The disciples assumed that Jesus’ timing for His kingdom was during their lifetimes. James and John had requested to have places of honor when Jesus came into His kingdom. Mark 10: 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.”
36 “What is your request?” he asked.
37 They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking![1]
The Old Testament prophesies of Jesus mix predictions from Jesus’ first coming and second coming. The Jewish scholars did not anticipate that Messiah would come twice. Thus, the disciples expected Jesus to bring His kingdom soon.
Jesus Taught to Prepare the Disciples
As Jesus taught in the temple only days before His crucifixion, He was preparing His disciples for what was to come. First, Jesus contrasted a faithful servant with an evil one and made this comment: Matthew 24: 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected.[2]
This is followed by the Parable of the Ten Virgins, where there is a delay in the bridegroom’s coming. Matthew 25: 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. [3]
In this week’s story, the Parable of the Three Servants, again, there is a delay mentioned twice. Matthew 25: 14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip…19 “After a long time, their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.[4]
Difficulty in Understanding the Timing
Even with multiple teachings on the delay of the Kingdom, the disciples are still confused. Just before Jesus ascends back to heaven, they ask about the kingdom again. Acts 1: 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.[5]
Even though the timing is unknown, the followers will be empowered for tasks while they wait. Acts 1: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” [6]
The same holds true for us while we wait for Jesus’ return. We have been given talents and gifts to build His Kingdom. We must be alert and good stewards of what God has given us while we walk this earth. To learn more about Jesus’ timing, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/parable-of-the-three-servants
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.