The Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25:14–30 in the New Testament, is a teaching of Jesus that emphasizes stewardship, responsibility, and the use of God-given gifts, or is it? Members of a Just Peace Pilgrimage no longer think so.
During a Just Peace Pilgrimage to South Africa, a group gathered to discuss this parable following several days of touring and learning of the history of colonialism and apartheid from Mission Network partners. And unlearning the history that was taught in American schools.
Registration deadline for the Fall 2025 South Africa Pilgrimage is Sunday, June 15! Learn more.
Just Peace Pilgrimages are transformative group tours to explore God’s work in bringing about justice and peace while encouraging solidarity with marginalized communities. Rooted in Anabaptist values of peace, reconciliation, and antiracism, these pilgrimages invite participants to listen to the stories of oppressed and silenced voices, unlearn biased narratives, and reframe history to include diverse perspectives.
Excerpt from a blog by Jennifer Murch, a member of that group – In a barren field where a community used to thrive:
“I don’t think the master is God,” I said.” I think the master is a master. And the servant who buries his talent is refusing to participate in the master’s system. Perhaps by burying the talent, he’s opting for contentment instead of accumulation? Maybe contentment is an act of resistance?”
Turns out, my gut reaction wasn’t far from the mark. When Steve called the whole group back together, almost everyone had reached similar conclusions: that third servant was refusing to participate in a system of death by keeping the money out of circulation.
“But can’t a parable have more than one meaning?” someone asked.
“Of course,” Steve said.
“So, it can still be about using your gifts wisely?”
“Sure,” Steve said, “but that’s not what this parable is about. If you think this parable is a story about using your God-given gifts, then you’re taking it out of context and turning it into colonialist theology.”
Read this blog and the rest of Jennifer Murch’s blogs from that trip.
