The immediate context of this parable is material clearly from “Our Lord’s Great Prophecy” of Matthew 24. Again, Mark reports fewer of many pertinent details.

Luke 12 is similarly connected to Matthew 24. Luke spreads Matthew 24 connections over several disconnected chapters. But in Luke 12:35-40 we find a parable that is most likely a much better report of the parable which Mark gives us. Please see the explanation of the Luke parable in comparison to Mark’s simpler version.

13:33. In this verse, Jesus gives the reason for the following parable. It is simple and important: The saints will not know the Second Advent events and time scheduling beforehand. But they will know to be looking. The parable points out the importance of this “on-guard” attitude.

13:34. Jesus is a man who takes an age-long journey. While he is gone, he leaves his servants to manage his house. Varying servants have varying responsibilities or charges.

The “doorkeeper” is, of course, one of the servants. But his special charge is to open the door when the Master returns. (See Revelation 3:20.) It seems that Bro. Russell qualified as a “doorkeeper.”

13:35. In this verse, we have, unlike in Luke, a less-than- clear reference as to when the Master might return. Mark here mentions FOUR possibilities. Luke only mentions TWO — the junction of which IS the time of return.

13:36. In this version of the parable, the Master warns against sleeping — a warning which found all virgins guilty in Matthew 25:5. But we might notice with glee that SOMEONE was awake in Matthew 25:6. That verse says it was MIDNIGHT when the announcement was made. Based upon that parable, the “midnight” of this parable (13:35) seems to be the right answer!

13:37. This little parable then concludes with Jesus’ fundamental message: My return is for the alert WATCHERS.