Matthew 24:47Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do these words imply His lack of knowledge? If you argue that His statement, “Neither the Son knows,” refers to His unawareness of the end of the world, what can be said of His words, “For who is he”? Would you assert that He lacks knowledge here as well? Absolutely not. No rational person would claim such a thing: in the first case, one could conceive of an explanation, but in this instance, there is none. What does His question, “Simon, do you love me?” signify? Did He not know this too? And when He asks, “Where have you laid him?” a similar inquiry is expressed by God the Father when He asks, “Where are you, Adam?” and observes, “The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah has reached Me.” When I come, I will investigate to see if their outcry has reached Me; if not, I will understand. In another instance, it is stated, “For how shall they hear? How shall they know?”

In the Gospel, when the people are shamed by My Son, all these phrases seem to convey ignorance. Yet God did not speak from ignorance but with the aim of effectively fulfilling His purpose. In addressing Adam, He sought to prompt him to seek repentance; regarding the Sodomites, He teaches us not to judge without understanding the situation; concerning the prophet, He warns against the foolish notion that prophecy would inevitably lead to disobedience. The parable in the Gospel aims to illustrate the obligation to honor the Son while preventing excessive curiosity and highlighting the matter's importance.

Furthermore, consider the ignorance suggested in these words if He does not even recognize whom He appoints! He declares the servant blessed, stating, “Blessed is that servant,” yet does not identify who that servant is; He merely asks, “Who is he that the Lord will appoint?” He states, “Blessed is he who will be found doing these things.” Note that this is not said regarding a single possession, but encompasses the word, power, gifts, and various responsibilities assigned to each individual. This parable applies to civil authorities as well: everyone is expected to use their gifts for the common good. Whether one possesses wisdom or authority, riches, or other resources, one should not exploit these blessings to the detriment of others or their own downfall.

The Savior requires two qualities from the servant depicted in the parable: prudence and faithfulness, for sin arises from folly. He identifies the servant as faithful, having withheld nothing from his master's goods and not wasted anything in vain. He is wise because he understands how to manage the entrusted property effectively. We too must embody both qualities to avoid misappropriating what belongs to the Lord and to utilize what has been given properly. If we lack one quality, we render the other incomplete. A servant might be faithful and not steal, yet squander his master's goods on trivialities — this is a grave fault. Conversely, if he manages the estate well but steals, this too is a serious offense.

Wealth holders should take heed, for the words of Christ apply not only to teachers but also to those who are affluent. Both are entrusted with resources, with teachers having a more essential accountability, while you who are wealthy bear a lesser responsibility. If teachers squander more valuable resources, yet you refuse to show generosity in even minor matters, and fail to be grateful for what belongs to another, what justification can you offer? Before discussing the punishments that await the unrighteous, let us listen to how the righteous will be rewarded. Truly I say to you, he will be set over all his possessions. What could match such an honor? What words can adequately convey the dignity and joy of being appointed by the King of Heaven, to whom all belongs, over all His possessions? This is why He calls him wise, for he recognizes the importance of not squandering the greater for the sake of the lesser; by exercising prudence in this life, he secures a place in Heaven.

This servant mistreats his fellow servants, squanders his master's resources, and indulges with those who are reckless. What fate awaits this servant when his master arrives unexpectedly on a day he did not foresee? He will face severe punishment and be consigned with the unrighteous, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Therefore, stay awake and pray always, for you are unaware of when the master of the house will appear—whether in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—so that he does not come suddenly and find you unprepared. And what I say to you, I say to all my disciples: be vigilant! After a brief pause, the Divine Redeemer resumed His discourse to impress upon the hearts of His followers the profound truths He had shared.

Anyone who has received blessings from God, whether possessions, authority, or responsibilities, must manage them responsibly and wisely, as they will be called to account for their stewardship.

Saint Chrysostom remarks that this applies not only to material possessions but also to words, powers, gifts, and the various duties assigned to each individual. This parable is relevant to civil leaders as well; all should utilize their gifts for the greater good. Regardless of whether one possesses wisdom, power, wealth, or other resources, one should not use these blessings harmful to others or for self-destruction. The servant highlighted in this parable is required to embody both prudence and faithfulness, since sin often stems from lack of wisdom. A servant is deemed faithful when they do not squander their master's assets or waste them aimlessly, while being wise signifies correctly managing the resources entrusted to them.

We, too, must strive for faithfulness and prudence. If a servant is diligent and refrains from theft yet misuses the possessions through wasteful spending, this is indeed a significant flaw. Conversely, if they manage their lord’s estate well but engage in stealing, this is also a grave offense. Those among us who are wealthy should heed these words, for they apply not only to teachers but also to the affluent. Both groups have been entrusted with resources: the former with more pressing needs and the latter with lesser necessities. If teachers squander the more critical gifts while the wealthy refuse to show generosity and gratitude for what has been granted to them, what excuse can they offer?

Ultimately, the significance and joy of being placed over all God’s creation by the King of Heaven, to whom all belongs, is beyond measure. Thus, He refers to the faithful servant as wise, as fidelity in minor responsibilities leads to greater rewards, for through prudent stewardship, one can attain heavenly treasures even here on earth.

In Mark's parable, the Lord depicts Himself as a master who departs his home, delegating responsibilities to his servants and instructing the gatekeeper to remain alert. Each servant is expected to diligently carry out their tasks, and the gatekeeper must stay vigilant in anticipation of the master's return. Due to the uncertainty regarding when the master will come back, vigilance is required at all times to be prepared for his arrival. In a similar vein, after establishing His church on earth, the Lord ascended to heaven, visibly leaving, while promising to return at an appointed time known only to God. Every believer has a specific role within the body of Christ, a unique purpose and task that they are called to fulfill. Because the timing of Christ’s second coming is unknown—and this also coincides with every person's death, marking the end of their earthly assignments—believers should remain continually watchful and prepared to greet the Lord, who will judge both the living and the dead.

This call to spiritual vigilance is a universal mandate for all Christ's followers, applicable throughout the ages until the end of time: "I say unto you, I say unto all, watch." This instruction is emphatic. Be cautious, so that your souls are not burdened by overindulgence, drunkenness, and worldly cares, and that day does not surprise you like a snare that ensnares everyone dwelling on the earth. Therefore, be vigilant at all times, praying for the strength to escape from these things that are coming and to stand before the Son of Man. The Lord imparted wisdom regarding what is essential for discernment, so that the faithful are not swept away by the surge of heedless indulgence. Just as it was in Noah's time, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man: people were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up until the day Noah entered the ark, unaware until the flood came and swept everything away. Likewise, the coming of the Son of Man will be. In that time, two will be in the field: one will be taken away, and the other will be left; two will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken, and one will be left. The Lord had already cautioned His disciples earlier about the suddenness of His return for the awful judgment, marking not only the time of night but also the urgency of the moment (Luke 17:26-30, 35-36). Now, reiterating the prophecy, He urged His loyal followers to be perpetually and attentively on guard for the final day: "Watch ye, for ye know not what hour your Lord will come." Furthermore, to emphasize the importance of vigilance while awaiting His return and the dire outcomes of neglecting the crucial duty of spiritual salvation, the Lord referred back to the teaching about the servants anticipating their master's arrival, which He had shared previously (Luke 12:39, 40, 42-46).