Commentary on Matt. 24
Matt 24:45-51
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
(KJV)
Notice, the "servants" Jesus specifically referred to are those whom He has made "rulers over his household." Certainly, Jesus did not intend to include all Christians in this statement. He was referring specifically to His Apostles, and all others whom He would call to be the leaders of His Church. If you are a pastor, evangelist, teacher, or hold a position of authority in Jesus' Church, then you need to take notice of this parable. It is specifically for you.
In Luke's Gospel, Jesus gave this same parable, but in much greater detail. I believe it is best if we examine the fuller version, in order to understand it's application to the Olivet Discourse. As you read this passage, pay particular attention to the four types of "servants," all of whom have been made rulers over the Church by Jesus Christ Himself. And, notice the four different rewards / punishments.
Luke 12:41-48
41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
#1. The Wise servant.
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
Jesus described the servant who heeds Jesus' warning in this chapter. He "feeds the flock" as Jesus instructed. He is a watchman, looking for the signs of Jesus coming, and exhorting and equipping the sheep to be faithful to Christ. His reward will be much greater authority in Christ's Millennial Kingdom.
#2. The Wicked servant.
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
This servant does exactly the opposite of what the Master commanded. Instead of "feeding the flock," he beats the flock. Instead of being sober, and watching for his Master's coming, he becomes a party animal, seeking to gratify the desires of his flesh. He ignores the signs of Jesus' coming. In this case, Jesus made a very solemn statement. This servant, whom Jesus had previously called and placed in a position of authority over His Church, will be cut in pieces, and will join the unbelievers. I am afraid that there are many of Christ's "servants" who will meet this end.
#3. The Lazy servant.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
This servant willfully ignored the Master's charge to him. Knowing full well that He was commanded to "feed the flock," and to be a watchman on the wall, looking for the signs of Jesus' coming, and exhorting the sheep to be ready, instead he got lazy. He thought it was not that important. Or, he let other things hinder his obedience to the Lord. He will be punished severely, but not cast out, as the "wicked servant."
#4. The Ignorant servant.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
(KJV)
This servant honestly didn't know what His Lord's will was. Perhaps he had been taught wrongly by his mentors. Perhaps he did not study the Scriptures sufficiently. But, he is still responsible to find out his Master's will, and do it. He will be punished, but not severely.
Notice the last statement in verse 48. It sums up this whole teaching by Jesus. Those who are given much, will be judged much more harshly than those given less.
But, why would such a parable be found in the Olivet Discourse? Because this passage is one of the most important teachings of Jesus, that He wants to be taught to His flock by the servants He has made rulers over His household. This passage is about watching for the coming of the Master. It contains all the signs. It contains warnings about watching for the signs. Yes, contrary to what many Evangelical preachers tell you, eschatology is crucial to the Christian walk.
Trying to live the Christian life, without knowing exactly where it is leading, is like starting to run in a race that you have no idea how it is supposed to end. One is easily discouraged, and it doesn't take much to turn aside after other things. God saw fit to lay out His plans in the Scriptures. Jesus gave clear teaching regarding the exact order of events leading up to His coming. And, He commanded the Apostles to take all of His teaching, to them, to every nation, until the end of the age, [Matt. 28:19,20]. A proper understanding of the events leading up to the second coming, motivates Christians to keep their minds on Christ's Kingdom, instead of this present evil age. A clear eschatology is a clear goal. A fuzzy eschatology is a fuzzy goal.
I John 3:2-3
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
(KJV)
The Olivet Discourse was more than just something to satisfy the disciples curiosity. It is essential Christian teaching that motivates Christians to walk in such a way as to hear, "well done, good and faithful servant."
Let me close this commentary with the following quote from the closing statements of Jesus in His Olivet Discourse, according to Mark.
Mark 13:33-37
33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
(KJV)