Stay Prepared

Luke 12:35-48

Introduction:     (Read text )  Why did Jesus say these words right after he had been talking about materialism, worry, and putting your treasure in heaven?  “When you are ‘living in the future tense,’ it is difficult for the things of the world to ensnare you.” (Wiersbe)  “Jesus reinforces His teaching on the right use of wealth with the reminder that earthly things are temporary and the coming of the Son of man sure.”  (Morris)  Jesus uses three illustrations about staying prepared for that eternity with Him.

I. Wedding metaphor    vs. 35-38

         A. Let your loins be girded   RSV

                 1. NRSV

                 2. Tuck bottom of robes into belt for working, running, fighting

         B. Lamps lit - night work

         C. The slaves would be waiting to welcome the master and his new               wife

         D. Vs. 37 has no parallel in real life

II. Thief metaphor    vs. 39-40

         A. If you suspect a thief is coming, you prepare for him

         B. Unexpectedness is the point

         C. Jesus is coming when he is not expected

III. Manager metaphor    vs. 41-48

         A. Peter’s question may be meant to raise the question of the privileges          and responsibilities of the apostolate.   Morris

                 1. Do we get to set at your right hand in your kingdom?

                 2. Jesus reminds Peter (and us) that all are just servants

         B. Steward, manager, slave (vs. 43), servant

         C. The one found doing his work is blessed / rewarded  vs. 43-44

         D. The one found neglecting his responsibilities is punished  vs. 45-48

                 1. Abuse of power is a real problem in the world / church

                 2. The punishment is graphic

                          a. Cut in pieces

                          b. Cut in two

                          c. Cut off / put with unbelievers

                 3. Punishment is not just for doing wrong, but also for failing to do                right (James 4:17)

                 4. I have serious questions about whether Jesus is talking about                     degrees of punishment in vs. 47-48

                 5. His point is:  perform your responsibilities

IV. Lessons for us

         A. Stay focused on Jesus and that will keep your mind off of things of             this world

         B. Jesus could return at any moment; are you ready?

         C. What will you do tomorrow to get ready or stay ready?

         D. We are all managers in God’s kingdom, i. e. we all have                             responsibilities.

         E. Sometimes we wish we could do more in the kingdom; the more we          have to do with (gifts), the more is expected of us.  (Life never gets            easier!)

Conclusion:  Jesus’ illustrations of the wedding, the thief, and the manager all teach us to focus on eternity, not on this life.  Lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth.  Do not desire power and authority because that means greater responsibility and heavier judgment.  The way to a good Christian life on earth is to keep your thoughts in heaven.

Wichita, KS.  Central.  July 18, 1999.  PM