Sermon: Faithful Servants in an Uncertain World — Luke 12:39–48
“Vigilant in Faith: The Call to Preparedness”
Today, we delve deep into a passage from the Gospel of Luke — Luke 12:39–48. At first glance, this passage might appear to be about readiness and vigilance. But a closer look reveals teachings about stewardship, responsibility, and the expectation for those to whom much has been given.
Let’s read the passage:
“But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?”
The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
In this passage, Jesus lays out a powerful teaching about the responsibilities that come with knowledge and authority.
Unexpected Hour of Reckoning:
The story begins with a stark reminder about the unpredictable nature of life. The homeowner doesn’t know when a thief might strike. Similarly, we do not know the hour or the day when we will meet our Maker. The message is clear: be ready. But readiness here is not just about a momentary alertness; it’s a state of preparedness, a lifestyle choice. How do we live a life of readiness? By being faithful in the tasks we’ve been assigned.
The Faithful Servant:
Jesus introduces the image of a trustworthy manager. This servant is given the responsibility to feed and care for others. The emphasis here is not on the enormity of the task, but on the fidelity with which it’s carried out. Faithfulness in our duties, whether big or small, is what the Lord expects from us. Are we being faithful stewards of the time, talents, and treasures God has entrusted to us?
The Danger of Complacency:
We are then presented with a contrasting image of a servant who becomes complacent, thinking the master is delayed. This servant not only neglects his duty but also becomes a source of pain and harm to others. Complacency can lead to dereliction of duty and even harm to those around us. We are reminded that negligence has consequences, especially when we know better.
Degrees of Responsibility:
In the final verses, Jesus differentiates between those who know the master’s will and act against it and those who act out of ignorance. There’s a clear hierarchy: greater knowledge brings greater responsibility. Ignorance may lessen the punishment, but it doesn’t excuse us from the consequences of our actions. Those entrusted with much, whether it’s knowledge, resources, or authority, have a higher standard to meet.
Application:
Be Prepared: We must live our lives in a state of spiritual readiness. Engage in prayer, read the Scriptures, and partake in the sacraments. Every day, live as if it could be the day you meet your Savior.
Stewardship: We have all been given gifts and talents. Let’s use them not for our own benefit but for the kingdom of God. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a leader, or a worker, do your tasks with love and diligence.
Avoid Complacency: It’s easy to become comfortable and forget our spiritual duties. Stay vigilant. Surround yourself with a community that encourages and uplifts.
Embrace Responsibility: If you’ve been blessed with knowledge, resources, or influence, use them wisely. Don’t shirk the responsibilities God has placed on your shoulders.
In conclusion, dear congregation, the parable of the faithful servant challenges us to be vigilant, faithful, and responsible. In a world filled with distractions, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing that our actions here have eternal implications. As we leave today, let’s ask ourselves: Are we being the faithful and wise managers that God has called us to be?
Amen.
