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“That servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (vv. 47–48).
Peter stood with the other disciples of Jesus and the larger crowd when our Lord exhorted people to always be prepared for His return (see Luke 12:35–40). After hearing the parable about the servants who were ready to receive their master, Peter wanted some more clarity. Today’s passage indicates that he asked whether the teaching was “for us or for all” (Luke 12:41).
Some ambiguity exists regarding Peter’s meaning. Does “us” mean the disciples and “all” every human being? Does “us” refer to the leaders of the disciples and “all” the whole body of Christ’s followers? Or does “us” represent all believers and “all” refer to all people? It does not seem that we must choose between these options. Jesus is the Judge of all creation but also the Judge of the church in a special way, bringing judgment there first (John 5:22; 1 Peter 4:17). Thus, “all” points both to all people who ever live and to all professing Christians. In the parable that follows Peter’s question in Luke 12:41, Jesus includes the example of a manager or head servant (Luke 12:42), so Christian leaders are in view, and at the same time, many disciples besides the Twelve whom Christ appointed as Apostles were following Jesus at that time, so there is a reference to all Christians.
Therefore, when we read the parable in verses 42–48, we should have three groups in mind: Christians, Christian leaders, and the rest of the world. Christ is looking for servants who are always prepared for His coming, and He will reward such servants greatly. But if those who are supposed to be His servants do not prepare themselves for the consummation and start to misuse their servant status for their own gain, then they will suffer immensely at Jesus’ return. In all this, the punishment inflicted will depend on how well one knows the will of the Master, Jesus Christ. Not knowing His will does not get anyone out of punishment if the person has violated this will—so people who have never heard of Jesus do not get a pass on judgment day. Those who actually know the way of Jesus and do not do it, however, will receive even greater punishment because they have known the right path more comprehensively than others and still refused to do it. This should be especially sobering to officers in the church. Teachers “will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1).
We must be ready for Jesus’ return. Those with greater knowledge of Christ, more training, and more gifts are called to bear fruit now, and it will be manifested on the last day (Luke 12:48).
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Dr. R.C. Sproul comments, “The judgment for those who are in the house of God and who hear but do not respond will be much greater than for those who have never heard.” Our liability to judgment increases the more we know and the more we refuse to do or believe what we know to be true. As we grow in our knowledge of God and His ways, let us seek more and more to put His truth into practice.