Mark 13:34 – “It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus compares His return to a man who goes on a journey and leaves his household responsibilities to his servants, giving each of them specific tasks. He instructs one of them, likely a watchman or doorkeeper, to stay alert and watch for his return. This parable is a picture of how believers should live while waiting for Christ’s second coming.
The main lesson here is responsibility and readiness. Just as the servants are expected to take care of their tasks faithfully while the master is away, believers are called to live faithfully, doing the work God has given them, while being spiritually prepared for Christ’s return. The one stationed at the door symbolizes the role of constant vigilance, always looking for the master’s return.
Jesus is emphasizing that waiting for His return isn’t passive—it involves active service, obedience, and readiness.
Historical Context
Jesus shared this teaching in a time when large households were common, and masters often traveled for long periods. Servants were expected to run the household and perform their duties responsibly even when their master wasn’t physically present. This cultural backdrop would have helped Jesus’ disciples easily understand the message.
At this point in Jesus’ ministry, He was preparing His disciples for His departure. He had already hinted at His coming death and resurrection, and He wanted them to know that, even though He would leave, they still had responsibilities to fulfill. This parable addresses not only the immediate context of His physical absence after His resurrection but also the long-term waiting period before His return.
The early church lived with a sense of expectancy, believing that Christ could return at any moment. This parable was a reminder to them—and to all future generations of believers—that their time on earth should be spent faithfully serving God and staying spiritually alert.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches the importance of stewardship and accountability. Just as the master gave tasks to his servants, God has given each believer responsibilities. These include living a holy life, sharing the gospel, using spiritual gifts to serve others, and loving one another. Believers are not called to idleness or complacency but to active, faithful service.
It also highlights the doctrine of Christ’s return. The fact that the master leaves and will eventually return reflects the promise of Jesus’ second coming. While believers don’t know the exact timing, they are assured that He will return to bring final judgment and reward.
Additionally, this verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance. The servants must continue their work even when the master seems delayed. This requires faith, patience, and commitment to doing what’s right, even when the results are not immediately visible.
Literary Analysis
Jesus uses a parable—a short story with a spiritual meaning—to teach this lesson. The structure of the parable is straightforward, but it carries deep meaning. The “man going away” represents Jesus, and the “servants” symbolize His followers. The “tasks” given to each servant represent the various responsibilities believers have while living in the world.
The role of the doorkeeper is significant because it highlights the need for vigilance. The doorkeeper’s job is to stay awake and alert, watching for the master’s return. This mirrors Jesus’ earlier warnings to be on guard and stay alert (Mark 13:33).
The parable’s simplicity makes it relatable, but its deeper meaning challenges believers to reflect on how they are living and whether they are fulfilling their God-given responsibilities.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with resources and expects them to use them wisely until his return.
- Luke 12:35-40 – Jesus tells His disciples to be like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, ready to open the door when he knocks.
- 1 Peter 4:10 – Encourages believers to use whatever gifts they have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6 – “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – Paul speaks of finishing the race and keeping the faith, knowing that a crown of righteousness awaits him when Christ returns.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, this verse is a reminder to live purposefully and faithfully. God has given each believer a role to play, whether it’s serving in the church, sharing the gospel, raising a family, or being a light in the workplace. Every task, no matter how big or small, matters in God’s kingdom.
This verse also challenges Christians to maintain a sense of spiritual urgency. The doorkeeper’s job is to watch for the master’s return, but this role isn’t limited to just one person. Every believer is called to stay spiritually awake, avoiding distractions and temptations that could lead them away from God’s purposes.
Additionally, this verse encourages perseverance. It’s easy to grow weary or discouraged when the results of faithfulness aren’t immediately visible. However, Jesus’ parable reminds believers that their efforts are not in vain. The master will return, and those who have been faithful will be rewarded.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He entrusts His people with meaningful work. Just as the master assigns tasks to his servants, God gives believers responsibilities that contribute to His kingdom. This shows that God values His people and desires for them to participate in His plan of redemption.
God’s love is also reflected in His promise to return. The master’s departure is not permanent—he will come back, just as Jesus will return for His followers. His love ensures that His people will not be abandoned but will be reunited with Him at the right time.
Additionally, God’s love is seen in His patience. Even though Christ’s return may seem delayed from a human perspective, God is patiently waiting so that more people can come to repentance and be saved (2 Peter 3:9). His love motivates Him to give everyone an opportunity to respond to His grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse because He is the “man going away” who will one day return. His departure refers to His ascension after His resurrection, and His return points to the second coming, when He will bring final judgment and restoration.
The tasks given to the servants reflect the mission Jesus gave His disciples before He ascended into heaven. In Matthew 28:19-20, He commanded them to go and make disciples of all nations. This mission extends to all believers, who are called to continue His work until He returns.
Additionally, Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd is reflected in this verse. Just as a shepherd watches over his flock, Jesus cares for His people and has given them everything they need to carry out their tasks. His return will be a time of joy and reward for those who have been faithful.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What specific tasks or responsibilities has God given you, and how are you fulfilling them?
- In what areas of your life do you need to be more spiritually alert and watchful?
- How can you maintain perseverance and faithfulness, even when it feels like Christ’s return is delayed?
- What does it mean to you that God has entrusted you with meaningful work in His kingdom?
- How can you encourage others to stay faithful and focused on the mission God has given them?