Luke 12:35-48

III. Live expectantly, Luke 12:35-13:9.

Jesus taught His followers to be like those who wait for their master.  Specifically they were to wait for the time when He would return from his wedding.  The picture in Lk. 12:35-40 is the same as that in the parable of the Ten Virgins in Matt. 25:1-13.  

They were to have their waist girded, meaning their robes tucked into the belt so they were ready to move at any time.  They were to have lamps burning so they would be able to go even in the second (9PM-Midnight) or third (MN-3AM) watch of the night.  The tradition was that when the groom came with his bride from the wedding, heading to the groom’s home for the wedding celebration, that there would be a knock on the door.  The wedding party would proceed without delay and those in the house who desired to join would also do so without delay.

In hindsight (in other words with the benefit of the flow of future events in Rev. 19:1-16) it is not hard to see that Jesus did not use the wedding theme merely as a time when being ready was required.  This actually is the scene.  After the wedding supper of the Lamb, when He is joined to His Bride the Church, the Lord with His Bride will return.  And when He returns to earth He will be welcomed by the saved (Rom. 11:26-27) nation of Israel.  

The point for now, however, is simply this: His return is certain but the time of His return is uncertain.  By uncertain we are, of course, referring to mankind, whether the Church or Israel.  God Himself known the time and only God knows (Acts 1:7; Matt. 24:36).  This is the doctrine of imminence.  

Imminence refers to an event that is impending or likely to occur at any moment.  The idea that the return of Christ is similar to a thief coming to one’s home (v39) is common in Scripture (e.g. Rev. 3:3; 16:15).  The point is not, of course, that Jesus is a thief.  But the watchfulness of a homeowner concerning a thief is the same attitude required for Jesus’ followers; they live expectantly, every day aware that the Master might come that day.

In response Peter asks Jesus if He is talking only to them, the Twelve, or to other disciples or perhaps to unbelievers (v41).  Jesus answers in a way that says, “Don’t worry about others; you are responsible for what you have been given.”  

The answer of Jesus is in the form of a parable about the faithful servant.  The importance of this parable is in describing what it means to watch.  We might think watching is a time of inactivity.  But Jesus says that the faithful servant is doing what the Master gave him to do, dispensing to the household according to what he was given.  We again see a strong connection with Matt. 25:14-30 and the Parable of the Talents.  There is also a connection again with Rev. 19-20 where we see that when Christ returns He will bring with Him His reward for the faithful servants and judgment for those who were unfaithful.

This daily anticipation of the return of the Master has lost favor, it seems, in our day when we want everything NOW!  Even though Jesus put His teaching here in the context of Israel Acts 1:1-11 makes it clear that imminence is for the Church as well.  He will come again; that is certain.  When He comes is uncertain.  Let us be watching and waiting patiently as we serve our Lord.