Luke 12:35-48  Luke groups together several different discourses in this chapter. Verse 35 introduces the new topic. " Be dressed in readiness and keep your lamps alight."

Verses 36 - 38 give us a parable - a master is returning from the wedding feast.  The slaves are waiting for him and ready to open the door as soon as he arrives.  They are on the alert.  This is an example of readiness.  The slaves would surely know that their master is coming.. with his new bride, even though they might not know the exact time of the day.  They would be excited and anticipating the joyful return.   Jesus tells us that we are to be like that.. on the alert, ready, and waiting with anticipation.  When we are, then, we will be blessed.. ".. truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve and have them recline at the table and will come up and wait on them." 

"Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves." ( verse 38)  The master may not come at a convenient time.  The second watch would be from 9pm to midnight and the third watch is midnight until 3 am.  The slaves would grow weary and tired.  It is hard to keep waiting.. and waiting.. and waiting.  But, the blessing to come is worth the wait, Jesus tells us!

Verses 39-40 give us a different picture of the waiting - "And be sure of this that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."   The first parable is positive - ready and excited men who are anticipating their master.  The second is negative - men don't know when a thief will break in to their homes; if they could know that, then it wouldn't take them by surprise.  Jesus is coming at a time that we cannot know. We need to be ready. 

Verses 41-48 - Peter asks Jesus if this applies to them or to everyone.   Jesus indicates that those who have been given more responsibility will face more consequences.  In verse 42, He talks about a servant who is a steward... put in charge of other servants.  The job of the steward is to give rations to all the others at the proper times.  " Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes."
But, the steward who is not faithful and sensible,  the one who begins to think the master is not coming back and who treats his fellow slaves cruelly... will be punished severely when the master comes.   " And the slave who knew his master's will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, shall receive many lashes."

Verse 48b - "and from everyone who has been given much shall much be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."  To answer Peter's question - Yes, they need to be ready for His coming too - even more is expected of those who have been given the privilege to serve as a steward over others. Keeping faithful and wise and ready - absolutely vital!

Father in heaven,  You are our Almighty God and You have given to us the promise that Jesus is coming back to take us to be with You.  We know that He is coming even though we do not know the hour or the day.  Help us to be alert and wait with excited anticipation.  May we be faithful servants, doing Your will, ready for his return.  Guide our steps. Fill our hearts. Transform us by the renewing of our minds so that we can discern Your good and acceptable and perfect will.  Take our lives.. as we offer ourselves to You - living and holy sacrifices - Your slaves.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen