Christ on the Mount of Olives had spoken to His disciples of His second advent to the world. He had specified certain signs that were to show when His coming was near, and had bidden His disciples watch and be ready. Again He repeated the warning, "Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Then He showed what it means to watch for His coming. The time is to be spent, not in idle waiting, but in diligent working. This lesson He taught in the parable of the talents.

Kristus havde på Oliebjerget talt til sine disciple om sit andet komme til verden. Han havde talt om visse tegn, som skulle vise, når hans komme var nær og han havde bedt disciplene våge og være rede. Han gentog atter advarslen: "Våg derfor thi I kender hverken dagen eller timen." Derpå viste han dem, hvad det vil sige at våge og være rede for hans komme. Tiden skal ikke tilbringes med at sidde uvirksom og vente, men med at være optaget flittigt i sin gerning. Han bibragte dem denne undervisning i lignelsen om talenterne.