Mark 13:34
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Mark 13:34 (KJV)
Context
In Mark 13, Jesus speaks to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, across from the temple in Jerusalem. This discourse addresses the end times and the signs preceding His second coming. The immediate context is Jesus’ command in verse 33 to take heed, watch, and pray, because they do not know when the time is. Verse 34 then illustrates that command with a parable about a man taking a far journey.
Meaning
Jesus compares Himself to a man who goes on a far journey, leaving his house and giving authority to his servants. This imagery conveys that Jesus will ascend to heaven after His earthly ministry and entrust His work and authority to His followers. The man’s departure represents Jesus’ ascension, and his house represents the Church, His household. The authority given to the servants signifies the responsibility entrusted to believers, with some serving as overseers and others as laborers; those with authority also have work assigned, and those given work receive authority to perform it.
The title “Son of Man” emphasizes Jesus’ humanity and divine mission as the Messiah. The phrase “a man taking a far journey” represents Jesus’ departure from the earth to ascend to heaven, where He is currently seated at the right hand of God the Father. The house refers to the world or the realm of His followers; Jesus left behind the earthly domain but continues to have authority and ownership over it.
Before His ascension, Jesus bestowed authority and responsibility upon His disciples and subsequently all believers to carry out His work and advance His Kingdom on earth. This authority includes preaching the gospel, performing miracles, and discipling others. Jesus assigns each of His followers a specific task or responsibility within His Kingdom; every believer has a unique role to fulfill in serving God and advancing His purposes in the world.
The “porter” represents the disciples or believers who are called to be watchful and vigilant, guarding the truths of the gospel and being alert for the signs of Jesus’ return. The porter is commanded to watch, symbolizing the need for constant vigilance, ready to open the door for the Master’s return and to guard against intruders. The following verse reinforces this by warning that the master may return at evening, midnight, cockcrowing, or morning, and the command to watch is extended to all.
Application
Faithful stewardship: We are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts, resources, and responsibilities that God has entrusted to us. We should diligently use our talents, time, and resources for His glory and the expansion of His Kingdom.
Active engagement: Each believer has a unique role and purpose within the body of Christ. We should seek God’s guidance and discover our spiritual gifts, using them to fulfill our specific calling and contribute to the growth and edification of the Church.
Watchfulness and readiness: As the porter in the parable, we must be vigilant, discerning, and watchful for the signs of Jesus’ return. We should remain spiritually alert, studying the Scriptures, praying, and staying connected to the Holy Spirit to discern the times and seasons.
Submission to authority: Just as the servants submitted to the authority of the man in the parable, we are called to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ. This involves obeying His teachings, following His example, and submitting to the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection
The master’s return comes at an unknown time, so the servants must remain alert and faithful in their assigned duties. This parable calls every believer to consider the specific work Christ has given them and to persevere in it with watchfulness, knowing that the Son of Man will return.
