Latter Parables Of Jesus 15

INTRO: We have before us this morning the parable of two servants in Matthew 24:45-51. One was believing, or faithful; and the other failed to continue to believe and became evil. But before we look at that, let me take a moment to review where we are.

The first six parables had the time of Christ as their central point. The first parable took place just before Jesus arrived at Jericho on His last trip to Jerusalem before He died. From Jericho He is within one day travel to Jerusalem. And just before He arrived at Jericho He gave the parable of the landowner who had a vineyard. The vineyard is a picture of Israel. As I see it, Jesus gave Israel’s history pictured in 12 hours, and the last would be first and the first last because many were chosen but few chose Him.

In the next parable, because they expected Him to set up His kingdom immediately, he gave a parable of the ten minas. In essence He told them I am leaving for quite some time and I have given all of you a work to do, so be faithful and do it. When Jesus arrived at Jerusalem and cleansed the temple twice. And there He cursed the fig tree that did not bear fruit though it had leaves. And the picture is that of Israel being set aside until the time of the end.