[41] Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to
everyone?”
[42] The Lord answered,
“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? [43]
It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing
so when he returns. [44]
I tell you the
truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. [45]
But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking
a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and
maidservants 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 is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and
assign him a place with the unbelievers. - Luke 12:41-46 (NIV)
When I read this passage I ask myself, “Who is Jesus
speaking about?” and “Is this a parable meant to illustrate a future event or a
present reality?”
The context would suggest that it’s a future event. (v.40) Since
it’s a future event it must be dealing with Christianity and not Judaism. Since
the question came from Peter it appears that Jesus is telling this parable to
His disciples. There is one thing I strive to do and that is to not filter a
passage through a particular person’s systematic theology. I want to let the
passage speak for itself as much as possible. For example I don’t want to
interpret a passage through the theological filter of Calvinism or Arminianism
or any other person-ism. They are people just like any other. We all have the
same ability to understand the scripture, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, as
other people. I don’t believe someone has some kind of secret knowledge when it
comes to understanding God’s word.
Some people suggest that Jesus is speaking about the
religious authorities of the day in the nation of Israel. I don’t see this at
all is this passage. Because the religious leaders of the day did not accept
Jesus as there master. Jesus wouldn't have put them in charge of the Gospel
message and the citizens that belong to His Kingdom. This assignment would be
given to His followers.
Even though Jesus doesn't directly answer Peter’s question
of who in regard to the 12 disciple or everyone, which calls themselves a
follower of Jesus Christ, this parable does suggest it’s directed to the 12. If
then it is directed to the 12 what do we see? We see a warning. If you plan of
taking up my cause then you better understand what you will be getting into.
This endeavor is not to be trifled with. If you decide to be my
servants-managers and fail at your task then the same fate awaits you as that
of an unbeliever.
It looks like Jesus is telling Peter that if you don’t persevere
you can lose your citizenship in His kingdom. Then I ask myself if this can
happen to the 12 then can it happen to me? I’m a person with the same broken
human nature as them. As a follower of Jesus Christ I also possess the same
gift of eternal life, as them. This makes me a believer. This gift I received by
grace through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. However, if I live
a life that does not reflect this gift while at the same time possessing the
gift and Jesus returns, it looks like that what I have can be taken away from
me and I will receive the punishment of the unbeliever which is a place in
hell.
This is what this passage looks like to me.
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