Commentary on Mark 13:34

In Mark 13:34, Jesus conveys an important message about vigilance and preparation. He states:

"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."

Contextual Overview

This verse is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delivered to His disciples as they sat on the Mount of Olives, reflecting on the end times and His second coming. Jesus employs the metaphor of a man who goes on a journey, thus highlighting themes of stewardship, responsibility, and the imminent return of Christ.

Concept of the Far Journey

The phrase "taking a far journey" symbolizes Christ's ascension and the time during which He is absent from the earth. It denotes the period of waiting for His return, fostering a sense of expectancy among believers.

• Matthew Henry notes that the "man" represents Christ, who has left His disciples with responsibilities to carry out during His absence.
• Albert Barnes emphasizes the nature of Christ's journey as one that involves His authority being delegated to His followers.
• Adam Clarke elaborates on the long duration of this absence, calling for patience and persistence in service.

The Role of Servants

Jesus entrusts His servants with authority during His absence. This reflects our role as believers in the Kingdom of God:

• Stewardship: Believers are expected to manage the resources and responsibilities given to them by Christ. This includes spiritual gifts and the calling to spread the Gospel.
• Accountability: Every servant has specific duties ("to every man his work"), suggesting that God has a unique plan for each believer's life. The faithful exercise of these duties reflects our readiness for Christ's return.
• Preparedness: The emphasis on duties leads to the understanding that one must continually be engaged in one's calling, always ready for the Master's return.

The Command to Watch

Jesus commands His porters (watchmen) to remain vigilant:

• Matthew Henry highlights the necessity of spiritual watchfulness, urging believers to remain alert to the signs of the times and the events leading to Christ's return.
• Albert Barnes interprets the watchmen's role as a metaphor for those who are responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of the church, urging them to remain committed and ready.
• Adam Clarke connects the idea of watching to prayer and moral vigilance, suggesting that spiritual watchmen should guard against temptation and moral decay.

Theological Implications

This verse offers profound theological insights for pastors, students, and scholars:

• Christ’s Authority: The delegated authority to servants reaffirms the belief in Christ's sovereignty over His church and His disciples.
• The Nature of Service: It invites a reflection on what constitutes faithful service and how believers can utilize their gifts in light of Christ's eventual return.
• Imminent Return: The anticipation of Christ's return encourages a lifestyle of holiness and active participation in the mission of the church.
• The Role of Watchfulness: The call to watch introduces the notion of vigilance in the Christian faith, implying that preparation and alertness are essential components of discipleship.
• Justice and Accountability: The passage serves as a reminder of the eventual accountability where each will be judged for their stewardship.

Conclusion

Mark 13:34 serves as a powerful reminder for all believers of the importance of being watchful and diligent as they await the return of Christ. It calls for active engagement in the work He has set before His followers while remaining alert to the changing spiritual landscape. In the light of this verse, pastors are encouraged to foster a culture of preparedness among their congregations, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and vigilance as they await their Lord's return.

Thus, as Christ's servants, let us embrace our roles with serious intent, heeding the command to watch and work actively in the Kingdom until He returns.