The Watchful Servants

Luke 12:35-40

readinessfaithfulnessservice

Biblical Text

"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.

It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 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."

— Luke 12:35-40 (NIV)

Context

Jesus shared this parable while teaching His disciples about the kingdom of God and the importance of being ready for His return. It emphasizes spiritual alertness and faithful service.

Theological Interpretation

This parable illustrates the importance of spiritual readiness and faithful service while awaiting Christ's return. It reveals both the responsibility of believers to remain watchful and the surprising reward that awaits faithful servants - the master himself will serve them.