Matthew 24:45-47
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The phrase "in due season" highlights that faithful service isn't just about delivering spiritual truth, but about discerning when and how to deliver it, like a wise steward providing nourishment precisely when the household needs it most.
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just described his coming as being like a thief in the night, emphasizing the need for constant readiness. He then shifts to a parable, asking his followers to consider the actions and rewards of a faithful steward compared to a wicked one who abuses his master's trust and delays in his duties. This question serves as a bridge to illustrate the contrast between those who live expecting his imminent return and those who live as if he will never come back.
Jesus asks us to be 'faithful and wise.' What does that wisdom look like, especially when we don't know when He's coming back?
The verse presents a servant entrusted with a vital role: providing for the household. This isn't just about having food, but giving it 'in due season.' This phrase points to discernment and timing. The wise servant understands the rhythm of the household and the master's expectations, even in his absence. It means not hoarding resources, nor giving food haphazardly, but understanding when and how much is needed. This parallels our spiritual lives: God calls us to wisdom, which involves understanding His timing and discerning how to best serve others with the resources and truth He has given us.
The servant's job is defined by his master's absence. How does this change our understanding of daily responsibility?
The parable hinges on the master being away. This is crucial because it tests the servant's faithfulness. A faithful servant continues diligently with their duties, upholding the master's standards and caring for the household as if the master were present. They don't slack off or abuse their authority. This teaches us that our Christian walk isn't passive waiting; it's active stewardship. We are to live out our faith, serve others, and manage our God-given responsibilities with the same integrity and dedication we would if Christ were standing right beside us, because in a spiritual sense, He is.
Understand the original words
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pistos · Greek Adjective
Characterized by reliability, trustworthiness, and loyalty to God and one's duty; a key attribute of those who properly steward the responsibilities given to them by Christ.
phronimos · Greek Adjective
Refers to intellectual and moral discernment or prudence; in a biblical context, it is the ability to apply spiritual truth to daily life and decision-making in a way that honors God.
doulos · Greek Noun
One who acts under the authority of another, responsible for carrying out the master’s will; specifically, believers are called to be diligent servants of Christ in the world.
makarios · Greek Adjective
A state of profound spiritual well-being, happiness, and favor from God; it describes those who are in a right relationship with Him.
doulos · Greek Noun
One who is bound to the will and service of another; in a biblical context, it often refers to those who serve God or Christ with total submission and devotion.
kyrios · Greek Noun
One who possesses authority, ownership, or control over another; in Scripture, it primarily refers to God or Jesus Christ as the rightful Sovereign over humanity.
This passage is the parallel account to Matthew's, directly asking 'Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?' highlighting the same concept of responsible stewardship and timely provision.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2Paul speaks of ministers as 'stewards of the mysteries of God,' emphasizing their role in dispensing God's truth, which directly relates to the faithful servant's duty of giving food at the proper time.
John 21:15-17Jesus' repeated charge to Peter to 'Feed my sheep' is a powerful echo of the servant's responsibility to nourish the household, underscoring the importance of diligent care for God's people.
1 Peter 5:2-3This passage instructs elders to 'Shepherd the flock of God' not by coercion but willingly, and to be examples, mirroring the faithful servant who leads and provides for the household with wisdom and care.
Matthew 25:14-30The Parable of the Talents, told shortly after this one, further illustrates the theme of responsible stewardship, showing how different servants are rewarded or punished based on how they manage what has been entrusted to them.
vincentMatthew 24:45: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?"
In due season (ἐν ακιρῷ)At the regular hours which his Lord observes when at home; and not delaying because he thinks that his Lord delayeth his coming (Matthew 24:48), but doing his duty in its appointed time.
barnesMatthew 24:45: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?"
This passage is, in fact, "a parable," though it is not expressly so called. The design is to show that his disciples should act as if they were each moment expecting his return. This he illustrates by the conduct of a servant who did not expect his master soon to return, who acted with great impropriety, and who was accordingly punished. Matthew 24:45 Who…
The phrase "in due season" highlights that faithful service isn't just about delivering spiritual truth, but about discerning when and how to deliver it, like a wise steward providing nourishment precisely when the household needs it most.
Jesus has just described his coming as being like a thief in the night, emphasizing the need for constant readiness. He then shifts to a parable, asking his followers to consider the actions and rewards of a faithful steward compared to a wicked one who abuses his master's trust and delays in his duties. This question serves as a bridge to illustrate the contrast between those who live expecting his imminent return and those who live as if he will never come back.
Jesus has just described his coming as being like a thief in the night, emphasizing the need for constant readiness. He then shifts to a parable, asking his followers to consider the actions and rewards of a faithful steward compared to a wicked one who abuses his master's trust and delays in his duties. This question serves as a bridge to illustrate the contrast between those who live expecting his imminent return and those who live as if he will never come back.
"“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set…" — The phrase "in due season" highlights that faithful service isn't just about delivering spiritual truth, but about discerning when and how to deliver it, like a wise steward providing nourishment…
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Last reviewed October 2026
