Biola University
The Story Behind the Work
In The Parable of the Talents, Millard Sheets and longtime collaborator Susan Lautmann Hertel depict six scenes from the story told by Jesus Christ in Matthew 25:14–30, in which a master entrusts his wealth to three servants before traveling to a far country. To the two who wisely invest and multiply their resources, the master declares upon his return, “Well done, good and faithful servants. Ye have been faithful over a few things. I will make ye rulers over many things.”
This piece was originally created by Sheets for a branch of the First Federal Savings and Loan bank in Dallas, Texas. After the branch closed down, much of the artwork was relocated, and the history of the piece remains largely unknown before its gifting to Biola University. Sheets’ legacy of celebrating business and trade with art is honored by the piece’s home within Biola University’s Crowell School of Business, displayed as a reminder of our calling to be kingdom influencers who faithfully steward all that the Lord entrusts to us.
