Parable of the Faithful Slave

“Who is the faithful and sensible slave that the master has put in charge of his household to provide them their food at the right times?”
Matthew 24:45

Introduction

Throughout scripture, Yeshua has many wise sayings and famous parables.

One such parable is that of the “Faithful Slave”, sometimes also known as “the Faithful and Discreet Slave”, the “Faithful Steward”, or “the Wise Servant”.

This account speaks of a master appointing servants to attend to and look after his household in his absence, promising a reward to those who do well, and warns of a punishment upon those who do not upon the master’s return.

There have been many interpretations of what Yeshua meant by this parable. Some feel it refers to a special group of Christians, some think it foretells of a coming prophet, others believe it refers to Christian teachers or Elders, and then there are others who would believe it refers to ‘all’ Christians.

Today, I will be investigating this passage, to see what conclusions we may possibly draw.

The Parable Account

To start us off, we should first look to the passages where Yeshua speaks this parable in full and examine the details.

• “I want you to recognize this; If the master of the house had known in which watch the thief would be coming, he would have stayed awake and not allowed his house to be [broken into]. So always prove yourselves ready; for the Son of Man will arrive at a time that he isn’t expected.
  
  Who is the faithful and sensible slave that the master has appointed concerning his household to provide them their food at the right times? That slave will be blessed if he’s found doing this when his master arrives. I tell you the truth; he’ll put him in charge of everything that he owns! However, if that bad slave should ever say in his heart: “My master is late in arriving”, and then he starts beating his fellow slaves and eating and drinking with the drunks… That slave’s master will arrive on a day and hour that he isn’t expected, and he will cut him down and assign him among hypocrites, where he’ll weep and grind his teeth…
  
  …So, this is why you must stay awake. For you don’t know the day or the hour! It’s [the same] as when a man who was about to travel abroad called for his slaves to entrust his belongings to them. To one he gave five [silver] coins, to another he gave two, and to another he gave just one (each according to their abilities). And thereafter, he left on his trip. Well, the one who got the five went right out and put [his five coins] to work, gaining five more coins. The same was true of the slave who’d received two; he gained two more. But [the slave] that received just one went and dug a hole in the ground, where he buried his master’s silver. Then after some time, the master of those slaves [finally] returned and he called them in for an accounting.
  
  So the one who received the five coins came forward carrying the five more and said; “Lord, you gave me five coins, and look… I’ve gained you five more!” And his master said; “Well done, good and faithful slave! Since you’ve been faithful in a few things, I’ll appoint you over many. Enjoy the favor of your Lord!”
  
  Next, the one who received the two coins came forward and said to his master; “Lord, you gave me two coins, and look… I’ve gained you two more!” So his master said to him; “You’ve done well, my good and faithful slave!” You were faithful over a few things, so I’ll appoint you over many… Share in the joy of your Lord!”
  
  Finally, the [slave] that was given the one coin came up to his master and said; “Lord, I know that you’re a hard man who reaps where he doesn’t sow and harvests where he doesn’t plant. So because I was afraid, I hid your coin in the ground. Now see; I give you what’s yours!” In reply, his master then said to him; ‘O you wicked and lazy slave; So you know that I reap where I don’t sow and I harvest where I don’t plant, do you? Then you should have deposited my silver with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received what’s mine with interest! So now; take the coin away from him and give it to the one who has ten coins. Because, more will be given to those who have, and they’ll have plenty. But it’ll all be taken from those who don’t have. Now, throw this useless slave into the darkness outside, where he will weep and grind his teeth!‘”. – Matthew 24:43-51, 25:13-30
• 
  “‘Recognize this; If the master of the house would’ve known the time when the thieves would arrive, he would have been keeping watch and not let them enter his house. Likewise, you must also be ready! For the Son of Man will arrive at a time that you consider unlikely’.
  
  Then Peter asked; “Lord, are you giving this parable to just us, or to everyone?” And the Lord said; ‘Who is the faithful house steward, the sensible one assigned by his lord to serve [and] attend to his faithful friends, and to provide their meals at the right times? Such a slave will be blessed if he’s found doing that when his master arrives. I tell you the truth… He will put him in charge of everything he owns!
  
  But if that slave should say in his heart; “My master’s return is delayed!” and then he starts beating [his fellow] male and female slaves, and he feasts, drinks, and gets drunk. His master will arrive on an hour and day that he’s not been expected and he’ll whip him and count him among the unfaithful. So the slave that knows what his master expects and doesn’t prepare or do what he wants will be lashed with a whip many times.
  
  But the one who doesn’t understand and does things for which he deserves to be whipped, will be beaten with [just a] few [strokes]. For from those to whom much is given, much is also expected. And from those who’ve been entrusted with much, much is also required‘”. – Luke 12:39-48
• 
  “Therefore, you should stay awake and keep watching, because you don’t know when he will arrive! It’s like a man, who before leaving his house and travelling abroad, instructed each of his slaves to just go on doing their jobs… But he commanded his doorkeeper to stay awake. This is why you must stay awake, because you don’t know when the Master of the house will return… Whether it’s in the evening, at midnight, at rooster crowing, or early in the morning. Just be sure that when he suddenly arrives, he doesn’t find you sleeping! So, what I’m saying to you, I’m saying to everyone; Stay awake!”. – Mark 13:32-37

Looking to these passages, we first gain an overall picture, that this “slave” appears to be appointed to “feed and serve” others, and to also “multiply” the master’s belongings. Those who do not remain faithful to the master’s instructions, will be punished, whilst others will be rewarded for their service.

But “who” or “what” is this slave? And who are they feeding?

Who is Being Fed?

Reading through the passages, we are told those who are fed are the Lord’s “belongings”, and “household”.

Throughout scripture, we are constantly told that followers of Yeshua make up his kingdom on Earth, his spiritual temple, his body, and that we belong to him.

• “…you belong to [the] Anointed [One], and [the] Anointed [One] belongs to God”. – 1 Corinthians 3:23
• “But each in his own turn: [the] Anointed [One] the firstfruits; then at his coming, those who belong to him“. – 1 Corinthians 15:23
• “But [the] Anointed [One] is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast”. – Hebrews 3:6
• “…to provide them their food at the right times? That slave will be blessed if he’s found doing this when his master arrives… However, if that bad slave should ever say in his heart; ‘My master is late in arriving…’ and then he starts beating his fellow slaves….”. – Matthew 24:45-46, 49
• “‘when I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink…. And the king will say; I tell you the truth: when you did it for the least of my brothers, you did it to me” – Matthew 25:35, 40

Hence, we see plainly that the “master’s belongings” in this case, refers to Yeshua’s followers, that is, all who are faithful and obedient Christians. Note carefully that it also says those fed and treated by the Slave, are in turn also “fellow Slaves”, which includes the “least” of all our fellow brothers, who in turn are also brothers of Yeshua (Matthew 24:49, Matthew 25:35, 40, Galatians 3:26-27).

All of us, therefore, who belong to Yeshua, are to be “fed”.

Who Does The Feeding?

If all Christians are the ones being fed, then who does the feeding? It is not the master directly, as we see he has “appointed” this “slave” as a “steward” or “manager” to feed his belongings. Is it a special person? An angel? A prophet? A leader?

Some believe that it may refer only to a very small group of people, hand selected by Yeshua himself. This is on the basis of Luke 12:32; “Don’t be afraid, little flock… For it’s the delight of your Father to give you the Kingdom”, of which some contrast with later verses in the parable which speak of these Slaves being “appointed” over his belongings, and in turn find justification for this in that not all Christians are said to be at Yeshua’s right and left in rulership (Mark 10:35-40).

However, we see Peter ask this same question in regard to the slaves staying awake; “are you speaking to us or everyone?” and Yeshua’s reply is seen in more than one account:

• “Then Peter asked; “Lord, are you giving this parable to just us, or to everyone?” And the Lord said; ‘Who is the faithful house steward, the sensible one assigned by his lord to serve [and] attend to his faithful friends, and to provide their meals at the right times?“. – Luke 12:41-42
• “‘‘It’s like a man, who before leaving his house and traveling abroad, instructed each of his slaves to just go on doing their jobs… But he commanded his doorkeeper to stay awake. This is why you must stay awake, because you don’t know when the Master of the house will return… Whether it’s in the evening, at midnight, at rooster crowing, or early in the morning. Just be sure that when he suddenly arrives, he doesn’t find you sleeping! So, what I’m saying to you, I’m saying to everyone…” – Mark 13:34-37
• “Simon (Peter) son of John… Feed my sheep”. – John 21:17

We see Yeshua responds at first, not via direct answer, but by a rhetorical question; “who really is the slave who is assigned?” but then he finishes his speech about the slaves, as seen in Mark 13, with “I say this to everyone”.

Yet also, some may note that we see at a later date, Yeshua tells Peter specifically that he wants ‘him’ to feed Yeshua’s sheep, that is, his followers, and he also mentions specifically a “doorkeeper”. So, is Peter the Slave? The Apostles who were present at the time of the parable? Or is everyone the Slave?

The harmonised Gospel by John Samuel Thompson puts it this way;

• “Then Peter said to him; Master is this parable intended for us, or for all? The Lord answered: As a man going; from home, leaves his household in charge to his servants, assigns to every one his work, and commands the porter to watch, so watch ye; for ye know not, whether the master of the family will return at the second watch, or at midnight, or at the third watch, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. Now, what I say to you, say to all, watch.“ – The Monotessaron, by John Samuel Thompson, p. 237

These words were given to “everyone”. Yeshua at the same time specifically tells Peter to be one of the first to carry out such a task, but he doesn’t appear to “limit” this station.

The parables as a collective are united by a theme, “stay awake”. He instructs this “Slave” in turn to stay awake for the master’s return, and these words Yeshua gave directly to his Apostles and those who were present with them:

• “Therefore stay awake, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come“. – Matthew 24:42
• “The master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of”. – Matthew 24:20
• “I want you to recognize this; If the master of the house had known in which watch the thief would be coming, he would have stayed awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. So always prove yourselves ready; for the Son of Man will arrive at a time that he isn’t expected”. – Matthew 24:43-44
• “Therefore stay awake, because you do not know the day or the hour. Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his slaves and entrusted his wealth to them…”. – Matthew 25:13-14
• “Therefore, you should stay awake and keep watching, because you don’t know when he will arrive!‘ It’s like a man, who before leaving his house and traveling abroad, instructed each of his slaves to just go on doing their jobs. But he commanded his doorkeeper to stay awake. This is why you must stay awake, because you don’t know when the Master of the house will return Whether it’s in the evening, at midnight, at rooster crowing, or early in the morning. Just be sure that when he suddenly arrives, he doesn’t find you sleeping! So, what I’m saying to you, I’m saying to everyone; Stay awake!”. – Mark 13:33-37

Those listening to his parable are told that what he has said to the Apostles applies, does not just apply to them, but to everyone. Yeshua himself tells us that even he does not know when that day of his return will be (Mark 13:32), it could have been in a month, a year, or one thousand years. Hence, his words logically apply universally to everyone who was present on that day, and to all future generations.

Evidently then, this “little flock” who make up the “initial” foundations of this “Slave”, refers the small Jewish audience who were receptive to his message who were listening at the time.

But of course, though this appointment was first given to this “little flock”, Yeshua’s audience at the time, it would later appear be extended to others, as made evident by Yeshua’s words regarding his “other sheep”, who later are brought in to become “one flock with one shepherd”, all of whom are “fellow slaves”, and in that there are a selection of Christians who are said to also rule in Heaven as kings and priests at Yeshua’s side.

According to scripture, these “other sheep”, at the time, may either have been the other scattered Jews or Israelites outside of Israel, on the basis of prophetic verses such as Ezekiel 34 and Yeshua’s statement of firstly focusing on the people of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6, 15:24). Alternatively, or inclusively, these other sheep may also refer to the future inclusion of the Gentiles.

• “I also have other sheep that aren’t in this pen, and I must lead them too. They’ll listen to my voice and they’ll all become one flock under one shepherd“. – John 10:16
• The Lord YHWH also said this: ‘Look! I will search for My sheep, and I will come visit with them. Like a shepherd that looks for his flocks on dark cloudy days when they’ve strayed. Yes, that’s how I’ll search for My sheep. I’ll drive them back from where they were [lost] On that dark, cloudy day. I’ll lead them out of the nations, from many regions.… Yes I’ll graze My sheep and bring them some rest, says YHWH, the Lord. I’ll search for the lost and the strayed, and I’ll bring back the ones who are broken. I will bind and strengthen those who are weak, and I’ll also watch over the strong. I’ll allow each one to graze his fair share. Then, from among you, My sheep, says YHWH, the Lord, ‘Look! I’ll separate the sheep from the sheep and the rams from the goats‘”. – Ezekiel 34:11-25, 16-17
• “Although you were once other races in the flesh, and were called ‘the uncircumcised’ by those who were circumcised by hand in the flesh, and you were without the Anointed One (you were aliens to the citizens of Israel and strangers to the Sacred Contract of the promise,
  Godless and without any hope in this world). It was through the Anointed Yeshua, you who were once far away, have now come to be near to him – via his blood. So he’s our peace [between us]. For he made the two, [Jews and Gentiles], one by breaking down the wall that fenced them off from each other. Through his flesh, he destroyed the hatred [that was brought about by] the Law of Commandments and rules, so that through himself he could take the two, and create a new man – in order to bring about this peace”. – Ephesians 2:11-15
• “And they sing a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought people for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as king over the earth.” – Revelation 5:9-10

This of course, does not address the matter of the Slaves being “doorkeepers”, “stewards” or “managers” acting on behalf of the others…

Whilst all Christians appear to be “fellow slaves” here, it seems that it could be argued that to be a manager in feeding other slaves, then not all slaves are in turn managers or doorkeepers.

It’s important to note the very fine detail, that all of Yeshua’s followers are said to be “assigned slaves”, and whilst he tells the “doorkeeper” to stay awake to keep watch, he then follows up and says “I say this to you all – stay awake”. Hence, one might say that the slaves are “managers over one another”, in that they “slave for one another”, as Galatians 5:13 would put it, and this would fall in line with there being “no leaders” amongst Christians (Matthew 23:8-11). Rather “that appointed slave” that Yeshua says will be rewarded, appears to be anyone and everyone who treats their “fellow slave” well.

Of course, we are to take note that these people are “given the kingdom” and the “belongings”. As we’ve already seen, the Apostles are told they would be given such a kingdom… but we also know that there are others to be elect over the Kingdom in the future, who will join the Apostles and Yeshua in this position on his right and left, and that the scriptures appear to make it evident that this is not a universal reward:

• “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Yeshua and declared, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.’ ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ He inquired. They answered, “Grant that one of us may sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.” ‘You do not know what you are asking’, Yeshua replied. ‘Can you drink the cup I will drink, or be baptized with the baptism I will undergo?’ ‘We can’, the brothers answered. ‘You will drink the cup that I drink’, Yeshua said, ‘and you will be baptized with the baptism that I undergo. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom they have been prepared‘.” – Mark 10:35-40

We see here, not all Christians, even if fellow slaves, appear to get this ‘highest’ Kingdom ordainance, but only those whom it has been prepared for by the Father. Yet we see in the parable account, that Lord Yeshua would put his faithful slaves over all his belongings. So what does this mean?

Do those specifically taking up “a unique position” of being this “feeding Slave” automatically become selected by the Father so that the Lord Yeshua can then appoint them over his belongings as a reward?

Is God guiding or inspiring certain Christians to be these “managers”?

Are these managers of the Slaves the Apostles alone? Who have for that reason been the only authors of inspired scripture?

Or do all Christians recieve Yeshua’s belongings as they all act as “slaves and managers” for one another, whilst sitting at the right and left of the Son as granted by the Father is a different or even higher reward to just being over Yeshua’s belongings as his co-heirs?

We are told in scripture ‘all’ Christians are God’s children and co-heirs with Yeshua, and will recieve a crown of glory (1 John 5:1, 4-5, Galatians 3:26–29, Romans 8:17, Matthew 12:48-50, 1 Peter 1:3-4, 5:1-4, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Timothy 4:8, Revelation 3:21). So how can Yeshua say only those selected by the Father and not him will sit at his right and left in the Kingdom, if scripture tells us all Christians shall recieve the crowns, glory and belongings of Yeshua?

This would appear to me for the time being, a puzzling and somewhat difficult question to answer. But perhaps in time I shall come to a firmer conclusion….

It thus seems to be, at least presently in my mind, that all Christians act as slaves for one another, and the ones who prove faithful by treating their fellow brothers well, will gain a part in Yeshua’s belongings, but there indeed also may be a prize higher than the standard co-heriship, inhertience and kingship that all those with faith in Yeshua recieve, but it shall not be fully revealed until his return.

What does “Feeding” Entail?

We have seen both who is fed, and who does the feeding, but what does it actually mean to “feed”?

This food of course is not merely literal food, but spiritual food, the teachings and encouragements of Yeshua, which were handed down to him by our God and Father, Yah (John 7:16).

• “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval”. – John 6:27
• “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your fathers, who ate the manna and died, the one who eats this bread will live forever.… The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life“. – John 6:55-58, 63

We are meant to be fed Yeshua himself, which consists of having faith in him and his teachings, as is recorded in the Gospels. Therefore, those doing the feeding are to be giving people the words of Yeshua, so that they may “consume him”, by which means he is “in us” and then we also in turn are in him, in that we are “one with him”, as one family, in one truth, and in worship of our one Father, through the means of the one Lord, Master, Teacher, and Mediator, Yeshua the Anointed (1 John 3:24, Ephesians 4:5-6, John 17:21, 1 Timothy 2:5, Matthew 23:8-11).

What we see here then, appears to be a directive for their to be shepherds, or servants of Yeshua’s Congregation, who act on behalf of the true shepherd, Lord Yeshua, spreading, sharing and reminding people of his teachings and instructions to others.

This station of being a “Slave” in service to feed Yeshua’s followers therefore in part, would appear to relate directly to the topic of Elders in the Congregation, in that we see here that those taking up this position of feeding the flock of Yeshua via encourgement and preaching of the Gospel, are under “harsher judgement” (James 3:1), following the exact words of Yeshua when he stated; “those who are appointed over much, will be expected of much” (Luke 12:48).

Is the Faithful Slave a Leader or Master of the Congregation?

As Yeshua himself has appointed the position of Congregational feeders, shepherds of the Congregation who are responsible for teaching and guiding the flock, does this mean then that those who take on the more active position of being “Manager Slaves” are an authority over the Congregation? Does this mean that they have the last word on everything? Are they “definers of doctrine”? Did Yeshua set up a tradition of autocratic apostolic succession with this parable?

We must remember not to read these passages outside of their greater context. They are part of a larger series of interrelated parables, such as that of the Virgins, the Talents (coins), the Marriage Feast, and so on. All of them relate to the subject of obedience to Yeshua, supporting one another, making disciples, and staying awake .

The slaves are to, as we already read above, “feed spiritual food”, that food being Yeshua himself, his teachings, his words, not the words, wills or traditions of men.

Some Bibles appear to render these verses, as “in charge of the servants”.

This is on the basis of the Greek term used, which according to some lexicons can either render “appoint” or “put in charge of”. Though this does not always deem “authority”, but also a “station of responsibility” toward the context of a certain task. In this respect, we are told they are put in charge of “caring”, as opposed to “leading”, just as a slave or servant in ancient times was “in charge” of serving the guests of the master’s house.

2525 kathístēmi (from 2596 /katá, “down” and 2476 /hístēmi, “to stand”) – properly, set down (in place), i.e. “put in charge,” give standing (authority, status) which enables someone to rule (exercise decisive force). – HELPS Word-studies

kathistémi
I set down, bring down to a place; I set in order, appoint, make, constitute. – Strong’s Concordance

Cognate: 2322therapeía – healing, focusing on the reversal of the physical condition (illness, disease) itself carrying the responsibility of fully serving the Lord through it. See 2323 (therapeuō).

Examining the Aramaic manuscripts, we gain further clarity, where the term used implies that the Slave is merely “appointed to feed”, specifically it renders “to serve and tend to”, which of course makes far more sense when speaking in the context of a “slave” or “servant”, of whom isn’t “in charge” of anyone, but rather acts as a waiter, or butler.

ܬܫܡܫܬܗ
1 ministry –(a) office, administration Syr. (a.1) order of priests serving at a particular period Syr. –(b) sacred furnishings Syr.
  2 worship service
  3 usage, using
  4 help, relief
  5 sexual relations – The Comprehensive Aramaic Lexicon

Examining the greater context, we see that we are told this “Slave” is not actually pronounced as “faithful”, nor is it placed over the flock with any “commanding authority” or “ownership” until the return of Yeshua, and the seperating of the Sheep and Goats of the nations during the End Time, and until that time, we are in fact told that this Slave has the potential to be “wicked” and mistreat Yeshua’s followers.

• That slave will be blessed if he’s found doing this when his master arrives. I tell you the truth; he’ll put him in charge of everything that he owns! However, if that bad slave should ever say in his heart: “My master is late in arriving”, and then he starts beating his fellow slaves and eating and drinking with the drunks… That slave’s master will arrive on a day and hour that he isn’t expected, and he will cut him down and assign him among hypocrites, where he’ll weep and grind his teeth… ‘Likewise, this is what’s going to happen when the Son of Man arrives in his glory along with all of the messengers (angels); ‘He’s going to sit down on his glorious throne, and all nations will be led before him. Then he’ll separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats…. Then the righteous will ask; ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you? Yes, when did we see you sick or in prison and come to your [aid]?’ And the king will say; ‘I tell you the truth; when you did it for the least of my brothers, you also did it for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left; ‘Leave me, you who’ve been cursed into the everlasting fire that was prepared for the Opposer and his messengers!'”. – Matthew 24:46-51, 25:31-32, 37-41

As we see in the large scheme of things, the Slaves are not “appointed over” the “belongings of Yeshua”, that is, his followers, Christians, and in turn likely, the rest of the Kingdom which shall rule the Earth, until his arrival and end judgement. And they will be judged based upon how they’ve treated one another and the flock as a whole, even the “least” of our Lord’s brothers, just as the nations are (Galatians 3:26).

Rather, they are responsible merely for acting as teachers and comforters, but not in a way that their every word and bidding be bowed to as if they were placed in a position of authority, especially so if it can be plainly seen that they contradict the Gospel in their teaching, of which in such a case we are commanded to avoid them and reject their falsehoods.

We must bear in mind that it is possible for some to be “wicked slaves”, and so all of us have the duty to be on guard for such things.

This parallels directly with scripture as a whole, where we are told there are “no leaders” or “kings” amongst us. All, even the Apostles, are subject to Yeshua, and the teachings as contained in the Gospels and inspired letters (Matthew 23:8-21, 1 Corinthians 4:6-8, Galatians 1:8-10).

Conclusion

So who then, is the Faithful and Wise Slave?

As we can see, this parable was seemingly an instruction to ‘all’ Christians, in the greater context of being awake and ready for Yeshua’s return, and to be alongside our brothers in supporting them. All of us as brothers and sisters are subject to this feeding, and all of us in our own way feed others too.

But this is especially so of those who take up a more “active role” in the Congregation, and are hence “expected of much” (Luke 12:48, James 3:1, 1 Peter 5:2-4) for they are responsible for much. Those in this position are under higher scrutiniy, but so also will their reward be much.

Yeshua intentionally is ambiguous in his answer to Peter on who the “faithful slaves” actually will be, but gives his warning and application to all who listen.

We all would do well therefore, to learn from these parables, and ensure that we are all pronounced as “wise and faithful” on Yeshua’s return, and not as a “drunkard”, a “hypocrite” or a “beater”.