Servants Waiting for Their Master

Jesus said people should be like servants who are dressed and ready, with their lamps burning, waiting for their master to return and ready to open the door at once. He also gave another picture: a man travelled away, left his house to his servants, assigned work to each one, and told the doorkeeper to keep watch.

The servants who stay watchful are called blessed. Jesus said the master might come very late, even in the night, and still find them ready. In Luke's picture, the master honours such servants by serving them. Jesus also warned that, like a householder watching against a thief, people must be ready because the coming will be at an unexpected hour.

Then Jesus spoke of a faithful and wise servant, or steward, put in charge of the household to give out food at the right time. If the master returns and finds that servant doing this work, that servant is blessed. The master will entrust that servant with even more.

But Jesus also described an unfaithful servant who thinks the master is delayed. That servant begins to beat the other servants and to eat and drink to excess. The master comes on a day and at an hour the servant does not expect, and that servant is judged severely and counted among the unfaithful.

When Peter asked whether this parable was for them or for everyone, Jesus answered by continuing the lesson. A servant who knows the master's will and does not prepare is more accountable. One who knew less is still responsible, but less is required. Much given means much required, and much entrusted means more will be asked.