10-21-2025 PART 1: Ready or Not: The Warning of the Evil Servant

Section 1

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24 moves from the faithful and sensible servant to a stark contrast—the evil servant who assumes his master’s return will be delayed. The warning is clear: readiness for the Lord’s coming is not optional. Those who think, “My master won’t be back for a while,” demonstrate spiritual complacency and self-deception. Jesus paints this servant as one who mistreats others and indulges in reckless living, ignoring the call to constant watchfulness. The passage strikes at the heart of false assurance, showing that service in name only—what might be called a “Christian in name only”—is meaningless before the all-knowing Christ. He is not fooled by titles or appearances; He knows who truly lives in readiness.

Section 2

Jesus’ description of the unfaithful servant exposes a deeper issue: arrogance toward divine timing. Many build complex eschatologies to explain when Christ will return, yet Jesus says plainly, “The Son of Man will come when least expected.” That means He could return—or call a believer home—at any moment. The passage urges humility in all theological positions, reminding believers that no one can predict the timing of God’s plan. The servant’s downfall begins with excuses and self-justification, the mindset that there’s always more time. But Jesus warns that His coming will be “unannounced and unexpected.” The comparison to a surprise knock at the door captures the suddenness of His return and the danger of spiritual sleepiness. Readiness means living each day as if the Master might appear before the day ends.

Section 3

As the chapter closes, Jesus emphasizes that the dividing line between the faithful and the evil servant lies in readiness and integrity. The evil servant lives for self, mistreats others, and ignores the signs of accountability. When the Master returns, judgment falls swiftly—banishment with the hypocrites and the bitter sorrow of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Yet the message is not merely one of fear but of sober encouragement: to stay alert, discern the times, and persevere through trials. True discipleship is not selective obedience or convenience-based devotion; it is the full counsel of God lived daily. The challenge is to never become so consumed with the “work of the Lord” that one forgets the “Lord of the work.” Jesus’ final emphasis on readiness reminds every believer that the call to be faithful is not theoretical—it is personal, urgent, and eternal.