Don't be slack nor let down your guard.
Mat 24:45 "Who therefore is the loyal and intelligent servant to whom his master has entrusted the control of his household to give them their rations at the appointed time?
Mat 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes shall find so doing!
Mat 24:47 In solemn truth I tell you that he will give him the management of all his wealth.
Mat 24:48 But if the man, being a bad servant, should say in his heart, 'My master is a long time in coming,'
Mat 24:49 and should begin to beat his fellow servants, while he eats and drinks with drunkards;
Mat 24:50 the master of that servant will arrive on a day when he is not expecting him and at an hour of which he has not been informed;
Mat 24:51 he will treat him with the utmost severity and assign him a place among the hypocrites: there will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
Introduction
Keep watch. Keep alert. This was Jesus admonition in the previous verses. he is coming like a thief in the night,, i.e. UNEXPECTEDLY.
Be Ready. You must be doing what he last told you to do.
Barnes Notes This passage is, in fact, “a parable,” though it is not expressly so called. The design is to show that his disciples should act as if they were each moment expecting his return. This he illustrates by the conduct of a servant who did not expect his master soon to return, who acted with great impropriety, and who was accordingly punished.
Mat 24:45 "Who therefore is the loyal and intelligent servant to whom his master has entrusted the control of his household to give them their rations at the appointed time?
Notes
Who therefore is the loyal and intelligent servant to whom his master has entrusted the control of his household….
Loyal and intelligent WNT Faithful and wise KJV faithful and sensible Leon Morris.
Servant :: Bond-servant, slave
whom his master has entrusted the control of his household to give them their rations at the appointed time? Jesus asks who is this faithful and wise servant. This is a way of inviting the hearers to reflect on their own state of readiness.
Here is the Steward of the Household, a slave chosen to do the work of looking after the Master's household while he is absent.. He has been appointed to this work. He did not choose it. He is over the whole household. There may have been many slaves to feed and care for.
to give them their rations at the appointed time? Feeding the household at the appointed time was was his responsibility.
Whom his lord - His master.
The word here has no reference to God. It means the “lord” or master of the servant. Applied to Christian teachers, in the spiritual meaning of the parable, it refers to “Christ,” who has appointed them as teachers, and who is their Lord and Master, Joh_13:13-14.
Over his household - His family. Christian ministers are the servants of God appointed over the church, the family of Christ, 1Th_5:12-13; 1Co_3:5; 1Co_4:1-2; 1Co_12:28.
Food in due season - The word “meat” here means food of all kinds. When the Bible was translated into English, the word included, as the original does, all kinds of provisions requisite to support and nourish life.
In due season - As they need it, or in the accustomed times. This was the office of a steward. Among the ancients this office was often filled by a “slave” - one who had shown himself trusty and faithful. The duty was to have a general superintendence over the affairs of the family. Applied to Christian ministers, it means that they are to feed the flock of God, to “minister” to their needs, and to do it as they need it, Joh_21:15-17; Act_20:28; 1Co_4:1-2.
Mat_24:47
Shall make him ruler ... - Shall confirm his appointment over his household, and, as a reward, shall place him over all his property.
This does not mean that ministers will have a higher rank or office, but is a circumstance of “the parable” or story, designed to show the effect of faithfulness. Faithful servants of Christ shall be rewarded. This will be done by His approbation, and by the rewards of the heavenly world.
Mat 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes shall find so doing!
Notes
He is committed to the task set for him and he faithfully keeps at it until the Master returns.
This slave is BLESSED. He is at the job when the Master arrives. Everything is in order and the servants are all fed and happy. Joseph was set over the whole household of Potipher both inside and outside servants and he controlled them all and made sure that they were provided for.
Mat 24:47 In solemn truth I tell you that he will give him the management of all his wealth. WNT
Mat 24:47 I can guarantee this truth: He will put that servant in charge of all his property. GW.
In solemn truth WNT AmenG281 I sayG3004 to youG1473 that, ABP This is a principle of the Kingdom of God. Faithfulness will be rewarded
Notes
Shall confirm his appointment over his household, and, as a reward, shall place him over all his property.
This does not mean that ministers will have a higher rank or office, but is a circumstance of “the parable” or story, designed to show the effect of faithfulness. Faithful servants of Christ shall be rewarded. This will be done by His approbation, and by the rewards of the heavenly world. Barnes
Mat 24:48 But if the man, being a bad servant, should say in his heart, 'My master is a long time in coming,'
Mat 24:49 and should begin to beat his fellow servants, while he eats and drinks with drunkards;
Notes
the man, being a bad servant, should say in his heart, 'My master is a long time in coming,'
That bad servant or that wicked servant. Here is a hypothetical case where a servant is not faithful and intelligent. He lack the moral stamina to persevere even though the Master does not come for a long time. Faithfulness in serving Jesus is essential for rewards in the Kingdom of God.
He says within his heart, “My Master is a long time coming.” Self-talk will control your actions so you need to be saying the right things to yourself.
How long will Jesus coming be? Will you slack off on your Christian responsibilities by being lazy and unfaithful..
This slave acts just as if he thinks the Master will never come back and that he can do just what He likes. There is no accountability.
Mat 24:50 the master of that servant will arrive on a day when he is not expecting him and at an hour of which he has not been informed;
Notes
This responsibility is only temporary and he must give an account of his fulfillment of his charge.
...the master of that servant will arrive on a day when he is not expecting him and at an hour of which he has not been informed;
DELAY DOES NOT MEAN CANCELLATION.L.M. .P.617
Mat 24:51 he will treat him with the utmost severity and assign him a place among the hypocrites: there will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
Notes
What an unhappy ending. Severe Punishment. cp Luke 12 :46 He is finally lost in the place of grinding of the teeth and intense weeping.
God bless you Sir
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