PARABLES ON READINESS
Matthew 24:42-51 / Mark 13:34-37
Jesus exhorts “Watch
therefore: for ye know not what hour you Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42).
This is the chief exhortation of a parenthetical section of parables. It is the
result of the preceding parable (indicated by the word “therefore”), and an incentive or bridge for the parables that
illustrate the need for such watchfulness. They are to watch because the exact
time of His coming is unknown.
Based upon the exhortation to watch, Christ proceeds to give
three parables. The words “but know this” form the connection between verse 43
and verse 42. Verse 42 is the keynote. Christ now couples suddenness with the
theme of preparedness, but centers his thoughts on preparedness. They are to be
on the alert. Hendricksen notes that “because the tense used in the original
‘Be ready at all times’ interprets the sense of the original.”[1]
The following parables illustrate and explain what it means to be ready. In
these parables we see that readiness is not a state of non-activity, but a
state of action.
THE WATCHFUL HOUSHOLDER—Matt. 24:43-44
This first parable deals with a house owner who must watch
for a burglar. He is to be prepared because he does not know when the burglar
is coming, for if he knew that he would only be prepared at the time of his
coming. A burglar will strike suddenly, without notice, thus the owner must be
prepared. The point is obvious. The comparison of the Lord’s return to that of
a burglar in the night is a common illustration in Scripture (1 Thessalonians
5:2-4; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3, 16:15). In these passages the idea of
unexpectedness and the danger of unpreparedness for the coming event is a
common thread. “Therefore be ye also
ready” (Matthew 24:44) is again emphasized. It is in the present tense
which denotes a continual readiness. They are to be on a twenty-four hour
alert, continually ready for His coming.
The reason is “for in
such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44). It indicates the feature of surprise of the
event. It happens when you least expect it. Even those who are watching will be
surprised, but they are prepared. This exhortation is for those tribulation
saints alive at this coming. However, there is application to all believers to
be prepared to meet the Lord.
THE TWO SERVANTS---Matthew 24:45-51
The second parable deals with two servants (Matthew
24:45-51). It was common in those days for wealthy people to put their
household in charge of capable servants. These servants/slaves would be
accountable to the owner for how they ran the household. The owner could come
at anytime for an accounting, for which they must be prepared. In this parable
we find two servants who were given such a responsibility while the owner is
away for a time. One servant is faithful. Reward comes to this one. He is found
reliable and accountable to the trust placed in him. He is not demoralized by
delay, keeping things in the state of readiness for the master’s return. Such a
servant is not only blessed, but promoted and rewarded (Matthew 24:47).
On the other hand, there is the “evil servant” (Matthew 24:48). He is not ready for the master’s
return. He is characterized as:
- Not watchful. William Barclay has said, “To live without watchfulness invites disaster.”[2] This is certainly true of this servant.
- He exhibits the wrong attitude. His attitude is unconcern, carelessness, and irresponsibility. He does not take seriously the idea of accountability. He expresses “it’s not mine why should I care” attitude.
- He is outwardly cruel. This is displayed by his actions of carousing and cruelty toward other servants of his master. Carelessness leads to cruelty in the use of people and resources.
THE PORTER—Mark 13:34-37.
Mark gives a different parable at this point in the
discourse. His parable is that of a doorkeeper or porter. In this parable, the
master of the house gives the doorman instruction to be alert in his absence.
The reason is twofold:
- “For ye know not when the master of the house cometh” (Mark 13:35). Again in this we see the theme of suddenness and uncertainty of the master’s return.
- Upon the return of the Master, he does not want to find the doorman “sleeping” (Mark 13:36). Sleeping is the opposite of alertness and denotes laxity. Such laxity in the army will get you shot. He is not to be derelict in his duty, nor are we. The servant who is to be found faithful must be found alert and eagerly watching for the return of the master.
However, we who live today in the dispensation of grace are not off the hook for being on our guard and being prepared. The rapture of the church also requires us to expect Him momentarily to meet us in the air. We need to be prepared, just as will the tribulation saints.
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