Now follows the third and final parable in the series and this parable is the longest. He is told in Matthew 25:14-30. Now that we have discussed the first two parables and placed them in their proper tense by the chronological clues, it is not difficult to explain the last one as well.
14 For it is like a man going on a journey, and calling his servants, he delivered to them what was his.
it’s just like
This part must also be left in context and cannot simply be applied to any time. The ‘for’, with which this verse begins, links this parable to the previous one. “For it is just as” refers to the beginning of the parable of the five wise and foolish virgins. It began with: ’then the kingdom of heaven will be like this’ (Matt.25:1). So in Matthew 25:14 we should read: For then the kingdom of heaven is just as a man…
as in the days of Noah
Like the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, this parable also takes place in that specific time period when the Kingdom is about to be revealed. The Lord is present with His people Israel and soon the Kingdom will begin worldwide. At this time the Lord is not yet present for the nations, represented in the parable by a man who went on a journey.
Earlier we read about this period, that the presence (>parousia) of the Son of man will be as in the days of Noah (Matt.24:37). Unbelievers will be taken away, believers will be left on earth and enter the Kingdom (Matt.24:40-41). And we also find this in this parable (Matt.25:21,23,30).
All three of these parables have a similar ending (Matt. 24:50-51; 25:10-13; 25:29-30), talking about a part that will enter the Kingdom and be left on earth. The others who do not enter will be outside the Kingdom and will be taken away in judgment (Matt.24:40-41).