The Faithful and Wise Servant
Jesus praises the servant found faithfully at work when the master returns unexpectedly - and warns against presuming that a delay means the master is not coming at all.
Jesus asks who is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master makes ruler over his household to give them meat in due season - blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he comes, shall find so doing. But the evil servant who says in his heart 'my lord delayeth his coming' and begins to mistreat his fellow servants will be caught off guard and cut off, assigned a place with the hypocrites. The parable warns against presuming on a delay in Christ's return, calling disciples instead to faithful, watchful service whether the wait is short or long.
Category: Kingdom of God
Meaning: Be found faithfully serving when the master returns, rather than presuming on his delay.
Audience: Disciples
Key Chapters
Key Passages
The Faithful and Evil Servants Contrasted
Matthew 24:45-51
Jesus contrasts the servant found faithfully serving at his master's return with the one who presumes on delay and grows careless - a call to readiness, not complacency.
45ho then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Did You Know?
It contrasts a servant found faithfully working with one who assumes the master is delayed.
The 'evil servant' begins mistreating others when he thinks no one is watching.
Its lesson is readiness - the master returns 'in an hour he is not aware of.'
It follows Jesus' teaching on his own unexpected return.