God’s Word of Wisdom
Introduction
Luke 12:41-59: Today’s reading begins with Peter asking Jesus about his parable of the watchful servant (see Luke 12:35-40 from yesterday’s reading). By means of another parable, Jesus continues to teach about being faithful. When he speaks of division within households, he confronts his hearers with the challenge of what it means to follow him and embrace his teachings.
Scripture Reading
The Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant
(Matthew 24.45-51)
41Peter said, “Lord, does this parable apply to us, or do you mean it for everyone?”
42The Lord answered, “Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant? He is the one that his master will put in charge, to run the household and give the other servants their share of the food at the proper time. 43How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing this when he comes home! 44Indeed, I tell you, the master will put that servant in charge of all his property. 45But if that servant says to himself that his master is taking a long time to come back and if he begins to beat the other servants, both the men and the women, and eats and drinks and gets drunk, 46then the master will come back one day when the servant does not expect him and at a time he does not know. The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the disobedient.
47“The servant who knows what his master wants him to do, but does not get himself ready and do it, will be punished with a heavy whipping. 48But the servant who does not know what his master wants, and yet does something for which he deserves a whipping, will be punished with a light whipping. Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given.
Jesus the Cause of Division
(Matthew 10.34-36)
49“I came to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to receive, and how distressed I am until it is over! 51Do you suppose that I came to bring peace to the world? No, not peace, but division. 52From now on a family of five will be divided, three against two and two against three. 53 Fathers will be against their sons, and sons against their fathers; mothers will be against their daughters, and daughters against their mothers; mothers-in-law will be against their daughters-in-law, and daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law.”
Understanding the Time
(Matthew 16.2,3)
54Jesus said also to the people, “When you see a cloud coming up in the west, at once you say that it is going to rain—and it does. 55And when you feel the south wind blowing, you say that it is going to get hot—and it does. 56Hypocrites! You can look at the earth and the sky and predict the weather; why, then, don’t you know the meaning of this present time?
Settle with Your Opponent
(Matthew 5.25,26)
57“Why do you not judge for yourselves the right thing to do? 58If someone brings a lawsuit against you and takes you to court, do your best to settle the dispute before you get to court. If you don’t, you will be dragged before the judge, who will hand you over to the police, and you will be put in jail. 59There you will stay, I tell you, until you pay the last penny of your fine.”
Today’s Key Verse: Luke 12:48b
[Jesus said:] “Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given.”
Reflect
Reread verses 49-53. What were your thoughts as you read these verses? Have you ever experienced opposition from others because of your faith? In what ways do you demonstrate your faithfulness as a follower of Jesus?
Pray
Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith day by day. I listen for your voice and seek to follow you. Help me to obey your teachings. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Luke 13:1-17: Jesus continues teaching and heals a crippled woman.