Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Summary: Paul, after pointing out our responsibilities, points to an interesting fact about the people we report to. We all have a “Master in heaven.”
Until now, Paul has been talking to the people who serve others. In this passage, he “flips the script” and goes after the bosses in charge of the workers.
Bosses are people, too, but sometimes they forget that.
Jesus makes this point when he teaches his disciples about the absolute authority of God. He begins by saying something that should be profoundly disturbing to all of us when he says:
“Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell.” (Luke 12: 5)
After your body has been killed, there is more to come!
If you need a reason to believe in Jesus, this is it!
We all have a “Master in heaven.” We all have a responsibility to our Maker. Forgetting this fact puts us on dangerous ground.
Jesus tells a story about a worker who does just that.
Imagine a very wealthy man who owns several estates. Each estate is a sprawling complex of buildings and businesses. There are gardeners and landscapers, housekeepers, and maintenance people. The businesses continue to operate even when the owner is absent. Each enterprise has managers and employees, all working to keep the property and businesses of the wealthy owner operating.
One day, the owner announces he is leaving on business, and he doesn’t know when he is coming back. He puts one man in charge of all the others with instructions to keep the properties and businesses going until he returns.
But he doesn’t return.
Months turn into years, and the master’s business travels keep him away. Meanwhile, the employee he left in charge started to abuse his position. He moves into the master’s mansion, eats his food, and drinks his expensive wines. He becomes drunk, not just with wine but with power. Intoxicated with his authority, he begins to abuse the help until one day the owner returns.
In Jesus’ day, life was cheap. There are places, even today, where that is true as well. The Bible says that the master “cut him to pieces,” and that was just the beginning! He is then condemned to the place of the “unbelievers.”
I’m assuming this is the part about being “throw[n] … into hell” that Jesus warned us about.
Application: Don’t ever forget there is more after this life.
Food for Thought: Who are the modern day “masters” this passage refers to and why does it apply to them?
Who are the modern day “masters” this passage refers to and why does it apply to them?
In my days as a young Marine, all promoted to leadership positions were required to attend an NCO academy where Marines were trained in “ servant leadership “. Our priority was to provide care to our men, teaching them how to be more effective team members, properly trained and equipped to function as a unit in all circumstances.
Our Bibles are the “Eternal Word of God”, given to all mankind by God. Our owners manual which has been illustrated by Jesus Christ as He confined Himself to flesh, and lived His time on earth, in service to God, serving all mankind. He is our power and example for life in obedience to Gods Word.
Matthew 20:26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 9:35, Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Husbands, fathers, everyone placed in positions of authority by God are servants of God, caring for His creations. We have a great responsibility to insure Christ is seen in our every action regarding His created beings, and physical blessings. Allowing Him to care for others, His wealth through us is an honor and a pleasure as He uses each to do His will. One day every moment will be displayed and judged by God, as we are held accountable and/or are rewarded.
Great point, Ron!
I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t have some skin in the game somewhere!
I agree with R2T2. Anyone placed in a position of authority is a modern day “master.” That can be a boss, parent, government authority like a police officer, etc.
We all have a Master in Heaven who is right and fair. We should fear Him and do likewise.
Thanks, Rich!
Amen!
I agree with both Ron and Rich. Anyone given authority. Those of authority are given the responsibility to care for those under their watch as the Father cares for us.
I like how this verse has a “hidden” logic to it. Paul instructs “masters” to treat others right and fair, knowing that “masters” have a “Master.” The underlying implication is that the Master also treats the masters righteously and fairly, otherwise there would be a great hypocrisy there. The Master is the standard by which masters govern their keep. This verse is consistent with the message of the Bible regarding submitting first to the authority and grace of God, and then treating others in the same manner:
Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Thanks, Chris!
I like how you blend “do unto others” with how God has treated us.