What does Matthew 24:47 mean?

A follower of Jesus is expected to live in constant readiness (Matthew 24:42) for His return as Judge and King (Hebrews 9:28)? Jesus is illustrating this with a parable about the owner of a household who leaves a servant in charge of running the place while he is gone. The servant's responsibilities include caring for the other servants (Matthew 24:45–46). A servant who wants to be seen as faithful should be found doing his assigned work when the master returns. This servant will be blessed.

Now Jesus adds that this blessing includes being given more responsibility (Matthew 25:20–21). Finding his servant "wise and faithful," the master will put him in charge of everything he owns. Being trusted in this way is the highest honor a servant can receive from his master. This is a theme Jesus will explore in more detail in an upcoming parable (Matthew 25:14–15)

Living in readiness for the return of Christ means, in part, faithfully carrying out the work He has given us to do in His absence. This may include caring for other people, as well as accepting responsibility for representing Jesus well in all we do (Matthew 5:13–16). Jesus shows that blessings will follow for those who live in this way (Matthew 16:33).

The following verses illustrate what is in store for the servant who does the opposite: living wickedly as if the master's return is so delayed as to be without consequence (2 Peter 3:3–7).