Hello beloved,
Let us continue our study of the names and titles for Jesus. Last month, we began a study on the sovereign titles of Jesus as the “Epistates,” which means Master or Chief. Today, we will consider the term “Oikodespotes,” which means Master of the house.
Jesus used this term for Himself in many of His parables. The title refers to a master whose sphere of authority is the household estate and its accessories. The two contexts in which the concept is found include both Jesus’ authority over His disciples, who are stewards of God’s mysteries, and His return. Consider the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. In this parable, the Master of the house, “Oikodespotes,” went to get workers for the vineyard early in the morning. They agreed to a day’s wage, also called a denarius. He then said that He would give what was right for workers of the third hour, the sixth hour, the ninth hour, and the eleventh hour. However, when it came time to receive the pay, each worker, no matter when he started, received a full day’s wage, a denarius. Those who worked all day grumbled, thinking they should get more. The “Oikodespotes” responded,
‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ Matthew 20:13–15 (ESV)
Jesus then said that the last will be first and the first last. The matter of rewards is under the sovereign control of Christ. God is free to graciously give kingdom blessings to those whom he chooses, though it may shock some individual’s expectations. It was Charles Spurgeon who said of the great revivalist George Whitfield, “I call the great Whitfield, and a poor needle-woman from the bed of a charity-hospital, before the divine throne to receive their reward. They stand side by side, and each alike hears “Well done.”
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
(Much of the content of this newsletter is taken from Elmer Towns The Names of Jesus)