Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”
Be aware. Be watchful. Why is the gatekeeper introduced to this story? Why can’t it be just the servants who each have a job to do and they don’t know when the master is returning? The gatekeeper seems to be a person given the role of watching for the master's return. I guess he can warn the others of the master’s return. I need to think about this more.
ReplyDeleteYou're right to be curious about the significance of the gatekeeper in Mark 13:33-37. While the servants each have their tasks and are expected to be vigilant, the gatekeeper adds another layer of preparedness and anticipation. Here are some possible reasons for his presence:
ReplyDeleteHeightened awareness: The gatekeeper occupies a specific role dedicated solely to watching for the master's return. This emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance and reinforces the message that everyone, not just the servants, should be prepared for the master's arrival at any time.
Communication and coordination: The gatekeeper acts as a central point of information and coordination. He can quickly alert the other servants of the master's approach, ensuring everyone is ready and can fulfill their duties efficiently. This organized response signifies the importance of community and collaboration in preparing for the coming event.
Symbolism and metaphor: The gatekeeper can be interpreted as a symbol of faith or spiritual guidance. He represents the part of us that remains watchful and attuned to the divine, even amidst the distractions of daily life. His role reminds us to rely on our inner intuition and spiritual awareness alongside our practical preparations.
Contrast and tension: The gatekeeper's specific responsibility creates a contrast with the servants' general tasks. It highlights the difference between routine duties and the singular focus on the master's return. This contrast emphasizes the special significance of the master's arrival and the need for a dedicated individual to anticipate and prepare for it.
Ultimately, the gatekeeper serves as a reminder that preparedness for the unknown requires more than just individual effort. It involves heightened awareness, communication, faith, and a recognition that certain moments demand a specialized focus beyond our usual routines.
I encourage you to continue reflecting on this passage. Perhaps consider how the gatekeeper's role resonates with your own life and what it teaches you about vigilance, preparedness, and anticipation in the face of the unknown.