"Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid,...I hid your talent in the ground. "

You know with whom we identify in this story of the Parable of the Talents. We are on the side of the little one-talent man. Perhaps because few of us are overburdened with talent, perhaps because we love stories of the little guy who makes good. The woman who stood up to the powers of the IRS and won. Toe worker who fought the great big corporation and got his disability after all. The student who went one-on-one with the mighty university and triumphed. We're on the side of the little guy.

Toward the end of his time with us, Jesus told a story. Note that this Parable of the Talents comes toward the end of his life…