Knowing The Word in Luke 12:41-48

A Master and his Servant

12:41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating.

Comments

Jesus did not answer Peter’s question directly, instead he taught that the greater the privilege of his followers the greater their responsibility. The hard-working and wise household manager is trustworthy, obedient, and righteous. He will be given additional responsibilities. However, when a servant abuses the trust placed in him, upon the unexpected return of the master, he will be punished with a severe penalty and downgraded to be with the unfaithful, meaning this Christian is not seen as a Christian by Jesus. People will be punished not only for doing wrong, but also for not doing what is right. J. C. Ryle adds, “Our very ignorance is part of our sin.”

Application

What does “our very ignorance is part of our sin” mean to you? Can we really sin if we are ignorant? Think of ways you have sinned before in your ignorance? What did you do after you realized you had committed a sin?

Prayer

O Lord, forgive what I have been and what I have not been; sanctify what I am and what I will do; and order my future according to your loving will.