---

Our Lord in the context urges His disciples to diligence, watchfulness, and fidelity. This is important, for we are stewards, servants, and are responsible to Him who will one day say unto us, "Give an account of thy stewardship."

I. THE CHARACTER SUSTAINED — "That servant." In many passages of Scripture true believers are called the servants of God. Called so by God — by Christ — by believers themselves (see John 12:26). "Paul a servant of God"; "James, a servant of God," etc.

1. The servant's Master. This is Christ. He is the Head of the Church — the Divine Sovereign — Lord of all. He issues His commandments — appoints His ordinances — gives His rewards (John 13:13; Matthew 23:28).

2. The servant's origin. Once servants of sin, of Satan — the world — pleasure — self. Now enlightened to perceive the superiority of Christ — translated from the kingdom of darkness (Romans 6:16-22).

3. The servant's character.

(1)  Must be faithful, give up all for his master.

(2)  Patient. His work will require self-denial.

(3)  Enduring, day after day he must toil on in an evil and difficult world.

(4)  Anxious to please, out of love and affection, not from fear or dread.

II. THE SERVICE REQUIRED — "The will of the Master." What is the will of our Master?

1. Faith and repentance. These duties are desired in order that they may accomplish the servant's salvation (John 3:16; Mark 16:15, 16).

2. The advancement of His Kingdom. This is to be brought about by the servant's labour. It is an unspeakable honour to be so employed.

3. Internal sanctification. Humility for failings. The acquisition of holiness. Piety of life. Sanctification of spirit.

4. Zeal in duty. Love is not to wax cold — the voices of prayer and praise are not to be silent — the hands are not to hang down — the voice is not to be silent.

III. THE CONSEQUENCES ATTENDANT. On doing this duty depends reward or punishment. If it is faithfully performed, the servant shall have the approval of his Master; if neglected, His blame.

1. This is natural. It is the way of the world. A bad servant is soon discharged. A dishonest one is disgraced.

2. It is also just Wages would not be given unless they were earned. Slaves were obliged to obey.

3. It is for the good of the just. If careless, ignorant, evil men were admitted to heaven, it would be a place of misery.

IV. THE PUNISHMENT PROPORTIONATE. An ignorant servant may be awkward without intentionally transgressing. But for those who know what is right, and deliberately sin, there will be many stripes. It is those who transgress against light and privilege and mercy, who will have to bear the full brunt of the law. Therefore —

1. How great was the guilt of the Jews. They had God's oracles. Special revelation. Continuance of guidance.

2. How much greater our guilt if we offend. We have not only the light of the Jews, but the full blaze of Christ's revelation, and light, and work. All things made plain. All prophecies fulfilled. All directions given. If we neglect our duty, how many will be the stripes we shall receive!

(The Preachers' Analyst.)

---

---

KJV: And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

WEB: That servant, who knew his lord's will, and didn't prepare, nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes,