25. The Watchful Doorkeeper
The Passage
Mark 13:32-37
The Parameters
The context is the same as the above parable. Jesus has just told them about the tribulation and the second coming.
The Problem
What should the response be to seeing the signs? “How can one avoid being caught off guard at the return of Christ?
The Presentation
The time of the return is unknown, so be alert, watch and do not be caught sleeping. It is helpful to understand the cultural background here because anyone caught sleeping on guard was executed.
Watchfulness = belief or faith.
The Principles
The Olivet Discourse primarily concerned the return of the Lord at the Second Advent. Those who will be alive and to whom the signs of the heavens will appear are urged not to get caught off guard by the sudden return of the Son of Man.
The Biblical context demands a time frame at the end of the tribulation and not before the rapture for the interpretation of this parable, although the application may extend to those in the church expecting the rapture. If the second advent of Christ to the earth is imminent, how much more the rapture?
Faith in the soon return of the Lord will be demonstrated by watchfulness and alertness.
Knowing the judgment that awaits the unbeliever, I should be sure I am saved and seek to warn others so they can be saved.
Related Topics: Eschatology (Things to Come)
26. The Watchful Owner and the Thief in the Night
The Passage
Matt. 24:42-44
The Parameters
Discussion about Tribulation , Second Coming of Christ, parable of the fig tree, then the discussion about the days of Noah. The days of Noah with the sudden judgment is used as the illustration of the danger of being caught off guard by the unexpected time of its arrival. Prior to the flood, it had never rained. So, when Noah said it was going to flood, they thought he was crazy. Then, after all were inside the ark and the door was shut, it started to rain for the first time in history. Everyone was caught off guard. As in the previous parable, watchfulness is the byword of belief. The time of arrival for the Son of Man is unknown as is likened to a thief arriving in the middle of the night.
The Problem
For those who are alive at the Second Advent of Christ to the earth, what will keep them from being surprised by the “thief-in-the-night” appearance of the Son of Man who will execute His judgment upon the unbelievers of that time?
The appearance of the thief in the night is to judge! - Not to deliver by means of the rapture.
“I wish we’d all been ready...” Larry Norman wrote a song about that for a the movie called The Thief in the Night, but he pulled the phrase out of context. People still get saved from the The Thief in the Night movie, but it is not biblically correct. Luke 17:37 shows that those that are taken will go where the vultures are - i.e. judgment. Phil 1 is a great passage to keep in mind. “Some people preach Christ out of pretense...” If God can use a donkey in the OT to spread the truth, He can use us. His word does not return void... God uses us in our maturing and learning process. It’s good we don’t have to wait until we are mature -- especially since we never arrive.
The Presentation
He makes a comparison to the unexpectedness of a thief who comes into your house at night and steals something. If you had known, you would have been sitting there with your gun or have the police sitting there with you.
Consequently, He gives a command: be ready: the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour.
Believers are not caught off guard by the thief because we are not in the night-time period. Paul explains that later in 1Thess 5:4. He says we “are not of the darkness that the day should overtake you like a thief.” You have to understand the concept of the Jewish day. The Jewish day started with in the evening and then came the daylight. Tribulation comes before blessing. Therefore, when Thess says you are not of the night, it means they would not be in the tribulation. And if the thief comes in the night, he is coming in the tribulation.
Luke 17:37 The point of the Noah and Lot illustrations is the judgment. Those that were not ready for the flood were all destroyed. Same in Sodom and Gomorrah. Those that are not ready for the return of Christ will all be destroyed. You don’t want to be taken here, because the end is judgment.
The Point
Since no one knows the day nor the hour of the Lord’s return, watchful and readiness should characterize those who would be prepared for His coming.
The Relationship to the Kingdom
Those who are not prepared for the sudden and unexpected return of Christ, as manifested in their lack of watchfulness and readiness, will be taken away in the judgment which will immediately precede the establishment of the Messianic kingdom on earth for a millennium.
The Principles
Same as last parable.
If the Christ’s return at the end of the tribulation will be as surprising as a thief in the night, then how much more so with the rapture which is not preceded by signs.
Related Topics: Eschatology (Things to Come)
27. The Wise Servant
The Passage
Matt. 24:45-51
The Parameters
The previous parables were given in order to challenge the listener or reader who will be alive at the end of the tribulation to alertness and watchfulness in light of the “significant” events which will precede the imminent return of Christ. But I think this parable takes it one step further.
The Problem
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant ?” What should the proper response to the signs which will be given at the end of the age?
The Presentation
The sensible slave
He is the one who is faithful while the master is away. He carries out his responsibilities. He will not only be ready when the master returns, he will also be rewarded.
The evil slave.
Everyone knows the tendency to slack off when the boss is gone. That is what the evil slave does.
His attitude - It doesn’t matter how I live as long as the master is away. He is rationalizing. 2Pe 3 says,
“the world has remained unchanged since the beginning.”
His actions - cruelty and indulgence...In modern language, he is abusive and self destructive.
His judgment (50-51) is unexpected: “on a day when he does not expect and at an hour which he does not know” and it is final: “assign him to a place with the hypocrites; weeping shall be there and the gnashing of teeth.” Matt uses this phrase 5 times and always as a reference to hell. This is not the punishment for a disobedient believer.
The Point
Although the return of the Lord is certain as to its event and unknown as to its time, one should be faithful and sensible in light of the rewards and judgments which will be given at that time.
The Relationship to the Kingdom
Since wisdom and faithfulness are the demonstration of one’s faith, the return of Christ will involve a judgment in which those who have demonstrated such faith will enter and assume greater responsibilities in the kingdom, while those who do not will be excluded from the kingdom to experience the wrath of Christ along with the hypocrites.
The Principles
While the last three parables emphasized the need for faith (readiness) for entering the kingdom, this parable also shows that there will be rewards for faithfulness (responsibility) in the tribulation.
Related Topics: Rewards
28. The Ten Virgins
The Passage:
Matt. 25:1-13
The Parameters:
The Historical Setting
The Virgins:
The focus is not really on whether or not they had known a man, it is just that these are young unmarried girls.
The Marriage Customs
Marriage custom of that day was as follows: The Groom would prepare a place for his bride. It might be his own house or a place at his father’s house. Then he would go to her father’s house to get her. There might be a small party at her house, so there was a small delay. Then the Bride and Groom would return to his father’s house for the marriage feast or banquet (which usually lasted for seven days).
The ten young ladies would be somewhere along the route between the bride’s house and the groom’s house. They are waiting for the bride and groom to return and they hope to join the procession and enter with them into the party. If they are with the crowd, they will be able to slip right in. If they aren’t with the procession, then the door keepers will turn them away because they don’t know them. They don’t have an invitation.
The Literary Setting
It is crucial to understand the historical setting for the last three parables. You need to understand who the audience is. If you don’t, you will be try to make direct application to the church. This parable is written to those (perhaps specifically to Jews) who will be alive during the Tribulation.
The Problem
What will determine whether a Jewish person will participate in the wedding feast of the Bridegroom in the kingdom of God?
The Progression: Biographical (Alternating contrasts)
There is debate about what kind of lamps these were. Were they the little clay lamps or torches? It seems that the clay ones fit the story better because they would be the kind that run out of oil and need to be refilled. What is important is that they were unprepared.
vs. 9 There was not enough oil for both. These ladies were not being selfish. The point is you need to make your own preparations. You may have heard the saying, “God has no grandchildren. He only has children.” The point is you have to have your own faith. Someone else can’t believe for you.
I think that all the Jews in the Tribulation will know that the King is coming, but they will not know exactly when he will return and will not be prepared.
What does being “unprepared” mean? Not believing. No faith.
The Point
Preparedness is the response of faith which will enable one to enter the kingdom at the time of the Bridegroom’s unexpected arrival. The lack of proper preparation is the demonstration of unbelief which will disqualify one from the entrance and enjoyment in the kingdom.
Relationship to the Kingdom
The question of salvation or entrance into the kingdom is the subject of this parable where the subject of the next will detail the basis of rewards. Preparedness is the mark of faith which is the only prerequisite for entrance into the kingdom and the participation in the celebration of the wedding feast of the Bridegroom. In view are those people who will be alive at the end of the tribulation who have been witnesses to the events and warnings as to the nearness of the kingdom.
Some people stress the idea of “alertness,” but notice that all the ladies were asleep.
The Particulars
The cultural background of the wedding feast in the ANE
The imagery of the Bridegroom for Messiah and the wedding feast for His Kingdom.
The Principles
This passage does not have much direct application to us. It is directed toward Jewish people in the tribulation. But we can draw some general principles from it.
Faith is demonstrated in alert preparation for the Lord’s return.
Failure to prepare for the eternal future will result in the exclusion from eternity in the future.
Just because people have heard and been impressed by the truth, doesn’t mean they believed. Certainly there will be Jews who have heard of the rapture and will recognize it when it happens, but they will not believe. They will put it off and not be prepared when Christ returns at the end of the Tribulation.
What are we doing to evangelize those left after the rapture? Are there any tracts made up that can be distributed when all the Christians disappear? Who will distribute them? I don’t know any organization that is investing its money in witnessing to tribulation people.
This parable just shows that those that were not prepared will be shut out. The next parable goes a little further and shows that there will be judgment (cf. Mat 25:30).
Related Topics: Heaven
29. The Talents
The Passage:
Matt. 25:14-30
It is unfortunate that this is called the parable of the talents because we think of spiritual gifts when we hear the word “talents,” but talents were just money. This is talking about money and responsibility in a general sense.
The Parameters
The previous Parable of the Ten Virgins has detailed what qualifies one to enter and enjoy the blessings of the kingdom of heaven (25:1-13). The emphasis was on being wise and being prepared. We concluded that that meant having faith. This parable will talk about being faithful.
The following context reveals the judgment of the nations (25:31-46).
The Problem
What will happen to those that do enter the kingdom? If we relate it back to the previous parable, were the five virgins who entered the feast treated the same? What about the judgments and rewards to be given at the return of Christ?
The Progression:
Logical and Ideological (c/e of rewards and judgments)
The 5-talent man (19-21)
The statement: “Well done good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.”
The 2-talent man (22-23)
The statement: “Well done good and faithful slave; you were faithful in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.”
Is this man condemned for not making as much as the first? No. We don’t need to compare ourselves with others.
The 1 talent man ( 24-28)
He thought the master was hard. He doesn’t appear to be that way when he dealt with the first two.
The condemnation of the man by the master
You wicked, lazy servant. Is the master admitting to being terrible? The third servant didn’t really know the master. The other two knew the master and probably thought, “The master has given me this so I can try something. Even if I blow it, that is why he has given it to me.” The third guy doesn’t know or trust the master. He is afraid of him.
If you try, you get great commendation. If you don’t try, you won’t have any success.
Notice also that the master holds the slave accountable for what he thought--not what was true, but for what he thought was true. God holds us accountable for what we think. I don’t know how there can be Truth and we be held accountable for the truth and at the same time be held accountable for what we think is true and still have justice, but I think the Bible teaches that God does that somehow. How else can you explain that things will be worse for the generation that rejected Christ personally than for those in Sodom and Gomorrah and at the same time hold that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
The redistribution to the 10-talent man by the master
Luke 19 is similar to this. But there he gave them all equal trusts and there were unequal returns. There were different rewards. Here there are identical rewards.
The Point
For the variety of responsibilities which have been assigned in accordance to ability to be carried out during His absence, the Messiah will return to proportionately reward the faithful who will enter the kingdom and to judge the wicked who are excluded.
The Relationship to the Kingdom Program
“In this parable Christ was teaching that those who see the signs forewarning of Messiah’s approach will have the opportunity to prepare themselves and to prove themselves faithful servants of His; however, if such persons do not do so, they will be barred from the kingdom that Christ will establish at His second coming. The parable, then, shows both the rewards for faithfulness and the judgment for unfaithfulness that await those who are anticipating Messiah’s coming.” (J.D. Pentecost, The Parables of Jesus , p. 156.)
The Particulars
Talent = 6,000 days wages. About $250,000 in modern terms at minimum wage.
Contrast and comparisons with the Parable of the Minas (Pounds):
The conclusion: the two parables which have similar themes were given on different occasions and give the balanced teaching that responsibilities are delegated with both equality (salvation) and diversity (abilities i.e. gifts).
The Principles
- One’s stewardship is a privileged responsibility for which he will be held accountable.
- Both the opportunity to work and be rewarded is a testimony to the grace of God.
- There is a danger of hoarding that which God wants me to invest for eternal priorities.
- During the absence of Christ believers should work diligently with the responsibilities with which each has been entrusted.
- The realities of future judgment ought to promote faithful efforts in the present.
Related Topics: Rewards
30. The Sheep and the Goats
The Passage
Matt. 25:31-46
The Parameters
“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before Him” (25:3-32a). This passage is the fitting conclusion to the Olivet Discourse in which Jesus has revealed His coming at the end of the age at which time He will gather the elect and judge the wicked. Cf. Last Judgment: Zech. 14:5; Matt. 16:27; 19:28; 2 Thess. 1:7; Jude 14,15; Rev. 3:21; 20:11)
The Problem
What will be the basis on which Jesus will separate the righteous from the wicked of the nations for their eternal destinies and what will be the nature of those eternal experiences?
The Progression
Ideological: the basis of judgment
Presentation -Summarized:
The return of the Son of Man (31-33)
The glory
The gathering
The reward for the sheep (34-40)
Their identity: “blessed of My Father”
Their inheritance: “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”
Their qualification: a right response to Christ as evidenced by their treatment of “these brothers of Mine, even the least of these”
The retribution for the goats (41-45)
Their identity: “accursed ones”
Their punishment: “depart from me ... into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels”
Their qualification: a rejecting response to Christ as evidenced by their treatment of “one of the least of these”
The respective destinies (46)
goats - accursed ones: eternal punishment
sheep - righteous: eternal life
The Central Truth
When Christ returns to assume His glorious throne, all the nations of the earth will be gathered for a judgment which will result in either eternal life or to eternal fire, the basis of which will be their response to Jesus Christ as evidenced by their response to His “brothers”.
The Relationship to the Kingdom
This passage is very helpful in clarifying the perspective in the Gospels in that inheriting the kingdom is defined in this passage as entrance into eternal life. Only the righteous inherit the kingdom and enter into eternal life. All unrighteous are destined for the reality of an eternal punishment of fire.
The Particulars
The glorious throne
The identity of the “brothers” and when they are helped
Works as the basis of judgment
Eternal separation in Matthew: 3:12; 13:30, 49, 50; 25:2, 30
The Principles
- The good works which the righteous perform are not the root but the fruit of the grace.
- James 2:15-17
- The judgments of God are final and unalterable.
- One’s response to the Word of God even as expressed through others is viewed as synonymous with one’s response to God.
SUMMARY
These parables have often been mis-interpreted in the past because people do not look at the context. The context is the tribulation and the second coming of Christ.
The parable of the fig tree tells us that when people see the signs of the tribulation, they need to recognize that the Lord will return soon to judge the earth.
The parables of the watchful owner and the watchful doorkeeper teach that the proper response to recognizing these signs is to believe that the Lord is about to return. Those people who rejected Christ during the church age, or didn’t hear about Him will have a second chance to believe. (Some teach that there are no second chances for those that rejected in the church age. Only those who hear about Christ for the first time will have a chance. It is possible, but I’m not sure.)
The parable about the faithful servant shows that there will even be rewards given in eternity for those who not only believe but who also are faithful.
The parable of the Virgins shows that each person must have their own faith to enter the kingdom. Just like they couldn’t borrow oil from their friends, those in the tribulation must have their own faith.
The parable of the talents shows that faithfulness for those who believe will be rewarded and those with out knowledge of the Master (no faith) will be barred from the kingdom.
The parable of the sheep and the goats shows that one’s treatment of God’s people in the tribulation will be a demonstration of one’s faith in God which is the key to entrance into the kingdom.
APPLICATION
These parables don’t apply directly to us, but they do teach that even with all the signs of the tribulation, the second coming will be unexpected. If that is true, then how much more so with the Rapture.
We need to look to ourselves and see if we believe. I’m not saying we need to doubt our salvation. We just need to be sure. Have we just been going to church all our lives because our parents went and never placed our personal faith in Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for our sins?
Perhaps we need to think about making tracts and have plans for their distribution after we are raptured so that people will get the message during the tribulation. But we don’t need to wait until the tribulation to witness.
The Apostles' Creed
Related MediaHistoric Creeds is designed to guide you through three months of lectio divina passages that relate to each element of the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. I have selected 90 texts from Numbers through Revelation that are particularly well-suited to the process of sacred reading. These texts range from one to several verses, and they are arranged in biblical sequence to attune you to the flow of progressive revelation.
This is Part I: the Apostles Creed.
Part II: the Nicene Creed is available here, and
Part III: the Athanasian Creed is available here.
Kenneth Boa
Website: http://www.kenboa.org
Commentary: http://www.kenboa.org/blog
Follow: http://twitter.com/kennethboa
Connect on Facebook: Kenneth Boa
The Nicene Creed
Related Media
Historic Creeds is designed to guide you through three months of lectio divina passages that relate to each element of the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. I have selected 90 texts from Numbers through Revelation that are particularly well-suited to the process of sacred reading. These texts range from one to several verses, and they are arranged in biblical sequence to attune you to the flow of progressive revelation.
This is Part II: the Nicene Creed.
Part I: the Apostles Creed is available here, and
Part III: the Athanasian Creed is available here.
Kenneth Boa
Website: http://www.kenboa.org
Commentary: http://www.kenboa.org/blog
Follow: http://twitter.com/kennethboa
Connect on Facebook: Kenneth Boa
The Athanasian Creed
Related Media
Historic Creeds is designed to guide you through three months of lectio divina passages that relate to each element of the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. I have selected 90 texts from Numbers through Revelation that are particularly well-suited to the process of sacred reading. These texts range from one to several verses, and they are arranged in biblical sequence to attune you to the flow of progressive revelation.
This is Part III: the Athanasian Creed.
Part I: the Apostles Creed is available here, and
Part II: the Nicene Creed is available here.
Kenneth Boa
Website: http://www.kenboa.org
Commentary: http://www.kenboa.org/blog
Follow: http://twitter.com/kennethboa
Connect on Facebook: Kenneth Boa