Parable of the watchful servants
Be Ready for His Return
Luke 12:35-48
In the New Testament , a phrase is used frequently with regard to the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ. Though it may vary slightly from verse to verse, numerous instructions are given to "watch, because the Day of the Lord [will come] as a thief in the night" "Watch" in such instances does not mean what many think it means. It is tied closely with our Savior's return, yet it has little to do with physical observation. Why is such watching important? What does it have to do with Christ returning as "a thief in the night?"
One oft-quoted "watching" verse is Luke 21:36: "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." - KJV. It is frequently interpreted to mean that we should be closely watching current events so we know how close we are to Christ's return. The common paraphrase of this command is "watch world news, so that as you begin to see prophecy unfold, you can escape the horrors of the Tribulation."
This interpretation has led to a cottage industry of sorts within the church of God. A tremendous amount of effort is put into commenting on world events and tying them into biblical prophecy. The underlying assumption is that God wants us to have our finger on the pulse of the news, and this knowledge will make us worthy to escape all those prophesied things. But does this assumption agree with Scripture?
Now, the Greek word translated "watch" has nothing to do with looking at events or keeping world news under close observation. Even without examining the underlying Greek, we can tell from the context that Jesus has something else in mind. Verse 36 of Luke chapter 21 begins, "Watch therefore," signaling that it concludes or summarizes previous material. We cannot understand verse 36 until we know what preceded it.
Verses 34-35 provide the context for Jesus' command to "watch"
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“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.” –KJV.
Clearly, Jesus' message is not an admonition to watch world events so that we will know when He will return. Instead, His instruction is to watch ourselves, which is what "take heed to yourselves" suggests. He is talking about being vigilant about our own spiritual state, as well as being circumspect and spiritually awake as we go through life. The danger is that, if we do not "watch" ourselves—that is, continually take stock of our condition and responsibilities—self-indulgence and material concerns will distract us, and we will find ourselves spiritually unprepared when the end comes.
Luke 21:36, then, is not an injunction to be glued to CNN, FOX NEWS, or any other news source. In fact, a subtle danger exists in being too caught up in current events, as it can distract us from the more vital spiritual preparation. The upshot is that the Day will come, and we do not know when.
Watching events unfold is not what makes us "worthy to escape," on the other hand “watch therefore ” means our cooperation with God as He forms His character image in us. Thus, in addition to prayer, we have to be vigilant in our covenant with Him. We have to "take heed" to ourselves constantly, examining our walk and how we are seeking and imitating God underthe leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Greek word translated "watch," at its most basic, means "to be sleepless," implying continuous and wakeful concern, such as being on watch when a loved one is ill. It means to be intent or to exercise constant vigilance over something, as a shepherd watches over against drowsiness or confusion. Watching signifies a state of being untouched by any influence that may cloud the mind; one "watching" is on the alert for dangers . Obviously, this state will not transpire from following—or even deeply analyzing—current events. Because if the Lord God will not tell His Son when He will return He will certainly not tell the news channels or for that matter any other person – Mark 13:32, Matt. 24:36.
The setting of this particular teaching is somewhere along the way as Jesus traveled from Jerusalem back to the region of Galilee. It is in some population center because a large crowd has quickly gathered after Jesus had cast out a demon healing a mute man (Luke 11:14-26) and then had lunch with a Pharisee who had invited other Pharisees and some lawyers (scribes) Luke 11:37-53) . No doubt the combination of the news of this miracle and the contention between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees during their lunch has contributed to the crowd swelling to the point that Luke 12:1 describes it as “stepping on one another.”
Jesus began His teaching in this passage – Luke 12: 35-48, by warning His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and confirming God’s care for them so that they would be bold and courageous in the ministries they would do in the future (Luke 12: 1-11)). Jesus then abruptly turned to warning the crowd about greed when He was rudely interrupted (vs. 12-21)). Jesus followed this up by teaching the disciples that they would have no reason to worry and be greedy because God would take care of them and provide what was needed (vs. 22-34) The section we will look at in verses 35-48 points out the need to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man in the future. Jesus addresses His disciples and then expands with a warning to the crowd that was listening.
If we are required to wait, then you and I had better learn how to do it right. In our text, Jesus teaches us “the way to wait” for His return.
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, [and be] like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.”v. 35
I see three distinct characteristics of the “good waiter” as described by our Lord:
The first is “Be dressed in readiness,” or more literally translated in the NKJV, “Let your waist be girded.” It is often translated in the KJV as “gird up thy loins.” The typical common work attire was a tunic and cloak with a belt, sandals and head-covering. The tunic and cloak were often ankle length which could be restrictive to the legs for movements such as running, fighting and heavy labor. In order to free the legs up for action, the material would be gathered in front above the knees and passed between the legs to the back and then half of the material would be gathered in each hand and brought around the waist or upper thighs and bound in front by either a belt or by tying. To “gird up your loins” became an idiom for being ready for action or being prepared, and so when used figuratively it can be translated as “stay dressed for action” (ESV).
The second illustration connects this command to keeping your lamps burning. You must have your loins girded and you must have your lamps lit. Why use a lamp to indicate readiness? Lamps were the means of lighting at that time. To have a lamp on at night meant you were still up and available. You were still able to receive visitors. If you went out at night, you would bring a lamp to light your way so that you could avoid stumbling around in the dark. It would also enable others to see you which would be very important when you are trying to meet with others at night. Either way, a lamp would be an indicator that you were prepared even at night.
The third illustration of readiness is also related to open the house door when the master returtns.. 36 “Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. 37 “Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. 38 “Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.”
In this scenario the master of the home is away attending a wedding feast and his slaves do not know when he will return. He could stay longer or return earlier than expected for a variety of reasons. The emphasis here is that his slaves needed to be ready and waiting so that they can immediately open the door and welcome him back whenever he arrives even if it is very late. Verse 38 makes that emphasis by specifically mentioning the second and third watches of the night. The Romans divided the night into four watches, but the Hebrews into three (Judges 7:19). The second was in the middle of the night and the third followed continuing until sunrise.
Jesus makes it a point that the slave that is found ready whenever the master returns will be greatly blessed with verse 37 describing a situation that seems incredible. The master is so pleased that he reverses the rolls and girds himself to serve his slaves a meal. That would be astonishing if these were servants. However, the text is clear that these are slaves.
Jesus gives another very pointed illustration in verse 39 before making His point in verse 40. “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into.”
If you are not ever watchful and prepared to prevent the thief, then he will break in and steal from you. The particular word used here means to “dig through” and specifically referred to the means of breaking into a common home of that time. They were usually made of sun dried mud bricks or mud applied to a stick frame and allowed to dry in making walls and roofs. Mark 2:4 describes the friends of the lame man who dug through the ceiling and lowered their friend through it so that Jesus could heal him. This illustration would have been easily understood by those Jesus was talking to, and it applies to any means a thief would seek to enter your home to steal from you.
Obviously if you knew when the thief was coming you could be prepared to prevent him from entering your home and committing his crime. The problem is that thieves do not advertise when they will come to break into your home and steal from you. You have to be ready for whenever that may occur. This has to be more than passive restraints such as locking the door and windows because the thief is prepared to break in. In modern times we set up electronic monitoring devices to warn us of suspicious activity with motion detectors and heat sensors that turn on lights and set off alarms. In ancient times it meant someone was up and watching. Cities would have watchmen on the walls who were to be vigilant to warn of any approaching danger (Ezekiel 33).
In verse 40 Jesus specifically states what they are to be prepared to happen. “You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” Just like the slaves waiting for the return of their master even if it is not until the second or third watch, and just like the homeowner being vigilant to be ready for a thief to come at an unexpected time, you are to be ready for the return of the Son of Man who will come at an unexpected hour. This is not an option for Jesus states this in the imperative voice – it is a command, not a suggestion.
They would not have understood at that time about the second coming but we do know something about the sequencing of events that will happen in the end times since more has been revealed in the writing of the apostles that make up the New Testament, Since there are many events that should happen before Jesus returns for His church, we are to be ready for Him to come at anytime including today. As one hymn writer put it, “maybe morning, maybe noon, maybe evening, maybe soon, Jesus is coming again.” Imminence was the universal hope of the early church according to church history.
Peter asks a question in Luke 12:41. “Lord, are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?” Jesus does not answer this directly, but His answer includes everyone by dividing them into two groups. Those that are faithful, and those that are not.
He explains the great blessings for the faithful in verses 42-44. 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? 43 “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 44 “Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
The more you know and the more you have been given, the more you will be responsible and punished accordingly for failure. The less you know, the less you will be punished, though note carefully - that you still will be punished.
Jesus moves to a very different image here, and we need to note the differences. The master/servant image was intended as an encouragement to those who would wait as Jesus described. The owner/thief image is a warning to those who do not expectantly await the Lord’s return. In the first image, Jesus is portrayed as the master who is welcomed and who will reward those servants who are faithfully doing their duty.. In the second, Jesus comes as a thief, who is not welcomed and whose arrival spells disaster”. In the first story the master owns the house, but in the second the thief comes to steal what is in the house and the owner of the house loses his possessions. In the first image, the master is welcomed and let in the door. In the second, the thief is not welcome, and he enters by digging through the wall.
What is it that makes the difference? What determines whether Jesus is a “welcome Master” or a “dreaded thief”? I think the answer is suggested by the two stories, but is made clear by the gospels. The difference is a relationship. There is a loving bond between the Master and His servants. They know and love each other. The servants await His return because of who He is. The home owner does not know the thief, nor does he wish to. He hopes the thief never comes, for his coming is viewed as bringing a loss.
Those who have trusted in Jesus as the promised Messiah love Him and see Him as the source of “every good and perfect gift” (cf. James 1:17). They await His return and know that it will bring them blessedness. Those who have rejected God and His Messiah do not wish to see Him, for His coming only spells the loss of those things which they value most, but which will be taken away, just as the “rich fool” lost his possessions in Luke 12: 16-21.
Did you notice that while there are many differences between the servants of the first parable and the house-owner of the second, that there is one thing that is the same? Neither the servants nor the house-owner knew the time that the Lord would return. The delay of the Lord, along with the lack of knowing exactly when He will return, can produce very different results. For the true follower of Jesus, the delay produces anticipation and expectation. For the unbeliever, who does not love the Lord, nor take pleasure in the anticipation of His return, His delay produces a very different response, which will be played out in verse 45.
What is certain is that the Lord is going to return, to reward some and to judge others. What is not certain is exactly what “day” or “hour” that will be. This delay and the uncertainly as to the precise timing of His coming can be a test of our faithfulness and a stimulus to our expectation..
Peter’s question “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” is not answered directly, but Jesus develops his parable to talk about managers in charge of servants. There are two cautions with what follows.
One is the danger of trying to find a precise blueprint of God’s actions at the end of time. Jesus is telling a parable. We can learn from it, but Jesus is not giving a detailed theological and eschatological description of God’s dealings with people when He returns . Very easily we can over-interpret his words.
The other caution is the danger of under-interpreting his words. Yes, this is a parable, and we must not treat it as a point by point outline of how God will reward or punish people. Yet, there is a very clear message that there are blessings for those who serve faithfully, but also dire consequences for those who abuse their position.
James warns that not many should become teachers in the church “because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (Jas. 3:1). Jesus’ words in Luke 12 are wholly in line with that, and “more strictly” certainly means “more severely.” Leadership of God’s people is serious business and carelessness with that calling has the most serious of consequences.
With those cautions said, here is the parable Jesus puts before his disciples.
Jesus pictures the master of a large household setting off on a journey that will keep him away from home for some time. He gives instructions to a manager. This manager might be the most trusted of his slaves. He’s a kind of chief of staff, and the master instructs him to make sure all the servants are fed properly.
One of two things might then follow. One possibility is that the manager does exactly what he’s told. When the homeowner returns, everything is as he wanted it, the manager has proven himself trustworthy, and he’s promoted. Now he’s in charge of all the owner’s possessions.
But there is an alternative possibility, that the homeowner is gone longer than expected, and with no sign of the master returning the manager bullies and beats the servants, eats the food and drinks the wine. The master will be gone for years, so why should he worry? But the master with no warning comes back.
He finds disorder everywhere. His instructions have been ignored. Worse, the bullying manager has taken advantage of his privileges and used them for his own ends. The manager knew his position, one of high privilege and responsibility. And the manager knew his task, to care for the servants and ensure they got their food. But he failed to live up to his calling and failed to do his work. Consequently, he suffered a dreadful fate, losing not just his work but his life.
But what if the manager of the servants had not really grasped what his master wanted? Certainly, there would still be no excuse for beating all the servants. And, certainly, there would be no excuse for spending his days eating and getting drunk. But what if he had truly been unaware of exactly what his responsibilities were?
Jesus extends the parable to cover that question. And his answer is this. If the manager knew the master’s will and yet still did not keep the house in a state of readiness and still did not do all the master wanted, he would get the most severe punishment. But if the manager sincerely did not know, then he will still suffer because of behavior anyone should realize was wrong, but his punishment will be less severe.
The manager in charge of the servants in Jesus’ parable could not have avoided his master’s wrath. He failed to obey his master. The manager’s behavior was that of an unbeliever, and therefore his ultimate fate was with the unbelievers (v. 46 ) He did not bear good fruit. He knew his master’s instructions, but he abused the servants he was supposed to care for, and he served himself rather than others. Therefore, he was “cut down” like a bad tree. Matt.7:19-23 And so he had no place in his master’s household.
Jesus’ teaching is that there will never be a wrongful judgment. No one will be blamed except for their guilt, and no penalty will ever be inappropriate.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (v. 48)
James states that principle here:
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (Jas. 3:1).
God is not fooled and God is not mocked. We dare not over-interpret Jesus’ words in this part of Luke 12, as if he is giving a graphic description of what happens at the end of time. But we also dare not under-interpret these words. It is beyond question that Jesus is teaching that leadership with God is serious business, and much is expected from those called to that role.
Jesus' first parable concerning being ready for the delayed master (12:35-38) concerns all of a master's servants. The second mini-parable about the thief coming in the night dealt with the owner of the house (12:39-40). It is an encouragement to be vigilant.
The steward that Jesus holds up for acclaim is not doing something particularly flashy or creative. He is just continuing to do his duty, day after day, without fail, without forgetting, without unexplained lapses. His virtue is faithfulness. You can count on him.
"It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions." (12:43-44)
I think of Joseph in the Old Testament, who through faithfulness, rose rapidly from being a common slave to being in charge of both Potiphar's household as well as his entire estate. "Everything he owns he has entrusted to my care," Joseph tells Potiphar's wife who is trying to seduce him. "No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife..." (Genesis 39:4, 8-9).
If Jesus is coming again, then you and I must be ready. We must be faithful. We must take our responsibilities seriously and not fall into self-indulgence and seeking luxury. If Jesus is not coming again, what does it matter? I chose to believe Jesus and to take his words seriously.
"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows." (12:47-48a)
The servant who knows what his master wants is held responsible to take action. If he doesn't believe his master, that doesn't alleviate his punishment. He knew it and refused to believe it and act upon it. What the servant is expected to do in Jesus' words is to "be ready."
Servants or disciples are responsible for what they have been told, and must use that knowledge to prepare themselves for what is to come.
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (12:48b)
