The one who had received five talents came and brought five more talents, and said, “Lord, you gave me five talents. Now look, with them I have gained five more talents.”
This saying portrays the faithful servant who not only kept what was entrusted to him, but also doubled it. His words are simple, humble, and joyful, without self-praise or pride; he simply presents the result as fruit that belongs to the Lord. This shows the attitude of a true believer: to labor not for one’s own glory, but for the fulfillment of God’s commandments. The doubling of the five talents symbolizes that when someone faithfully puts his gifts to work, God increases his opportunities. The Lord does not demand the greatest amount, but demands faithfulness according to what has been given. This servant’s faithfulness makes his work fruitful, and his reward will be not according to quantity, but according to faithfulness. This passage reminds us that faith is called to be fruitful (for example, James 2:17); just as a seed grows only when it falls into good soil, so grace grows when it is put to work with love and faith.