Read the Passage: Luke 12:35–59

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Luke 12:35–59

Stewardship (12:35–48)

At least five of Jesus’ parables utilize the idea of stewardship, including the two parables in today’s passage. The first of these stories, which only occurs in Luke’s Gospel, is the parable of the expectant steward. As was the case in the more well-known parable of the ten virgins in Matthew’s Gospel, the main point of this parable is preparedness for the return of Christ. The picture Jesus’ invokes here is one of servants being ready for the return of their master. In Luke 12:37–38 the parable takes an unexpected turn, as Christ describes the master of the house waiting on his expectant servants (cf. John 13:1–17). This is a picture of Jesus caring for believers at His second coming (cf. Matt. 20:28). In Luke 12:39, as He appeals to the example of a thief, Christ mixes the metaphor somewhat; yet the point remains the same: preparedness for the forthcoming return of Christ, for Jesus is coming soon, at an unexpected hour.

In Luke 12:42–48 Jesus gives the teaching known as the parable of the faithful steward, which is also recorded at Matt. 24:45–51. Observe that Christ spoke this parable in response to Peter’s inquiry about whether the prior parable of the expectant steward applies only to the apostles or to all people (cf. Luke 12:41). While Jesus did not answer Peter directly, the details of the parable of the faithful steward make it clear Christ is speaking to all men, not just to His disciples. In this parable Jesus teaches that the faithful and wise steward, who is watching and is prepared for his master’s arrival, is the one to whom the master will give a “portion of food in due season” (Luke 12:42) and the master “will make him ruler over all that he has” (Luke 12:44). In this parable the steward represents a believer, the master is a picture of Christ, and the arrival is Jesus’ second coming.

Both Scripture and life experience teach that not all who are followers of Christ are good stewards. Indeed, Paul teaches that some will be “saved, yet so [only] as through fire” (1 Cor. 3:11–15; cf. 1 Pet. 4:17), and Jesus speaks elsewhere of those who believe that they are Christ’s servants, but who are actually not (cf. Matt. 7:21–25). Here in this parable, at Luke 12:45–48 Jesus mentions certain unfaithful stewards who believe that their master’s return is not impending, and thus they mistreat others. Of such a servant, Christ says that the master “will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers” (Luke 12:46). Luke 12:47–48 records Jesus’ sobering teaching that the servant who knew his master’s will, yet disregarded it, will be judged more severely than the servant who did not know his master’s will, and thus did not keep it (cf. Matt. 11:22–24; Heb. 10:29).

Discipleship (12:49–53)

In Luke 12:49–53 Jesus gives two important teachings about the cost of discipleship. First, in regard to the divine cost of discipleship, in Luke 12:49–50 Christ notes that man’s reconciliation with God would cost Him His life. Jesus refers to this as His baptism, noting, “How distressed I am till it is accomplished!” (Luke 12:50). Observe that while the atonement did bring Christ a sense of joy in that He accomplished His Father’s will (cf. Heb. 12:2), in His flesh the prospect of the cross was surely a heavy burden. Second, in regard to the human cost of discipleship, in Luke 12:51–53 Jesus teaches that following Him oftentimes will create division. Indeed, prior to Christ’s second coming, discipleship simultaneously creates peace with God and division among man. This extends, teaches Jesus, to division within families and between friends.

Judgment (12:54–59)

Jesus’ teaching that discipleship would create division, at least in the present time, led Him to discuss end-times judgment in Luke 12:54–59. In Luke 12:54–56 Christ speaks about the hypocrisy of those who were skilled at perceiving the patterns of weather; yet who were inept at discerning the identity of Jesus and the spiritual signs of the times. Christ uses the term “hypocrite” here to refer to one who presents themself in a manner that is contrary to their true identity. In Luke 12:57–59 Christ appeals to the skill of reconciling oneself to an adversary prior to appearing before a judge. Regarding an earthly judge, this is both wise and practical, for the judge’s ruling may not be in one’s favor. How much more so, then, is this a prudent act in regard to God; for at the end of the age God will not rule in one’s favor apart from the divine reconciliation that is only available in Christ.

Application Questions:

1. Why is the concept of being a good steward such a reoccurring theme in the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels?
2. How does mankind prepare for the return of Christ? Is Jesus’ return imminent—that is, could it occur at any moment?
3. What spiritual riches (i.e., spiritual gifts) has God put into your care that can be used for the benefit of others?
4. How can we tell the difference between an immature believer, a backslidden Christian, and an unbeliever?
5. Why do some churches minimize, or even completely avoid, speaking about the judgment of God?