Mark 13:34

It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch.

Study Bible

It is like a man going on a journey
This phrase sets the stage for a parable, a teaching method frequently used by Jesus. The "man" represents Christ Himself, who, after His resurrection, ascended to heaven. The "journey" symbolizes the period between Christ's ascension and His second coming. In the Greek, the word for "journey" (ἀπόδημος, apodēmos) implies a temporary absence, indicating that Christ will return. This reflects the anticipation and hope of the early church, which lived in expectation of Christ's imminent return.

who left his house
The "house" symbolizes the church or the community of believers. In biblical times, a house was not just a physical structure but a center of family life and activity. By leaving His house, the man entrusts it to the care of others, signifying Christ's trust in His followers to continue His work on earth. This also implies a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the believers.

put each servant in charge of his own task
This phrase emphasizes the individual responsibilities given to each believer. The Greek word for "servant" (δοῦλος, doulos) can also mean "slave," indicating a bondservant's complete devotion to their master's will. Each servant is given a specific "task" (ἔργον, ergon), which means work or duty. This highlights the diversity of gifts and roles within the body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12. Every believer has a unique role to play in the kingdom of God, and they are called to be faithful in their service.

and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch
The "doorkeeper" (θυρωρός, thurōros) holds a position of vigilance and alertness. In ancient households, the doorkeeper was responsible for controlling access to the house, ensuring security and readiness. This role is a metaphor for spiritual vigilance. The instruction to "keep watch" (γρηγορέω, grēgoreō) is a call to be spiritually alert and prepared for Christ's return. This echoes Jesus' repeated exhortations to His disciples to remain watchful and prayerful, as seen throughout the Gospels. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable timing of the second coming and the need for constant readiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man Going on a Journey
Represents Jesus Christ, who ascended to heaven and will return at an unknown time.

2. The House
Symbolizes the Church or the Kingdom of God on earth, where believers are called to serve.

3. The Servants
Represents believers who are entrusted with various responsibilities and spiritual gifts to serve the Church and the world.

4. The Doorkeeper
Symbolizes those who are specifically tasked with vigilance and readiness, possibly leaders or those with a prophetic role.

5. The Journey
Represents the period between Christ's ascension and His second coming, a time of active service and watchfulness for believers.

Teaching Points

Stewardship of Gifts
Each believer has been given specific tasks and spiritual gifts. We are called to be faithful stewards of these gifts, using them to serve others and glorify God.

Vigilance and Readiness
Just as the doorkeeper is instructed to keep watch, believers must remain spiritually vigilant, living in anticipation of Christ's return.

Responsibility and Accountability
The parable underscores the responsibility of each believer to fulfill their God-given duties. We will be held accountable for how we manage what has been entrusted to us.

Unity in Diversity
The various tasks assigned to the servants highlight the diversity within the body of Christ. Each member has a unique role, and together, we build up the Church.

Hope and Expectation
The journey of the master reminds us of the hope we have in Christ's return. This hope should motivate us to live holy and purposeful lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific tasks or spiritual gifts do you believe God has entrusted to you, and how are you using them to serve others?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of vigilance and readiness in your daily life, anticipating Christ's return?

3. How does understanding the diversity of roles within the Church encourage you to appreciate and support the gifts of others?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt accountable for a responsibility. How does this parable challenge you to be more faithful in your spiritual duties?

5. How can the hope of Christ's return influence your priorities and decisions in the present? Consider connections to other scriptures that speak of hope and expectation.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents, which emphasizes the responsibility of believers to use their gifts and resources wisely in the Master's absence.

Luke 12:35-40
Encourages believers to be dressed and ready for service, highlighting the importance of watchfulness and readiness for the Master's return.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Discusses the diversity of spiritual gifts given to believers, paralleling the idea of each servant having a specific task.

1 Thessalonians 5:6
Calls believers to be alert and sober, reinforcing the theme of watchfulness.

Revelation 3:3
Warns the Church to remember what they have received and heard, to obey it, and to repent, lest the Lord comes like a thief.