The Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servant: A Call to Steadfast Readiness. Matthew 24:45-51

Continuing our study of the Parables in Matthew.

Few passages in Scripture cut as sharply—and as lovingly—as the parable Jesus gives in Matthew 24:45–51. Spoken in the midst of His teaching on the end times, this short story is less about predicting dates and more about shaping character. It’s a parable that asks every believer a piercing question: What kind of servant am I becoming while I wait for my Lord?

Let’s explore its message, using the King James Version for key citations.

A Tale of Two Servants

Jesus begins with a picture of a steward entrusted with responsibility:

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?” — Matthew 24:45 (KJV)

This servant is not praised for brilliance, charisma, or ambition. He is praised for faithfulness and wisdom—two qualities that show up in the quiet, consistent choices of everyday life.

The Reward of Faithfulness

Jesus continues:

“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” — Matthew 24:46 (KJV)

The blessing is not for the servant who intended to be faithful, nor for the one who used to be faithful, but for the one who is found faithful when the Master returns. The reward is astonishing:

“He shall make him ruler over all his goods.” — Matthew 24:47 (KJV)

Faithfulness in small things leads to stewardship over greater things. Jesus consistently teaches this principle, and here He ties it directly to His return.

The Danger of a Neglectful Heart

Then the tone shifts. Jesus describes another servant—one who lets delay distort his character:

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming…” — Matthew 24:48 (KJV)

Notice the decline begins in the heart, not in outward behavior. The servant doesn’t start by beating others or indulging in excess. He starts by adjusting his expectations: There’s plenty of time. No need to be diligent now.

From that inner shift flows destructive behavior:

“…and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken.” — Matthew 24:49 (KJV)

Neglect of the Master’s presence leads to abuse of others and indulgence of self.

The Sudden Reckoning

Jesus concludes with a sobering warning:

“The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him…” — Matthew 24:50 (KJV)

The outcome is tragic:

“…and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” — Matthew 24:51 (KJV)

This is not a gentle ending. Jesus wants His listeners to feel the weight of spiritual negligence. The parable is not meant to terrify but to awaken.

What This Means for Us Today

1. Faithfulness Is Measured in the Ordinary

The faithful servant isn’t performing miracles or preaching sermons. He’s simply doing what the Master assigned—day after day. In a world obsessed with visibility and achievement, Jesus honors quiet obedience.

2. Delay Tests Devotion

Every generation of Christians has wrestled with the apparent “delay” of Christ’s return. The question is not when He will come, but how we will live while we wait.

3. Character Is Revealed Over Time

Both servants had the same position, the same opportunity, and the same Master. What separated them was the condition of their hearts.

4. Readiness Is Not About Prediction—It’s About Posture

Jesus isn’t calling us to decode prophetic timelines. He’s calling us to live in such a way that His return—whenever it happens—finds us faithful.

A Final Encouragement

This parable is both a warning and an invitation. It warns us against drifting into complacency, but it also invites us into a life of purpose, diligence, and hope. The Master is returning—not to catch us failing, but to reward those who have remained steadfast.

Faithfulness is not glamorous, but it is glorious in the eyes of God.

Discovering the Path of Salvation series by Stephen Luckett