Parabable of the watchful servant

Matthew 24:45-51, Mark 13:34-37

During Jesus’s life, the Jews were severely oppressed by the ever-growing Roman empire. Jesus comes on the scene and gives hope to his people that he, as the Messiah, will overthrow this oppressive government. They were ready for the new kingdom to come now. Yet, on that dark Friday, Jesus died, and Saturday came, and hope disappeared. 

I imagine the disciples are confused. They are wrapped in despair, paralyzed by the draining of hope that seems to go to the grave with their Savior. Yet, Jesus, in this parable, is speaking to them and us now. As his disciples, he promises that his Kingdom is here and is coming. He is coming, and he will judge the world and tell us to be watchful servants. 

Are we being watchful? Or are we so focused on today? On this life? Are we lifting our eyes with hopeful expectation of our Master coming home? 

It’s common for us to get caught up in the mundane of this life, but our God tells us to keep diligent watch. To work for something that is coming. 

Behold, I am doing a new thing;

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

Church, what could it look like for us to be watchful for our God? To pray to beg him to come back? Instead of keeping our eyes on the things of this world.