Dear Explorer,
Yesterday we talked about staying watchful for Jesus' return. Today we'll continue that discussion with an emphasis on our obedience and readiness to serve.
Re-Read Luke 12:35-38
What is Jesus' direction to us in Luke 12:35?
At the beginning of Luke 12:36, we see that Jesus used the word “like.” This tells us that He is using a simile. We should be dressed and ready to serve like who or what?
Like a servant waiting on his master to return from a wedding banquet. Since these banquets sometimes lasted for a week – the master's return could be anytime, day or night.
Read Luke 12:39-40
Here Jesus switches to yet another metaphor. Here He says that if we knew when a thief was going to attempt a break-in, we would be ready for him. But the truth is, we never know when that will be.
Luke 12:40 gives us a repeat of the warning. What it is?
Be ready!
Read Matthew 24:45-51
And
Read Luke 12:41-48
In Luke 12:41 Peter asks Jesus a question. What is it?
Does Jesus answer that question?
Yes, I believe that Luke 12:42-46 is Jesus' answer to Peter's question.
You need to know that in Jesus' time there were a lot of slaves used as servants. Jesus is not approving of the practice any more than He approved of racial prejudices. He is merely telling a story that everyone listening could understand.
They knew that in the Roman Empire if a servant disobeyed his master, he would be severely punished, probably killed, and possibly brutally killed and then have his body dumped into a trash heap. This was a very cruel and violent time. Jesus was just stating a fact that everyone could relate to.
How does this parable answer Peter's question?
I believe that Jesus was telling Peter and the other disciples listening that they had been given much. They walked and talked with Jesus for about 3 years and they got to see first-hand His miracles and hear His teachings. Jesus was telling them that He was expecting great things from them.
Does this parable apply to those of us following Jesus today?
Oh, yes!
Who is our Master?
Jesus
Can we know what He wants us to do?
Yes, through the Holy Spirit speaking to us inside our inner core. But we must train ourselves to listen and to be able to hear His directions.
Is obedience required?
Yes, if I want to receive His words, “Well, done, good and faithful servant!”
What if I choose not to obey?
(1) You'll miss out on the blessings that He promises to give you.
(2) You'll miss out on the guidance and wisdom that He has to give you.
(3) You step outside of God's umbrella of protection – you will have to protect yourself and experience the consequences of following SELF.
(4) You may experience hardships as God tries to guide you back to obedience. God loves you so much and He knows that obedience to the Holy Spirit is best for you. Sometimes He disciplines us to remind us to return to obedience.
I believe that Jesus' message to His disciples then, and His message to us today is that it is a very serious decision to disobey.
How much greater and more serious to disobey God than to disobey an earthly master.
In His service, dale
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