"A disciple is not above his teacher, and a slave is not above his master.

It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher and a slave to be like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they do the same to those of his household!"

"The owner's servants came and asked him, "Master, you sowed good seed in your field, didn't you? Then where did these weeds come from?'

Then he told them, "That is why every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom from heaven is like the master of a household who brings both new and old things out of his treasure chest."

Because he couldn't pay, his master ordered him, his wife, his children, and everything that he owned to be sold so that payment could be made.

The master of that servant had compassion and released him, canceling his debt.

"When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were very disturbed and went and reported to their master everything that had occurred.

Then his master sent for him and told him, "You evil servant! I canceled that entire debt for you because you begged me.

In anger his master handed him over to the jailers until he could repay the entire debt.

"Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give the others their food at the right time?

How blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing this when he comes!

"But if that wicked servant says to himself, "My master has been delayed,'

that servant's master will come on a day when he doesn't expect him and at an hour that he doesn't know.

Then his master will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

But the one who received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and buried his master's money.

"After a long time, the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

The one who had received five talents came up and brought five more talents. "Master,' he said, "you gave me five talents. See, I've earned five more talents.'

"His master told him, "Well done, good and trustworthy servant! Since you've been trustworthy with a small amount, I'll put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master's joy!'

"The one with two talents also came forward and said, "Master, you gave me two talents. See, I've earned two more talents.

"His master told him, "Well done, good and trustworthy servant! Since you've been trustworthy with a small amount, I'll put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master's joy!'

"Then the one who had received one talent came forward and said, "Master, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you haven't planted and gathering where you haven't scattered any seed.

"His master answered him, "You evil and lazy servant! So you knew that I harvested where I haven't planted and gathered where I haven't scattered any seed?

Then the master said, "Take the talent from him and give it to the man who has the ten talents,