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Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
50
The lord of that servant shall come in a day that he hopeth not, and at an hour that he knoweth not:
10
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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 conveys the same message, reminding them that the Lord's return will occur unexpectedly, urging them to remain vigilant and attentive. Additionally, the phrase He will separate him should not be interpreted as a violent act, but rather as indicating that the individual will be taken away from the fellowship of the faithful, and his inheritance will be aligned with the hypocrites—those who were engaged in daily tasks yet had not been faithful. We have often articulated that a hypocrite presents a façade that is contrary to their true nature; thus, whether in the fields or at the mill, they appear to be performing the same duties as a genuine member of the Church, yet the outcome of their labor reveals a different intent."},{"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":"Do you notice how frequently He emphasizes this, highlighting the beneficial nature of the day's uncertainty, which leads to our constant vigilance? The focus of His concern is that we remain perpetually alert, for during periods of comfort and ease, we tend to grow weak, whereas trials and tribulations fortify us most effectively. He consistently reminds us that when we are relaxed and untroubled, disasters can strike. As demonstrated earlier with Noah, He states here as well: when that servant is inebriated, indulging in excess, then dreadful punishment awaits him. However, let us not solely fixate on the penalty set for him; instead, let us reflect on whether we may be engaging in similar behaviors, even if we fail to recognize them."},{"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":"A person who behaves poorly and engages in corruption will find themselves unexpectedly confronted by their lord."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"After expressing the honor bestowed upon the faithful servant, the Lord proceeds to outline the consequences faced by the wicked. When an individual entrusted with a sacred responsibility fails in their duty, claiming that their master is delayed in administering justice, they effectively misuse the patience of God as a reason for indulgence. If such a person mistreats their fellow servants—interpreted as tempting or undermining them, striking at their conscience—those in lower positions may stumble and suffer harm when they witness the abuse by those in authority. Consequently, this unfaithful servant will be severed from their service and stripped of their entrusted gift, revealing their true character."},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"Suddenly, with intentions and actions in mind, death arrives for all, much like a swift messenger, declaring: \\"Depart, O man! The Lord Almighty summons you.\\" In this moment, the soul is engulfed in fear and trepidation. Conscience chastises and distresses. The judgment of God looms in their thoughts, constraining the soul from every direction, leaving it bewildered. \\"Oh! The Lord beckons me, yet I am flawed. The gateway to an eternity I never contemplated stands before me.\\" Oh, what a world! \\"Vanity of vanities, all is vanity! Thus, his spirit shall depart, and he shall return to his homeland; on that day, all his thoughts will cease\\" (Ecclesiastes 1:2; Psalms 145:4). \\n\\nSo passes the one who thought he had many years ahead. The individual who sought joy and revelry now faces the anguish of mortality. The one who desired numerous servants and subjects finds himself abandoned. Lying in his final moments is the person who envisioned traveling in comfort. They place in the coffin the one who aspired to reside in opulent and splendid dwellings. They inter the one who dreamed of broadening his possessions in a lavish grave. With tears and lamentation, they bid farewell to the one who yearned for entertainment through music. The end arrives so unexpectedly, as the Lord calls us when we least anticipate. \\"Turn away my eyes, O Lord, that I may not behold vanity; revive me in Your way\\" (Psalm 118:37). \\n\\nA foolish Christian, whose heart clings to the fleeting and disregards his salvation! Observe how it unfolds for others, and prepare yourself for the same fate. When their time comes, yours will arrive as well. The Lord and Judge will draw them to Himself, and He will also summon you. He will call at an hour you do not expect, in a manner you cannot foresee. They tremble before the divine judgment in their final moments and attempt to flee - you too shall tremble and seek to escape. Prepare yourself in advance, so that the hour, which is daunting for all, may not be as fearsome for you. Blessed will you be when, having turned away from emptiness beforehand, you reflect upon that hour when the door to eternity opens for everyone."},{"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":"The Lord will arrive for that servant unexpectedly, at a time he does not anticipate, and will take away all his blessings, subjecting him to severe afflictions."},{"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 timing of the return of the Son of Man remains uncertain, believers are called to maintain spiritual vigilance: stay alert and pray, for the moment is unknown. To instill the importance of this spiritual readiness in the hearts of His disciples, the Lord shared a parable where He depicted Himself as a master departing from His home—the Church—to return to His Father in heaven. He would then come back to assess the work entrusted to His servants. Just as a man leaving his dwelling grants authority to his servants and assigns each a task, the gatekeeper receives the instruction to remain vigilant. This call to spiritual alertness is a timeless directive for all followers of Christ until the end of days: I say unto you, I say unto all, watch. This is the firm command of the Lord. \\n\\nBeware, for your hearts may become burdened with excess and worldly worries, leading that day to seize you unexpectedly, like a snare trapping all who inhabit the earth. Therefore, remain watchful at all times, praying for the strength to escape the tribulations that fall upon the world and stand before the Son of Man. The Lord revealed to them what was essential for their wisdom, ensuring they would not be swept away by the pervasive tide of heedless indulgence. As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the coming of the Son of Man: people were consuming, drinking, marrying, and unaware until the day Noah entered the ark; then, the flood came and swept them all away. Similarly, at the coming of the Son of Man, there will be two in a field: one will be taken, and the other left; two grinding at the mill: one will be taken, and one will be left. Earlier, the Lord cautioned His disciples about the suddenness of His return for the final judgment, indicating both the time of night and that of caution (Luke 17:26-30, 35-36). This time, while reiterating the warning, He urged His devoted followers to remain ever-watchful in anticipation of the last day: “Watch ye, for ye know not what hour your Lord will come.” \\n\\nTo emphasize the urgency of vigilance in awaiting His return and the grave repercussions of neglecting the essential task of soul salvation, the Lord pointed out the lesson regarding servants awaiting their master's arrival, a teaching He had shared previously (Luke 12:39-46)."},{"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":"Among the teachings of Jesus Christ, there are admonitions directed to His disciples urging vigilance due to the unpredictability of the Son of Man's return. Each Gospel writer has retained unique recollections of these exhortations. Luke offers a succinct directive on the matter, followed by reflections on the ministry and final days of Christ, from His glorious entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper. Mark presents the parable of the servants and the gatekeeper awaiting their master's arrival, while Matthew shares four parables: 1) the story of the householder facing a thief, 2) the tale of the faithful versus the unfaithful steward (cf. Luke 12:39-48), 3) the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, 4) the parable of the talents, concluding with a vivid depiction of the final judgment. In Mark's parable of the waiting servants, the Lord depicts Himself as a master who entrusted different duties to each servant during His absence, instructing the gatekeeper to remain alert. Each servant is responsible for their tasks, and the gatekeeper must be vigilant until the master returns. The uncertainty surrounding the master's return emphasizes the necessity for constant readiness, ensuring that they are prepared to meet their master honorably. Likewise, the Lord has established His church on earth and ascended into heaven, promising to return at an appointed time established by God. Every follower of Christ holds a distinct place, purpose, and task within the body of the church, which they are called to fulfill throughout their lives. Given the unpredictability of Christ's second coming—when the moment of final judgment will arrive, and each individual must account for their earthly deeds, as well as their time of death—it is essential for believers to remain vigilant and prepared to greet the returning Lord, the righteous judge of all."},{"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 matter and sought to impress upon the disciples the importance of vigilance, diligence, and faithfulness during such times. \\"Watch therefore: for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come.\\" You hold the responsibility of the household in My absence; the master of the house must always stay alert, as he fears a thief might arrive and break in unexpectedly. More aptly, consider your position after My departure, similar to that of the servants entrusted to oversee the household until the master returns. What will happen to a servant discovered squandering his master's resources? Conversely, how fortunate is the faithful steward, if upon the master's return, there are no complaints against him and all are pleased with his conduct."},{"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":"Each individual should behave as a homeowner would if he saw a burglar approaching unexpectedly. He would remain vigilant, refusing to rest, to prevent his home from being disrupted. Likewise, we must stay alert, for the day of the Son of Man's return is one that will catch many by surprise. The anticipation of His return can be likened to that of servants awaiting their master's return from a journey. Consider a scenario where a master entrusts his house to his servants, designating specific tasks for each. How blessed is the servant who, upon his master's arrival, is found faithfully carrying out his duties! That servant will be rewarded with authority over all his master's possessions. In contrast, the unworthy servant, who, out of foolishness, thinks, \\"My master will not return anytime soon, perhaps never,\\" misuses his authority, mistreats his fellow servants, squanders his master's resources, and indulges with the gluttonous. What fate awaits this servant when his master arrives on an unexpected day? He will be cast into severe torment and placed among the wicked, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Therefore, remain vigilant and pray at all times; for you do not know when the master of the house will arrive—whether in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you unprepared. What I declare to you, I declare to all my disciples: stay alert! After a brief pause, the God-Man resumed speaking to deeply instill the truths He had just conveyed in the hearts of His followers."}]}
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