“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Jesus warned His disciples that they must be watchful and ready for His second coming, like “servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes they can immediately open the door for him,” (Luke 12:36). He also warned them that they should be ready for His return by doing all the things He expects them to be doing in His service (Matthew 24:45-51). In other words, we are ready for Jesus if we believe He is coming again and if we do what He wants us to do.

What about those who are not ready? Jesus said, “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows,” (Luke 12:47-48). There is, therefore, punishment in store for those who are not ready. The punishment, however, is proportional to the knowledge of the person in question.

It is in this context that our verse for today is found. Jesus is telling His disciples that much will be required of those with the knowledge of the master’s will. There are many blows in store for those who have heard that faith in Jesus Christ is the way of salvation and that life is meant to be lived in service to Him, but do not believe in Him and do not do His will. They have been given much, so they should accept it and take it to heart. But their hearts are foolish.

What about those who are ready? Jesus said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions,” (Luke 12:42-44). There is, therefore, a reward in store for those who are ready. Jesus will give us greater levels of responsibility in the kingdom.

We have been given much, and our works will show whether our faith is true (James 2:17). Therefore, our task is clear. We should keep watch for Jesus’ return. And we should get busy in the meantime doing what He wants us to do.