Jesus’ disciples would have no idea that Jesus was talking about leaving and coming back. They would have heard that Jesus, right now, has returned to his house (Israel) and some would be rewarded and some punished. Jesus wanted them to hear it this way, but also there is another layer of meaning that those in front of him would not have understood. Jesus says “stay dressed” future tense. On some level there is a future application. It is aimed at us in the church age.

Luke 12 feels disconnected, but it all reaches back to vs 1. Jesus is teaching his disciples the last things as he moves toward Jerusalem and his death. Everything surrounding Jesus is getting more intense. The urgency to make sure his followers know what is important gets more intense as well. They need to understand the cost.

- guard against hypocrisy

value the Kingdom above all else

Trust God to take care of you

Be generous toward others

Unwavering readiness for his return

We can’t be ready in the way we should be if we are too anchored to this world. The Gospel is free and will cost you everything. Some of the pressure and challenges we face are external and some are internal. Here Jesus says one of the pressures is growing complacent. Once the lesson of not being afraid sinks in they will be ready for the next step: learning to be watchful.

The Master will come back and it will be sudden, unexpected, and final. The focus is not on the how or when. It is on those who are waiting.

Parables are not allegories. They have one meaning that sits right on top. Don’t over interpret. These three parables- Be ready. You don’t know when he is coming.

Gird your loins- goes back to Exodus. Cook and eat with staff in hand and clothes tied up to step out at any minute.

If you keep your loins girded to serve him, he will gird his loins to serve you. This was unheard of and scandalous. It was a powerful symbol of how God will treat the follower that stays faithful.

We live in a time when everyone is keenly watching and analyzing everything. We need to have our eyes turned and looking for Jesus.

It seems like Jesus doesn’t answer Peter’s question. Jesus shifts from Dulos (generic servant) to the word for manager as answer to “who is this teaching meant for?” The manager’s roll wasn’t to rule over the other servants, but to care for and serve the other servants. Maybe more aimed at vocational ministers.

Be cautious about the voices you are allowing into your life. Not everyone who calls themselves minister are for you. Some are out for their own gain and will abuse you for their own good. The value of belonging to the local church is you can see our lives and build trust in the one who is teaching you.