Matthew 24:50 (NKJV)
the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,
Bible Commentary
Matthew 24:50 is a Bible verse from the New Testament where Jesus is speaking a word of warning to those who are not expecting the Lord to arrive.
It is a very intriguing and telling statement that Jesus is making here. Let’s put it into context. Matthew 24:50 is part of a parable about the faithful servant and the evil servant. Take a look at the rest of the story, Matthew 24:45-51.
45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
There are many in this world who have been wise in their profession, career or business, and have been faithful toward their employees, customers, etc. As a result, they have been given greater authority in that profession, career or business.
But how they handle their position of authority is crucial. God is quite serious about holding us accountable over the sphere of influence He has given to us. Jesus told Peter, the leader of His disciples, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). He expects us to care for those He has given us charge over, whether it is in respect to our family, our business, profession or ministry.
Note in Matthew 24:48-51, he warns that if we don’t take God and His Word seriously and then use our position of authority to mistreat others, the “master of that servant” will come unannounced and will punish him.
Unlocking the Truth – Jesus or Judgment
We must take great care to have compassion toward others and treat them the way we would want to be treated, regardless of their rank, title or position in life or in business.
For those in great positions of leadership and authority who have disregarded God and His ways and continually mistreat those in their care, you may already see signs of God’s judgment upon them, as their empire begins to crumble around them. The person (evil servant) is unaware it is God’s judgment, for Matthew 24:50 says, it happens on “a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of.”
Part of the punishment for a person such as this is having his eyes blinded to the truth of God. Matthew 10:33 says, “but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” There is great risk in repeatedly turning your back on God, but particularly if you influence others to follow you in that regard.
Matthew 24:51 says he will be cut “asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.” In the Greek, “asunder” means: to flog severely. If you’ve ever recognized the hand of God’s discipline upon you in the past, this would supersede anything you’ve ever experienced! Unfortunately, sometimes it takes severe punishment in order to bring about repentance, or humility.
“Hypocrites” in the Greek means: an actor under an assumed character (stage player). If you’re not who you say you are, or pretend to be, it will eventually catch up with you. God seeks those who worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Jesus is the truth, and God is drawn toward Jesus in us.
Without repentance, the evil servant will endure the same lot as others who have used their position and influence for evil, instead of for good. There will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This is evident in society right now, as people take sides against each other and sling hateful and cruel insults at one another.
If a person is walking with the Lord Jesus Christ, however, there is no fear of judgment, as He abides with those who abide in His word (John 8:31), and His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). Study the Bible verse of Matthew 24:50 to know the day of the Lord is at hand.
