This servant may have been the least talented of the three in the story. However, his master had entrusted him with a whole bag of gold (Matthew 25:14-18), knowing that he had the ability to make a profit from it over a period of time. However the trusted servant could not be bothered to buy and sell in the market place so that he could make a profit. He knew he would be in serious trouble if he stole it, so he kept it safe in a hole in the ground.
 
When the master returned, he made his excuses – not blaming his own sense of incompetence or his fear of failure; not even admitting to laziness. Instead he blamed the character of his master! It is almost unbelievable that he should speak to his boss in that way, calling him a hard-hearted bully. It was only a parable, but Jesus was exposing what people who despise Him really think about God.
 
He also exposed what God thinks about people who have received so much but done so little - including the religious leaders of His day who had the privilege of knowing God's Word but arrogantly refused to recognise Jesus as the Saviour of the world. The master, who represents God in this story, was furious with the idle servant: he had not even put it in the bank to get interest! His punishment was to be stripped of all his privileges, to be refused entry to the 'welcome home' banquet that the faithful servants would enjoy (Matthew 25:21,23) and sent out in the middle of the night, homeless, hungry, hopeless and remorseful. It was a picture of hell.
 
This chapter is all about being ready for Jesus when He returns. 'Readiness' is not about making a good impression with smart clothes, but having fulfilled the reason for our existence. God expects us to welcome Jesus and all that He gives to us, and have a willing heart to be obedient – using what He has given us to increase His kingdom. Laziness and fear of failure are not valid excuses; and blaming God will never get a sympathetic response, instead He will be very angry. "Use it or lose it" is a spiritual as well as physical maxim. Whatever gift God has given to you must be used for His glory, or it will be taken away. Worse still is the arrogant attitude that blames God and despises His privileges: they are the marks of unbelievers who will only understand their foolishness in hell. Today, choose to use what God has given to you to help extend His kingdom and urge others to welcome Jesus.