Encounter Jesus – Luke Week 8

Be Ready!

Luke 12: 35- 12: 48

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Lecture Handout

Luke Week 8 – Be Ready Handout

Lesson Notes

Just before the verses we consider tonight, Jesus’ message is fear not, don’t be anxious, rely on God. Seek first God’s Kingdom and all will be taken care of. Sets the context for the preparation described below.

Be Ready for the Return of Jesus, Whenever He Comes (Read Luke 12: 35-40)

  • Verses 35-36 – Be ready at all times for the master, Jesus, to return
    • “Your waist having been belted” – perfect participle (done once with ongoing impact) – an ongoing state of having your long robe tucked into your belt for action
    • Dressed for action, lamps lit – literally ready to run
    • Obviously presumes the Parousia, the return of Christ
    • Eagerly expecting Christ’s return, to welcome Him back
  • Verse 37 – Great blessing for those ready
    • If Christ finds us awake and alert
    • He will serve them -> have them recline at table
    • Messianic banquet – Luke relays Jesus’ description of that several times
    • Isaiah 25: 6-9
  • Verse 38 – 2nd or 3rd watch – very late (between 10 pm – 6 am  by Jewish watches, 9 pm – 3 am by Roman watches)
    • Emphasis on the uncertain date/time of Christ’s return
      • Like a thief in the night, that’s how unexpected it will be when Christ returns
      • So don’t think you can skate by until you figure the day is near – Christ’s return will be unpredictable

An Extra Warning to those Given Responsibility for the People of God (Luke 12: 41-48)

  • Verse 41 – Peter asks if that teaching was for everyone or just disciples
    • Jesus answers by giving higher standards for those with responsibility for the flock – apostles, pastors, deacons, teachers, mentors, disciplers, etc.
    • i.e. the previous section was for every Christian, the rest is for those gifted to care for and nurture others
  • Verses 42-43 – Blessing for the leaders found faithful by Jesus for caring for the flock
    • Managing the household of God and the people of God in that household
    • Giving them food, i.e. spiritual nurture
  • Verse 44 – Truly, Jesus will set him over all His possessions
    • Revelation 22: 4-5 – They will reign with Christ forever
    • If we’re faithful in this life, with whatever spiritual responsibilities we’ve been given, we’ll be rewarded in heaven with greater responsibilities
  • 3 Categories of failure for those in responsibility
    • Verses 45-46 – Abusers of the flock / Predators
      • We’re called to shepherd, not butcher because we’re under-shepherds of Christ, the Great Shepherd
      • Abusing the flock, mistreating people, serving ourselves only, wastefully and selfishly consuming  Christ’s resources – eating the master’s food and getting drunk
      • The return of Christ will be unexpected and someone who so clearly misunderstands the gospel and the calling never truly knew Christ
      • He will be damned – there are a surprising number of pastors who aren’t actually Christians
    • Verse 47 – the Lazy
      • A shepherd who knows what to do, but doesn’t do it
      • Failed to prepare and care for his flock – saved, but Jesus is not pleased
    • Verse 48 – the Ignorant
      • A shepherd who didn’t know what to do – this happens, too
      • Still accountable, but not nearly as severely punished as the negligent or the abusive
  • Always watch your shepherds – just as we’re called to respect/honor them, we must also recognize they are human, and therefore flawed
  • They can fail us – we must each be discerning
  • Verse 48 – Everyone to whom much was given, much will be required
    • Have you been given much? Salvation, sanctification, commission, education, freedom, resources, etc.?
    • Then much is expected about how you use it for God’s glory!

Today’s prayer: Pray for our leaders, pastors, and teachers

Next Week: Luke 13: 22-30 (The Narrow Door)