Knowing The Word in Luke 12:35-40

You Must Be Ready

12:35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Comments

Jesus’ comments are primarily a reference to his second coming; however, they can also be understood secondarily as Jesus warning them of a coming crisis, namely his crucifixion, but also the destruction of Jerusalem 40 years later. I believe we need to keep all three in mind—the crucifixion, the destruction of the temple, and the second coming. They reinforce each other in chronological order by fulfilling prophecy and showing that God is in control and consistent with his prophetic word.

From “stay dressed” to “be ready,” followers of Jesus are to live in constant readiness, because God is in control and moving at his own predetermined pace.

Application

Are you ready for Jesus to show up at any minute? Is there something you are lacking or have not done? Are you unreconciled with someone? Do you need to ask for the forgiveness of your sins? Jesus tells his followers to be ready because he is coming back when no one will expect it.

Prayer

Keep us, Jesus, while we wait on earth to be seeking always after you and your loving presence. When you come, may we not be found hiding our talent or serving our flesh or asleep with no oil for our lamp, but patiently and wisely waiting and longing for you, our Lord, Master, and King.