Ready at Any Moment: Living Awake for the Returning King - Luke 12:40
Introduction: Living as Though Today Matters
Church, we live in an age of notifications, deadlines, diaries, and distractions. Everything clamours for our attention. Yet Jesus speaks a word that cuts through the noise of the 21st century with eternal clarity. He reminds us that history is not random, time is not endless, and life is not merely about getting by until retirement. There is an appointed moment when the Son of Man will return—and He expects His people to be ready.
Discipleship is not simply about what we believe; it is about how we live in light of who Jesus is and what He has promised to do. Luke 12:40 is not a verse meant to frighten the faithful but to awaken the sleepy, stir the distracted, and steady the devoted.
Luke 12:40 (NLT): “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Luke 12 records Jesus teaching His disciples in the presence of a massive crowd. He has just warned them about hypocrisy (vv. 1–3), misplaced fear (vv. 4–7), and misplaced priorities (vv. 13–21). He calls them to seek God’s Kingdom above all else (v. 31). Then, in verses 35–48, He uses the imagery of servants waiting for their master’s return from a wedding feast.
In the ancient world, servants had no control over when the master would return. Their responsibility was not to know the time, but to be faithful at all times.
Jesus identifies Himself as “the Son of Man”—a title drawn from Daniel 7:13–14, where the Son of Man is given authority, glory, and an everlasting Kingdom. This is not merely a reference to His humanity; it is a declaration of His divine authority and future reign.
The Greek word for “ready” is hetoimos, meaning prepared, equipped, in a state of constant readiness. It implies intentional living, not passive waiting. This is not about anxiety but about alignment.
The phrase “will come when least expected” underscores human unpredictability and divine sovereignty. We do not manage Christ’s return; we must be ready for it.
Point 1: Readiness Is the Mark of True Discipleship
Jesus does not say, “Be informed,” but “Be ready.”
Matthew 24:44 (NLT): “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Spoken during the Olivet Discourse, Jesus is addressing the end of the age. The emphasis is not on date-setting but heart-posture.
Again, hetoimos appears. Readiness is not a feeling—it is a lifestyle shaped by obedience.
Modern disciples must resist a casual Christianity that treats Jesus as an accessory rather than Lord. Readiness looks like daily repentance, ongoing surrender, and faithful obedience in ordinary life.
John Piper wrote, “One of the great uses of biblical prophecy is to keep us awake.”
Church, prophecy is not given to satisfy curiosity but to stir consecration. If Christ could come at any moment, then every moment matters.
Point 2: Readiness Requires Faithful Stewardship
Luke 12:42–43 (NLT): “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.”
Jesus ties readiness to responsibility. Waiting servants are working servants.
The word pistos (faithful) means trustworthy, reliable over time.
Readiness means stewarding time, gifts, finances, and relationships for God’s glory—not personal comfort.
Imagine a firefighter asleep at the station when the alarm sounds. No matter how sincere his intentions, unreadiness costs lives. Church, the world is burning, and disciples must be awake.
Charles Stanley said, “Discipleship is a daily decision to follow Christ no matter the cost.”
Readiness costs comfort, but unreadiness costs eternity.
Point 3: Readiness Is Fueled by Eternal Perspective
1 Thessalonians 5:2–6 (NLT): “For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night… So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.”
Paul echoes Jesus: believers are not in darkness but must live as children of light.
“Alert” comes from gregoreo, meaning to stay awake, spiritually vigilant.
We cannot afford spiritual drowsiness in a culture that numbs us with entertainment, outrage, and endless scrolling.
Tim Keller wrote, “If you live for your comfort, you’ll never be ready for the coming King.”
Comfort-centred Christianity produces unready disciples. Kingdom-centred living produces watchful saints.
Point 4: Readiness Begins with Repentance and Faith
Amos 4:12 (NLT): “Prepare to meet your God in judgment, you people of Israel!”
The word kun (prepare) means to establish or make firm.
Readiness is not moral self-improvement—it is reconciliation with God.
Church, the ultimate readiness is not found in our works but in Christ’s finished work.
Jesus Christ—the Son of Man—lived the sinless life we could not live. He died on the cross for our sins, bearing the wrath we deserved. He was buried, and on the third day He rose again in victory over sin, death, and hell. He ascended to heaven and He will return—not as a suffering servant, but as a reigning King.
To be ready is to repent—to turn from sin—and to trust wholly in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Max Lucado said, “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way.”
Grace prepares us. Mercy awakens us. Salvation transforms us.
A family once knew the Queen might visit their village. Streets were cleaned. Homes were prepared. Behaviour changed. Church, we prepare for earthly royalty—how much more for the King of Kings?
Call to Action: How Then Shall We Live?
Examine your heart – Are you truly ready, or merely religious?
Reorder your priorities – Seek the Kingdom first.
Live on mission – Faithful servants serve until He comes.
Stay spiritually awake – Word, prayer, fellowship, holiness.
Invitation to Salvation
If Jesus returned today, are you ready?
If you have never repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus Christ, today is the day of salvation. Turn to Him now. Call upon His name. Confess Him as Lord. Trust in His saving grace.
“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, NLT)
Conclusion and Benediction:
Church, live ready—not fearful, but faithful. Not anxious, but anchored. The King is coming.
“May the Lord make you increase and overflow with love… so that you will be blameless and holy when our Lord Jesus comes again.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12–13, NLT)
Live awake. Live ready. Live for Christ.
Amen.
