Parable of the Faithful Servant facts for kids
The Parable of the Faithful Servant (also called the Parable of the Door Keeper) is one of the many stories Jesus told. These stories are called parables. They teach important lessons about how to live and understand God's plan. You can find this parable in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the books of Matthew (chapter 24, verses 42-51), Mark (chapter 13, verses 34-37), and Luke (chapter 12, verses 35-48).
Contents
What is a Parable?
A parable is a simple story used to teach a spiritual or moral lesson. Jesus often used parables to help people understand complex ideas in a way that was easy to remember. They usually involve everyday situations that people at the time could relate to.
The Story of the Faithful Servant
Jesus told this parable to his followers. It has two main parts, both about being ready and responsible.
The Waiting Servants
Jesus said:
Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
– Luke 12:35-40
In this part, Jesus compares his followers to servants waiting for their master to come home. The servants don't know exactly when the master will arrive. So, they must always be ready and alert. If they are found ready, the master will reward them greatly. He will even serve them! But if they are not ready, they will be caught off guard.
The Wise and Unwise Managers
After the first part, Peter asked Jesus if this story was just for them or for everyone. Jesus then told the second part of the parable:
The Lord answered, Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
– Luke 12:42-48
Here, Jesus talks about a manager who is put in charge of the other servants. A faithful and wise manager takes care of their duties, even when the master is away. They make sure everyone gets what they need. When the master returns, he will give this manager even more responsibility.
However, an unwise manager might think the master is taking too long. This manager might start to act badly, hurting others and being irresponsible. When the master suddenly returns, this manager will face serious consequences for their actions. Jesus explains that those who know what is right but choose not to do it will be judged more strictly than those who do not know.
What the Parable Teaches Us
This parable teaches us several important lessons:
Be Prepared and Alert
The main message is to "be prepared and remain alert." Jesus is talking about his own return to Earth. Just like the servants didn't know when their master would come back, we don't know the exact time Jesus will return. Therefore, we should always be ready. This means living in a way that honors God and doing what is right, every day.
Responsibility and Accountability
The parable also highlights the idea of responsibility. If you are given a task or a position of trust, you are expected to do it well. The more responsibility you have, the more you are expected to do. This applies to everyone, especially those who have been given knowledge or leadership roles.
Living a Good Life
The "master" in the story represents Jesus Christ. The "wedding banquet" is a symbol of a great celebration with him. The "servants" are his followers. The parable encourages us to live a life that shows we are ready for Jesus' return. This means being kind, responsible, and doing good deeds, rather than being lazy or doing wrong things.
See also
In Spanish: Parábola del siervo fiel para niños
