What does Matthew 25:24 mean?

Thus far in Jesus' parable, a master has returned from a long journey to learn what his servants have done with money left with them to manage (Matthew 25:14–15). The first two servants have made their report. Each of them used the money to go into trading and have doubled their master's investment. He has called them good and faithful servants and promised them even greater responsibility, as well as entering his own personal joy. Though one brought back more than twice as much profit as the other, both are equally rewarded for making faithful use of their entrusted assets (Matthew 25:20–23).

The third servant makes his report, and it is much different. As the story has already revealed, this servant simply buried the money the master gave him (Matthew 25:18). He gives an explanation in this and the following verse. He tells the master, in essence, that he sees the master as someone who finds ways to take as his own things that are not his. This servant sees his master as harsh, uncompromising, and authoritarian.

Rather than acting in love, or diligence, the servant acted out of fear (Matthew 25:25). The master will not find his explanation convincing. The point of this parable is how God expects His people to use the "talents"—skills, money, assets, resources, abilities—which He has given them. Regardless of how much we've been given, we're expected to faithfully use those blessings in godly ways. We are not meant to bury them and do nothing.