The parable of the talents is one of the best known in the Bible. And I've seen some interpretations, but I've been meditating on it along with Mark 16 and I could see a parallel. I do not mean here that the parable was fulfilled.
It begins: Because this is also like a man who, starting out of the land, called his servants, and delivered unto them his goods, (Matthew 25:14 KJV)
In Mark 7.16 Jesus gives instructions to Peter and the disciples go to Galilee. Like you in the parable, He calls his servants. Likewise Jesus delivers his goods, not only to them but also us.
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat together, and threw them in the face of unbelief and hardness of heart, because they have not believed that we had seen already risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils, speak with new tongues; (Mark 16:14-17 KJV).
Let the talent:
Salvation (Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved)
Jesus makes salvation possible for all, through His death on the cross.
Truly, no one can redeem, or pay for it to God a ransom (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and cease trying forever. (Psalm 49:7-8 NIV)
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen by faith in the power of God who rose from the dead. And when you were dead in sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having blotted out the handwriting that was against us in their ordinances, which in some way was contrary, and took from our midst, nailing it to the cross. (Col 2:12-14 KJV)
Your name (in my name, cast out demons)
Jesus gave his own name. We live in a society where credit is something really important and when there are restrictions, the person looking for someone to "borrow" your name. That's exactly what Jesus did for us. Without the name of Jesus we have no credit in the spiritual world.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and gave him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Phil. 2:9-10 ARC).
The Holy Spirit (speak with new tongues)
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4 KJV)
With these talents the Lord has given us, we can not disappoint you. It enabled us to fulfill our calling. Multiply it.
In that great day we have a verdict, I hope it is this: Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a few, will set you over much; enter into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:21 KJV)
But if you sit back and waste the talents the Lord has given the verdict will be different: And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:30 KJV)
