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Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
47
Amen I say to you, he shall place him over all his goods.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He elaborates further on why the timing of the end remains unknown, as He previously stated, not even to angels or to Himself, but solely to the Father. This is specifically because it is not beneficial for the apostles to possess this knowledge. He uses the analogy of a household master—representing Himself—and the devoted servants, meaning the apostles, to reassure their troubled hearts, encouraging them to faithfully provide spiritual nourishment to their fellow workers at the appropriate moment, based on the hope of their reward."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"After mentioning judgment, He finally addresses the teachers, discussing punishments and rewards. Initially, He reflects on the destiny of the righteous before turning to the fate of the wicked, intending to instill a sense of fear in His listeners. He begins by asking, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master will set over his household to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master finds so doing when he comes! Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.” \\n\\nDo these words imply His lack of knowledge? If you argue that His statement, “Neither the Son knows,” refers to His unawareness of the end of the world, what can be said of His words, “For who is he”? Would you assert that He lacks knowledge here as well? Absolutely not. No rational person would claim such a thing: in the first case, one could conceive of an explanation, but in this instance, there is none. What does His question, “Simon, do you love me?” signify? Did He not know this too? And when He asks, “Where have you laid him?” a similar inquiry is expressed by God the Father when He asks, “Where are you, Adam?” and observes, “The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah has reached Me.” When I come, I will investigate to see if their outcry has reached Me; if not, I will understand. In another instance, it is stated, “For how shall they hear? How shall they know?” \\n\\nIn the Gospel, when the people are shamed by My Son, all these phrases seem to convey ignorance. Yet God did not speak from ignorance but with the aim of effectively fulfilling His purpose. In addressing Adam, He sought to prompt him to seek repentance; regarding the Sodomites, He teaches us not to judge without understanding the situation; concerning the prophet, He warns against the foolish notion that prophecy would inevitably lead to disobedience. The parable in the Gospel aims to illustrate the obligation to honor the Son while preventing excessive curiosity and highlighting the matter's importance.\\n\\nFurthermore, consider the ignorance suggested in these words if He does not even recognize whom He appoints! He declares the servant blessed, stating, “Blessed is that servant,” yet does not identify who that servant is; He merely asks, “Who is he that the Lord will appoint?” He states, “Blessed is he who will be found doing these things.” Note that this is not said regarding a single possession, but encompasses the word, power, gifts, and various responsibilities assigned to each individual. This parable applies to civil authorities as well: everyone is expected to use their gifts for the common good. Whether one possesses wisdom or authority, riches, or other resources, one should not exploit these blessings to the detriment of others or their own downfall.\\n\\nThe Savior requires two qualities from the servant depicted in the parable: prudence and faithfulness, for sin arises from folly. He identifies the servant as faithful, having withheld nothing from his master's goods and not wasted anything in vain. He is wise because he understands how to manage the entrusted property effectively. We too must embody both qualities to avoid misappropriating what belongs to the Lord and to utilize what has been given properly. If we lack one quality, we render the other incomplete. A servant might be faithful and not steal, yet squander his master's goods on trivialities — this is a grave fault. Conversely, if he manages the estate well but steals, this too is a serious offense.\\n\\nWealth holders should take heed, for the words of Christ apply not only to teachers but also to those who are affluent. Both are entrusted with resources, with teachers having a more essential accountability, while you who are wealthy bear a lesser responsibility. If teachers squander more valuable resources, yet you refuse to show generosity in even minor matters, and fail to be grateful for what belongs to another, what justification can you offer? Before discussing the punishments that await the unrighteous, let us listen to how the righteous will be rewarded. Truly I say to you, he will be set over all his possessions. What could match such an honor? What words can adequately convey the dignity and joy of being appointed by the King of Heaven, to whom all belongs, over all His possessions? This is why He calls him wise, for he recognizes the importance of not squandering the greater for the sake of the lesser; by exercising prudence in this life, he secures a place in Heaven."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Let those among us who possess wealth pay attention, for the teachings of Christ resonate not only with educators but also with the affluent. Both groups have been entrusted with riches - the educators with a greater imperative, while the wealthy have a lesser obligation. If the instructors generously devote themselves to the more significant matters and you, the wealthy, choose to withhold generosity even in the minor matters - and this applies not just to generosity but also to gratitude, as you are distributing what belongs to another - what justification will you have? However, before we consider the consequences that await the unrighteous, let us focus on the rewards promised to those who act righteously. Truly I say unto you, he will be entrusted with all his possessions. What can compare to such an honor? What term adequately captures the dignity and joy when the Sovereign of Heaven, to Whom all creation belongs, places a person in charge of all His possessions? This is why He refers to him as wise, for he understands how not to squander the great for the sake of the insignificant; by exercising wisdom in this life, he secures his place in Heaven."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Christ urged all to remain vigilant, yet He particularly instructed the leaders of His people, the bishops, to be especially alert to the anticipation of His return. In this parable, a bishop is depicted as a faithful and wise servant appointed over the entirety of his master's possessions. He is equipped with all that he needs to nurture those entrusted to him, but he must remain attentive to guidance and abide by the commandments. By proclaiming the truth and wisely applying doctrine, he will uplift the weak, mend the brokenhearted, lead sinners to repentance, and nourish his flock with the bread of life—their everlasting sustenance. Should he be found diligently fulfilling his duties, he will receive honor from the Lord as a faithful servant and wise steward. Consequently, he will be entrusted with all his master's estate, granted a place in the very glory of God, which is the highest honor one can attain."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He will elevate him to a position of honor, deeming him worthy of his entire inheritance. There is no need to elaborate further on this point. The remainder of the parable serves to highlight the essentials more vividly. It is important to note that this servant, appointed over others, must possess two key qualities: faithfulness, to protect what belongs to fellow servants and avoid waste, and wisdom, to allocate what is entrusted to him with careful attention to both quality and quantity. This message pertains not only to those who are rich in knowledge but also to those who possess material wealth. God has appointed each person as a steward of His resources, desiring that they manage them with fidelity and prudence. Additionally, this message applies to those in positions of authority, who should not govern based on personal favoritism or animosity—traits associated with unfaithfulness and misappropriation—but instead with wisdom and discernment."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Truly, I assure you that He will elevate Him over all His creation. In this parable, the Lord offers cautions and guidance primarily to His disciples and their successors, who are the shepherds of His Church; they are His chosen servants, entrusted with sharing the gifts of His grace to all believers. As the blessed Theophylact explains, \\"A faithful and wise servant\\" represents every teacher who, at the appropriate moment, provides nourishment through teaching. For instance, Paul nourishes some with spiritual milk and others with solid food, imparting profound wisdom. He remains a faithful servant, despite his previous blasphemy out of zealous adherence to the law. He is regarded as prudent, having discerned the schemes of the adversary. Anyone who has received blessings from God, whether possessions, authority, or responsibilities, must manage them responsibly and wisely, as they will be called to account for their stewardship. \\n\\nSaint Chrysostom remarks that this applies not only to material possessions but also to words, powers, gifts, and the various duties assigned to each individual. This parable is relevant to civil leaders as well; all should utilize their gifts for the greater good. Regardless of whether one possesses wisdom, power, wealth, or other resources, one should not use these blessings harmful to others or for self-destruction. The servant highlighted in this parable is required to embody both prudence and faithfulness, since sin often stems from lack of wisdom. A servant is deemed faithful when they do not squander their master's assets or waste them aimlessly, while being wise signifies correctly managing the resources entrusted to them. \\n\\nWe, too, must strive for faithfulness and prudence. If a servant is diligent and refrains from theft yet misuses the possessions through wasteful spending, this is indeed a significant flaw. Conversely, if they manage their lord’s estate well but engage in stealing, this is also a grave offense. Those among us who are wealthy should heed these words, for they apply not only to teachers but also to the affluent. Both groups have been entrusted with resources: the former with more pressing needs and the latter with lesser necessities. If teachers squander the more critical gifts while the wealthy refuse to show generosity and gratitude for what has been granted to them, what excuse can they offer? \\n\\nUltimately, the significance and joy of being placed over all God’s creation by the King of Heaven, to whom all belongs, is beyond measure. Thus, He refers to the faithful servant as wise, as fidelity in minor responsibilities leads to greater rewards, for through prudent stewardship, one can attain heavenly treasures even here on earth."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"He will appoint him to oversee all his possessions—not merely his servants but everything he owns. This conveys the idea of the honor and glory that will be conferred upon those who faithfully adhere to Christ's teachings, as they will be exalted alongside Him in His kingdom."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When the exact moment of the Son of Man's return remains a mystery, believers must remain spiritually vigilant: watch, remain watchful, and pray, for the timing is unknown. To instill a deeper sense of spiritual alertness in the hearts of His disciples, the Lord shared a parable, portraying Himself as a master who leaves His home, symbolizing the Church, to return to His Father in heaven before coming back to the servants to account for the tasks entrusted to them. Like a man departing from his estate, granting authority and responsibilities to his servants, and instructing the doorkeeper to remain alert. This call to spiritual vigilance is a universal mandate for all Christ's followers, applicable throughout the ages until the end of time: \\"I say unto you, I say unto all, watch.\\" This instruction is emphatic. Be cautious, so that your souls are not burdened by overindulgence, drunkenness, and worldly cares, and that day does not surprise you like a snare that ensnares everyone dwelling on the earth. Therefore, be vigilant at all times, praying for the strength to escape from these things that are coming and to stand before the Son of Man. The Lord imparted wisdom regarding what is essential for discernment, so that the faithful are not swept away by the surge of heedless indulgence. Just as it was in Noah's time, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man: people were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up until the day Noah entered the ark, unaware until the flood came and swept everything away. Likewise, the coming of the Son of Man will be. In that time, two will be in the field: one will be taken away, and the other will be left; two will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken, and one will be left. The Lord had already cautioned His disciples earlier about the suddenness of His return for the awful judgment, marking not only the time of night but also the urgency of the moment (Luke 17:26-30, 35-36). Now, reiterating the prophecy, He urged His loyal followers to be perpetually and attentively on guard for the final day: \\"Watch ye, for ye know not what hour your Lord will come.\\" Furthermore, to emphasize the importance of vigilance while awaiting His return and the dire outcomes of neglecting the crucial duty of spiritual salvation, the Lord referred back to the teaching about the servants anticipating their master's arrival, which He had shared previously (Luke 12:39, 40, 42-46)."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In His teachings, Jesus Christ urged His disciples to remain vigilant due to the unpredictability surrounding the arrival of the Son of Man, and each Gospel writer has documented unique memories of this admonition. Luke offers a succinct directive on this matter and later provides a summary of Christ's life and ministry, from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper. Mark shares the parable of the servants and the gatekeeper who await their master's return, while Matthew recounts four distinct parables: 1) the story of a homeowner at risk of being burglarized, 2) the parable of the diligent and negligent steward, 3) the tale of the wise and foolish bridesmaids, and 4) the parable of the talents, culminating in the vivid imagery of the final judgment. In Mark's parable, the Lord depicts Himself as a master who departs his home, delegating responsibilities to his servants and instructing the gatekeeper to remain alert. Each servant is expected to diligently carry out their tasks, and the gatekeeper must stay vigilant in anticipation of the master's return. Due to the uncertainty regarding when the master will come back, vigilance is required at all times to be prepared for his arrival. In a similar vein, after establishing His church on earth, the Lord ascended to heaven, visibly leaving, while promising to return at an appointed time known only to God. Every believer has a specific role within the body of Christ, a unique purpose and task that they are called to fulfill. Because the timing of Christ’s second coming is unknown—and this also coincides with every person's death, marking the end of their earthly assignments—believers should remain continually watchful and prepared to greet the Lord, who will judge both the living and the dead."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord emphasized this critical point, striving with profound intensity to communicate to the disciples the importance of vigilance, diligence, and loyalty required of them in such moments. \\"Watch therefore: for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come.\\" You hold the position of stewards in My absence; the steward must always be alert, for at any moment he may face the threat of a thief breaking in. Better yet, consider your role during My absence, reflecting on the condition of the servants to whom the master has entrusted the household. What will be the fate of a servant if the master discovers him squandering his resources? Conversely, how commendable is the servant who, upon the master’s return, is found without reproach, earning the satisfaction of all?"},{"author-name":"Innocentius of Kherson","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d18072d36d1a976dd2c_Innocentius%20of%20Kherson.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Everyone ought to behave as a homeowner would if he were to see a burglar approaching at an unexpected hour. He would remain vigilant, ensuring his dwelling remains secure. In the same way, we must stay alert; for there will be a day when the Son of Man comes unexpectedly. The anticipation of His return can further be likened to the readiness of servants awaiting their master's return from a journey, each entrusted with specific tasks. How blessed is the servant who, upon his master's arrival, is found faithfully fulfilling his duties! That servant will be appointed over all his master's belongings. Conversely, there is the untrustworthy servant who, in his folly, convinces himself that his master will delay his return or may never return at all. This servant mistreats his fellow servants, squanders his master's resources, and indulges with those who are reckless. What fate awaits this servant when his master arrives unexpectedly on a day he did not foresee? He will face severe punishment and be consigned with the unrighteous, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Therefore, stay awake and pray always, for you are unaware of when the master of the house will appear—whether in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—so that he does not come suddenly and find you unprepared. And what I say to you, I say to all my disciples: be vigilant! After a brief pause, the Divine Redeemer resumed His discourse to impress upon the hearts of His followers the profound truths He had shared."}]}
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