Commentary by Hovak Najarian
As Jesus talked to his disciples, he spoke about values and how their lives should be conducted. They were told to sell their possessions and instead, lay-up treasures in heaven where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. It is here that we have Jesus’ much-quoted statement, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus continued with a parable about waiting, watching, and being both patient and prepared. [This is known as the Parable of the Faithful Servant or Parable of the Door Keeper.] “Be prepared for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet so they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those…whom the master finds alert when he comes.” Jesus ends the parable with, “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
When Peter asked, “Lord are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?” Jesus continued with the need for responsibility and ended with another much-quoted statement, “To whomever much is given, of him will much be required, and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.” This message was spoken to the disciples but also is a lesson for everyone in leadership roles. It has been interpreted as being applicable particularly to religious leaders.
Dutch artist, Jan Luyken (also spelled, Luiken) was of the generation of artists that followed Rembrandt. Early in his career, he became attracted to etching and engraving, and the making of prints occupied him throughout his life. He wrote poetry as well and often they were published with his prints. Among Luyken’s publications was Martyrs Mirror which included 104 engravings depicting religious persecution. He was well aware of persecution even in his own time. At the age of twenty-six, he had an “awakening” experience and accepted Anabaptist teachings. Ana Baptists were regarded to be a threat to Catholics as well as Protestants and they were persecuted by both,
In Luyken’s The Faithful and Wise Steward, the master of the house – who was away attending a wedding banquet – has just arrived home by horseback. Through the doorway,T a servant is seen tending the horse and the master is being greeted with a warm welcome as he comes through the door. The steward gestures toward the other servants who are seated and standing around a dinner table awaiting their master’s return. The master is pleased as he smiles and places a hand on the shoulder of the steward who greeted him.
Two dogs add a symbolic note to this etching. Dogs have long been a symbol of loyal devotion and love. Their presence gives a sense of warmth to the scene and re-enforces the theme of the parable. The dog in the doorway seems happy to see his master again while the other one has found something to sniff.
Hovak Najarian © 2019
Image: Parable of the Faithful Steward on Wikipedia
Hear what the Spirit is saying 