The Faithful and Wise Servant
Read the parable
- Matthew 24:45-51 Primary account
- Luke 12:41-48 Parallel account
Context
Part of the Olivet Discourse, delivered privately to the disciples on the Mount of Olives days before the crucifixion, in answer to their question about the sign of his coming and the end of the age. A trusted steward set over a household — responsible to feed the other servants in the master's absence — was a common role in large estates. In Luke's parallel the parable answers Peter's question whether the teaching on watchfulness was for the disciples or for all.
Meaning
Since no one knows the day or hour of the Lord's return, faithfulness is measured by what the servant is doing when the master arrives. The faithful and wise servant simply keeps doing his assigned work — caring for the master's household; the wicked servant reasons "My lord delayeth his coming" and turns to abuse and self-indulgence. The delay of Christ's return is a test of character, not a license. Luke adds that greater knowledge brings greater accountability: "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required".
Go deeper
Two free lessons walk through the parables as a whole: The Parables of Jesus and Interpreting the Parables.