Call to Faithful Stewardship

12:35 “Get dressed for service85 and keep your lamps burning;86 12:36 be like people87 waiting for their master to come back from the wedding celebration,88 so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 12:37 Blessed are those slaves89 whom their master finds alert90 when he returns! I tell you the truth,91 he will dress himself to serve,92 have them take their place at the table,93 and will come94 and wait on them!95 12:38 Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night96 and finds them alert,97 blessed are those slaves!98 12:39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief99 was coming, he would not have let100 his house be broken into. 12:40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”101

12:41 Then102 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?”103 12:42 The Lord replied,104 “Who then is the faithful and wise manager,105 whom the master puts in charge of his household servants,106 to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? 12:43 Blessed is that slave107 whom his master finds at work108 when he returns. 12:44 I tell you the truth,109 the master110 will put him in charge of all his possessions. 12:45 But if111 that112 slave should say to himself,113 ‘My master is delayed114 in returning,’ and he begins to beat115 the other116 slaves, both men and women,117 and to eat, drink, and get drunk, 12:46 then the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not foresee, and will cut him in two,118 and assign him a place with the unfaithful.119 12:47 That120 servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or do what his master asked121 will receive a severe beating. 12:48 But the one who did not know his master’s will122 and did things worthy of punishment123 will receive a light beating.124 From everyone who has been given much, much will be required,125 and from the one who has been entrusted with much,126 even more will be asked.127