It is wonderful how Scripture speaks to us in different ways at different times. But most will admit, that at times, it is not always easy to hear what Scripture is saying to us. If only we could hear it differently. Well of course we can. Reading different translations of the Bible is a great way to hear the same passage in unique ways. The ancient Jewish practice of Midrash, the retelling of a story, is also a great way to hear the passage in a new voice. Writing your own Midrash is also a way to understand the passage in a new way.
At least, that was my experience as I sat with Matthew 25:14-30. The story of the five, two, and one talent took on a new life as I read the passage, prayed with the passage, and wrote my own Midrash of the passage. What follows is my humble retelling of the story of the talents found in the Gospel of Matthew 25:14-30:
There was a land owner with three laborers. Not accustomed to explaining himself he was ready to leave town for parts unknown and return as he chose. Prior to leaving he entrusted his land to his laborers and gave each of the three a small packet of seeds.
After many harvests the land owner returned. Immediately he called his three laborers to his side so that he could learn of their efforts. The first laborer invited the land owner to walk with him to a south-facing hillside. It was on the hillside that he had removed the rocks and roots from the ground and watered the seeds lightly. There before them was a field resplendent with color and fragrance enough to make you dizzy with delight. He told of the many harvests of flowers that he has had. He told of the beautiful flowers that now filled the churches and homes of the area; and how everyone seemed to be just that little bit happier because of the beauty that surrounds them. He also told him of the riches he had brought in selling these flowers. The land owner said that he was “good and trust worthy” and that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” And then he received his rewards.
The second then asked the land owner to walk to where he could look down upon a low lying field. There he saw an orchard in full bloom. He explained that he had planted the seeds that and drew water from the stream, he had been able to harvest many different fruits and sell them in the market place. The people in the town were happy with the variety of fruit and the sweetness that enhanced every meal. He also told him of the riches he had brought in selling these fruits. The land owner said that he was “good and trust worthy” and that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” And then he received his rewards.
The third then walked over to the rocks where he had hidden his seed packet. Removing the outer rock a pungent odor crept out from the crevice. He then removed the seed packet from the crevice only to find a mold encased mass. The land owner looked at him in disgust and exclaimed “Not only did you not encourage the seeds to grow, but now they are wasted and of no value. Even if you had only scattered the seeds on the ground then the birds would have had at least one meal to eat.” He was sent away with the burden of the mold encased mass now hanging from around his neck.
Shalom,
