Matthew 24:45

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Who {G5101} then {G686} is {G2076} a faithful {G4103} and {G2532} wise {G5429} servant {G1401}, whom {G3739} his {G846} lord {G2962} hath made ruler {G2525} over {G1909} his {G846} household {G2322}, to give {G1325} them {G846} meat {G5160} in {G1722} due season {G2540}?

"Who is the faithful and sensible servant whose master puts him in charge of the household staff, to give them their food at the proper time?

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?

Matthew 24:45 is a pivotal rhetorical question posed by Jesus within His extensive discourse on the end times, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. It introduces the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant, emphasizing the qualities God seeks in those He entrusts with responsibility.

Context

This verse is nestled within Jesus' teachings about His second coming and the signs preceding it. Following warnings about false prophets and global tribulations, Jesus shifts focus to the necessary attitude of His followers. He stresses the importance of being watchful and prepared, as the exact time of His return is unknown. The question in verse 45 sets the stage for a parable that illustrates what it means to live faithfully while awaiting the master's return, contrasting it with the fate of an unfaithful servant.

Key Themes

  • Stewardship and Responsibility: The servant is made "ruler over his household," highlighting the immense trust and authority given. This speaks to the Christian's call to be a faithful steward of God's resources, people, and opportunities.
  • Faithfulness and Wisdom: Jesus explicitly asks for a servant who embodies both qualities. Faithfulness implies reliability, trustworthiness, and consistent obedience, while wisdom suggests discernment, prudence, and practical judgment in carrying out duties.
  • Timely Provision and Care: The phrase "to give them meat in due season" is crucial. It refers to providing nourishment, guidance, and support not just in quantity, but at the appropriate time and in the right manner. This encompasses both physical and spiritual feeding for those under one's care.
  • Readiness for Christ's Return: The underlying message of the entire chapter is the imperative to live in a state of readiness for the Lord's unexpected return, demonstrating diligence and integrity in one's assigned tasks.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "faithful" is pistos, which denotes someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and believes. The term for "wise" is phronimos, meaning prudent, sensible, or practically intelligent. It suggests someone who has good judgment and applies it effectively. Together, these terms describe a servant who is not only dependable but also exercises sound discretion and foresight in their duties, especially in providing for others.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful challenge to all believers, especially those in positions of leadership or influence. It compels us to consider:

  • Personal Accountability: Are we faithfully managing the gifts, talents, and resources God has entrusted to us?
  • Service to Others: Are we actively engaged in providing "meat in due season"—offering spiritual encouragement, practical help, or wise counsel to those around us, especially within the church or our families?
  • Spiritual Diligence: Are we living with awareness of Christ's potential imminent return, ensuring our actions reflect our dedication to His will?

Ultimately, Matthew 24:45 calls believers to a life of active, discerning, and devoted service, ready to give an account to the Lord when He returns.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 25:21

    His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

  • Matthew 25:23

    His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:1

    ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2

    Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

  • Luke 16:10

    He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

  • Luke 16:12

    And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

  • Luke 12:41

    ¶ Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

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