Wise and Faithful

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant,…? (Mat 24:45)

Often I heard these term ‘wise and faithful servant’, but often the true meaning alludes me. This morning, I thought I understood it better. Taken in the context, it makes more sense, at least on Matthew’s gospel, for in Mark, the context is slightly different.

Here the context (in a hurry mode since i’ve little time):

  1. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. (v36-37)
    1. It talks about the timing of Jesus’ second coming
    2. It states that nobody knows the exact timing
  2. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (v.44)
    1. It talks about his expectation on us to be prepared

Then comes the passage:

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ 49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

And at last, the 3 parables in chapter 25 (10 virgins, 3 servants, 2 animals), which explain the meaning further.

So, first point to note, about the term ‘wise and faithful servant’, is each word:

  1. Servant, that’s who we are. All follower of Jesus are given a task as servant to his / her Lord. Whatever the things we’re doing, we’re doing it as unto the Lord. In this context, Jesus said this servant was given task to give food to his household at proper time. That’s his job description and KPI from the master.
  2. Wise. The story talks about the other side of NOT WISE. He thought the master will be long way home and won’t come back so soon. So he started not doing his job, and enjoying himself. It is probably wise in his own eyes. Since the master won’t be home soon, he could take the time to enjoy himself. But that’s foolishness in Jesus’ eyes. For if he doesn’t know the time, he should be READY ANYTIME. So the wisdom is in being ready, to be found faithful.
  3. Faithful. This is probably the easiest and most straightforward. But just to emphasis based on the context. Look carefully at Jesus’ words in verse 46. The measure of faithfulness is on the assigned task the master gave. Otherwise, he won’t be considered faithful at all. What task Jesus left us till He returns?

Help us Lord, to be ready, focus, and serving you everyday!

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