Wise and Faithful Servants

Read: Matthew 25

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Matthew 25 is a continuation of chapter 24, in which Jesus answers the question posed by His disciples: "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (verse 24.3) Jesus offers specific teaching on the subject in Matthew 24.4-44, concluding in verse 44 with this summary: "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

In Matthew 24.45-51, Jesus begins a series of illustrations in order to help His disciples understand the teaching He he has just presented. "Who then is the wise and faithful servant?" is the question Jesus raises as the prologue to these illustrations, and the conclusion of chapter 24 begins to address this query. Chapter 25 continues this discussion with three parables: the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the Parable of the Talents, and the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. Each parable presents a portrait of a prepared "wise and faithful servant" as follows:

1) A wise and faithful servant will keep watch for the Lord's coming regardless of how long it may be delayed. Readiness will be a matter of ongoing committed lifestyle (verse 25.13).

2) A wise and faithful servant will not adopt a passive posture in waiting for the Lord's return. Rather, the servant will invest in the work of God's Kingdom based on the gifts and graces given to the servant, and that investment activity will be continuous, constant and consistent (verse 25.29).

3) A wise and faithful servant knows that he or she will be judged on the basis of personal response to the Kingdom and the King (Jesus) and understands that ministry to subjects of the King is ministry to the King Himself, since it builds and strengthens His Kingdom: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (verse 25.40).

Be prepared. Be ready. Be faithful.