complain about what they have, and are unwilling to work for God. His failure in handling the master’s gift is due to fear and laziness.
• Money as a Symbol of Inherent Gifts and Grace: The money given by the master can be understood as symbolizing the inherent conditions God has bestowed on each person—such as family background, education, social status, and personal talents. Though these gifts may differ in quantity, God does not judge by amount but by whether one uses them faithfully and responsibly in answer to His calling.
• The Fairness of Reward and Punishment: In the parable, the master’s rewards for the first two servants are identical in their commendation of their faithfulness. This indicates that God values diligence and loyalty over the sheer quantity of the gift. In contrast, the third servant loses his talent and receives a harsh rebuke because he fails to act on what was entrusted to him. This reminds many Christians today not to let economic or societal constraints, such as planned economies, tainted food supplies, or the inhumane commercialization of healthcare, cause them to lose sight of following Christ wholeheartedly.

The Current Condition and Shortcomings of Christians:

• Lack of Awareness of God’s Gifts: Many Christians are unaware of the gifts and grace God has given them. They tend to focus solely on what they can gain rather than reflect on the blessings available to them. In situations of lower family, social, or educational resources, a sense of inferiority may prevail, leading individuals to mistakenly believe that God’s call is only for those with exceptional abilities, overlooking that what God truly values is a heart of loyalty.
• Pride and Sloth Following Material Prosperity: Some Christians who enjoy more favorable economic or social conditions become complacent and even attribute their success solely to their own efforts, rather than acknowledging God’s grace. They may neglect their responsibility to glorify God and serve others.
• The Negative Consequence of Poverty: Similar to the parable’s third servant, some Christians—especially within our current society—choose to bury their God-given talents out of fear or external pressure. They mistakenly believe that their poverty limits their faithfulness, even though poverty is not a barrier to serving God. Instead, it is a time when they most need to rely on Him.
• A Lack of a Long-Term Kingdom Perspective: Some Christians lack long-term vision regarding God’s Kingdom, focusing only on immediate comfort while neglecting the calling He has placed on their lives. Their practice of faith often remains shallow and ritualistic, reflecting the “castrated faith and the absence of the pursuit of freedom” described above.

How Should Christians Regard God’s Gifts?

• Faithfulness Regardless of One’s Conditions: The Scripture reminds us that regardless of the conditions in which we are born, God’s requirement for every person is the same: to faithfully use everything He has given for His Kingdom. Consider role models such as Nick Vujicic and others who rely on God—who reflect the example of the first and second servants. They do not envy others’ circumstances, but rather recognize that the “one talent” in their hands is equally precious.
• Guarding Against Complacency After Material Abundance: If you have greater resources or better conditions, remember that these are all gifts from God, intended to glorify Him and to manifest His love through helping others. Engaging in community service or contributing to the church are ways to put these gifts to work—but do not fall into pride or complacency. As Luke 12:48 warns, “To whom much is given, much will be required.”
• Reliance on God Amid Material Scarcity: Even if your inherent conditions are limited, do not let material scarcity cause you to feel inferior or powerless. Instead, look to God and let the peace and wisdom He provides allow you to break free of environmental constraints and actively pursue life’s purpose.
• Cultivating a Kingdom Perspective: Christians in our land should broaden their horizons, transcending personal gains and immediate concerns, and break free from the confined mindset imposed by authority (“old master” mentality). Cast your eyes outward toward the overall plan of God’s Kingdom, actively participate in church ministry, evangelism, and social welfare— responding to God’s call with action.
• Trusting in God’s Fairness: God’s rewards are based on faithfulness rather than the size of one’s achievements. Whether you receive “five talents” or “one talent,” if you use it wholeheartedly, God will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You will share in my joy.”

Conclusion:

Matthew 25:14–30 reminds us that every gift from God is a part of His Kingdom. Christians are called to be faithful stewards of these gifts regardless of their magnitude—responding actively to God’s call. For those who have abundant resources, do not fall into pride or lethargy; remember that all you have comes from God. For those in hardship, rely even more on God’s grace as you pursue the meaning of life with faith and freedom. May we all use what we have to glorify God and serve others, becoming good and faithful servants on this journey of faith.