Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Man Taking a Far Journey is a teaching of Jesus found in the Gospel of Mark, specifically in Mark 13:34-37. This parable is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks to His disciples about the end times and the importance of vigilance and readiness for His return.Context and Content In this parable, Jesus likens Himself to a man who goes on a journey, leaving his house and giving authority to his servants, each with their assigned task. He commands the doorkeeper to stay alert. The passage reads: "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. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!" (Mark 13:34-37). Interpretation The parable emphasizes the necessity of watchfulness and preparedness for the return of Christ. The "man going on a journey" represents Jesus, who, after His resurrection, ascended into heaven. The "servants" symbolize believers who are entrusted with responsibilities and spiritual gifts to be used for the advancement of God's kingdom during the time of Christ's physical absence. The instruction to the doorkeeper to "keep watch" serves as a metaphor for the vigilance required of all believers. The unpredictability of the master's return—"whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning"—highlights the uncertainty of the timing of Christ's second coming. This uncertainty is a call to constant readiness, as no one knows the exact hour of His return. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, this parable underscores the doctrine of the imminent return of Christ. It serves as a reminder that believers are to live in a state of spiritual alertness, actively engaging in the work of the Lord and maintaining a posture of readiness. The parable also reflects the accountability of believers, as each servant is given a specific task, indicating that every Christian has a role to play in the body of Christ. The parable's warning against being found "sleeping" upon the master's return is a caution against spiritual complacency and negligence. It calls for a life characterized by faithfulness, diligence, and anticipation of the Lord's return. Practical Application In practical terms, the Parable of the Man Taking a Far Journey encourages believers to examine their lives and ensure they are fulfilling their God-given responsibilities. It challenges Christians to remain steadfast in prayer, study of the Scriptures, and service to others, all while maintaining an expectant hope for Christ's return. The parable serves as a timeless exhortation to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing the things of God above the distractions of the world. Nave's Topical Index Mark 13:34-37For 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. Nave's Topical Index Library Ciii. Zacch??us. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem. Our Lord Himself Spoke of his Return in the Language of Imminency. Jerusalem that Killeth the Prophets He Confirms what Has Been Already Said, by the Parable of the Rich ... The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ... The Rich Man and Lazarus. The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is ... The Servants and the Pounds. On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ... Resources What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org Why did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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