Get Ready — Because Here I Come

Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants (Matthew 24:42-51)

Big Idea: Because Jesus will return at an unexpected hour, His followers must serve faithfully, live holy lives, and watch expectantly.

Overview

Jesus speaks of His second coming and insists that no one knows the day or hour—not even the angels or the Son. To illustrate how His disciples are to live in the meantime, He tells a parable contrasting a faithful, wise servant with an evil, negligent servant. The faithful servant understands his position under the Master, obeys gladly, and is rewarded. The evil servant dismisses his Master’s delay, indulges in worldly pleasure, mistreats others, and is judged. The sermon unpacks six lessons—three from each servant—and ends with a three-fold call: serve faithfully, live holy, and watch expectantly for Christ’s imminent return.

Key Scripture

• Matthew 24:42-51 — The foundation of the whole message: a parable that reveals how readiness is proven by daily faithfulness.
• Mark 13:32 — The supporting reminder: the timing of Christ’s return is known only to the Father.
• 2 Peter 3:3-12 — The theological anchor: losing sight of Christ’s return leads to ungodly living; hope in His coming fuels holiness.

Main Points

1. Lessons from the Faithful and Wise Servant

Why he is called “faithful and wise”

1. He understood his place.

   • “Master” and “servant” define the relationship; the servant gladly submits to the Master’s authority.

2. He knew that obedience brings blessing.

   • “Blessed is that servant…” (v. 46).
   • True happiness (Greek makarios) is found in doing what the Master commands, not in ignoring Him.

3. He trusted that faithfulness will be rewarded.

   • The Master makes him “ruler over all his goods” (v. 47).
   • Good works don’t save, but they will be noticed and rewarded when Christ returns (Revelation 22:12).

2. Lessons from the Evil Servant

Why he is called “evil”

1. He lost sight of the Master.

   • Tells himself, “My master is delaying” (v. 48).
   • Forgetting Christ’s imminent return opens the door to self-rule.

2. He traded his place for the world’s pleasures.

   • Abuses others and parties “with the drunkards” (v. 49).
   • Parallel to 2 Peter 3: people who doubt Christ’s return follow their own evil desires.

3. He was unprepared for the Master’s sudden arrival.

   • The Master comes “on a day when he is not looking” (v. 50).
   • Judgment follows: assigned “with the hypocrites…weeping and gnashing of teeth” (v. 51), an image of hell.

Application

The call: While Christ is away, represent Him well—serve faithfully, live holy, and watch expectantly until He comes.

Head — Remember who is in charge: Jesus is Master, we are servants entrusted with His household (the people He loves).

Heart — Cultivate longing for His return; love Christ more than the world’s temporary pleasures.

Hands

1. Share the gospel and care for people around you as Christ’s ambassadors.
2. Practice daily obedience—pray, give, fast, and serve “in secret,” trusting the Father who rewards openly.
3. Examine habits that dull expectancy (worldly indulgence, spiritual laziness) and replace them with practices that fuel holiness.

Reflection Questions

1. In what areas of life do you forget that Jesus is your Master and you are His servant?
2. How does anticipating Christ’s return influence your decisions and behavior today?
3. Which pleasure or habit most tempts you to trade faithfulness for worldly satisfaction?
4. What concrete step can you take this week to feed and care for someone in Christ’s “household”?
5. If Jesus returned today, what would He find you doing—and would He call it faithful?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are our Master and King. Thank You for entrusting Your work to us while You are away. Help us to serve faithfully, to walk in holiness, and to keep our eyes fixed on Your promised return. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to resist the pull of this world and to live as true ambassadors of Your kingdom. May You find us watching and ready. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.