Faithful Over Little (Matthew 25:21)

 


Wednesday, 19 November, 2025


Psalm 45

2 Kings 20

Matthew 25:14-30


Observance: Elizabeth of Hungary, princess & philanthropist (d. 1231)


Faithful Over Little (Matthew 25:21)


His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’


One of the wonderful things about following Jesus is that there is always something to look forward to. He gives us comfort, and peace, an abundance of love, and all those other things that keep us encouraged in the day-to-day. But he also gives us things to keep us busy, and they are never things that are a waste of time in his eyes.


While the jobs he gives us to do are of infinite worth in themselves (because he who assigned them is infinite), he also promises rewards afterwards. In this parable, he speaks about being faithful over a little – and considering how much needs to be done in this world, our personal tasks do seem little.


But, according to the parable, if we are found faithful in a little, we will be rewarded twice over: first, by being given more kingdom work to participate in, and second, with the joy of our master.


What does this mean, to enter into the joy of our master? Perhaps none of us will truly know until we get to the other side. But we still have a taste here of what it means to do a good job on behalf of someone we love, and for that someone we love to be joyful as a result.


Labouring in the kingdom of God is not like working a tough job. It is about being given a little bit to do, doing our best, being showered with the joy of the Lord, and being given a little more to do next time. It is actually all rather exciting when you think about it.


What is the little that the Lord has entrusted with you? How might you be faithful in that? Where is the joy in that work?


God of joy, you have blessed us to be co-labourers in your kingdom. Increase our faith, that we may fulfil our responsibilities faithfully, and enter into your joy.

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