The Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant: Lessons on Responsibility and Readiness


Bibliaon Team
Bibliaon Team
Created and reviewed by our editors

The Parable of the Two Servants, also known as the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant, is narrated in both the book of Matthew 24 and in Luke 12. Both passages emphasize the importance of being faithful to God, conveying the same message about being responsible and staying alert.

Parable of the Two Servants

42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

- Luke 12:42-48

Biblical Explanation of the Parable of the Two Servants

The Parable of the Two Servants portrays God as a master who entrusts his servants with the care of his house while he is away. The loyal servant is the one who, upon the master’s return, is faithfully carrying out his duties. This story taught by Jesus highlights the importance of responsibility and faithfulness.

The moral of the story teaches us that we must always be ready and live according to God’s will. Jesus reminds us that even though it may seem like God is delaying His return, that is no reason for us to relax or act irresponsibly. The parable warns us about the dangers of being careless or neglectful in our commitment to God.

For Christ’s followers, this parable reinforces the need for constant commitment to God’s Word. We do not know the day or hour of Jesus’ return, so we must always act with honesty, remain faithful, and do what is right. This commitment means living in obedience, prepared to give an account of our actions at any time.

Three Key Points in the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant:

  1. The parable teaches that we must always be ready, like someone prepared to receive Christ at any moment.
  2. God has given us talents and responsibilities, so we must use them wisely.
  3. The Christian life is a serious commitment. Our faithfulness to God should be reflected in our daily choices, acting with integrity and dedication.

The Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant inspires us to maintain an active faith, use our talents wisely, and be responsible in our choices. Through this learning, may we practice the values of God’s Kingdom.

Parable of the Two Servants in Matthew

The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant

45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

- Matthew 24:45-51

You could also read Best-Known Parables of Jesus.

Bibliaon Team
Bibliaon Team
Bibliaon's Editorial Team consists of mature Christians with several years of experience in Bible teaching and in writing, all with a genuine commitment to Jesus and the Word of God.