Preparations

Luke 12:39-48 brings up the matter of just who needs to make preparations. This study begins with the statement: “If the goodman of the the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.” So, I begin with these questions: Who is the goodman of the house? Is he the owner or the watchman? Does 'his house' refer to ownership or the responsibility of a servant?

Recall from the previous study that Jesus had spoken of the preparations of a landowner who pulled down his small barn to build a bigger barn. Jesus indicated these preparations were not of the best inclination. Recall, also, that Jesus said such things (concerning the best inclination) as, “ Let your loins be girded about and your lights burning.” He admonished them to, first and foremost, 'seek the kingdom of God.' What does that say to us? It says 'make the proper preparations.'

Within the context of this present study, Jesus speaks a parable and Peter asks a question. The parable was about the goodman of the house. The question was this: “Speakest thou this parable unto us,” (the disciples) “or even to all?” Jesus had just issued a challenge: “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”

In response to the question – 'is that for everyone or just for us?' – Jesus asked Peter a question. It went like this: 'who is the servant entrusted with the care of the master's house?' In other words, 'who is the goodman of the house?' Jesus dropped two clues about the identity of this servant, and also described the servant's duties. First, the ones to whom the parable was intended, aside from being servants, were supposed to be both 'wise' and 'faithful' – stewards in the truest sense of the word.

A steward is a top-level servant. There is usually only one per house, and that servant oversees the duties and needs of all who reside in the master's house. That includes the master, the heir of the father, guests, and others servants. To each of those in the list, the steward is charged to give them their portion of meat in due season. Everyone has a place and a position and a season. First is the master and his family. Next, come the guests and friends of the master. Last to be served are the steward and his fellow servants.

In all the house, this one servant bears the most comprehensive responsibility. It is actually a position of trust. Everyone depends on the steward. He can ill afford to let anyone down; he must wear whichever hat he is handed. The steward is the goodman of the house and is even responsible for household security. This individual must be faithful enough to stand for the whole house, ensuring all are encompassed in the will of the master. This individual must be wise enough to prepare for all eventualities.

Like the subject of this study, the subject of stewardship is wise and faithful preparedness. Yes, Jesus directed this parable to his disciples – as if he had said, “Yes, Peter, I mean this one for you.” Those who take to themselves the responsibilities of stewardship must be able to devote themselves to it wholeheartedly. Stewardship cuts two ways – like a shiny new knife. It rejoices the heart, and it is good and useful but it can also make a grievous wound with one careless slip.

Jesus indicated that there are great rewards built into the service: do good and the master, himself, will come forth and serve you your portion. A great honor, but not only that – a relaxed and confident mindset that frees one to commit one's full attention to the job. Jesus also indicated severe penalties for those who violate their trust in any way.

The failure of a steward may include sleeping on your watch, hoarding, withholding, late fulfillment of duties, or anything from inappropriate behavior to blatant abuse of those in your charge. You can expect exactly what Jesus described. You will be cut into pieces. There will be no part of you that may depend on another part of you. Severed from any help you might provide for yourself, you will also be on the outside of all others when it comes to helping or even caring. You will be appointed your portion with the enemies of the house. You will be both an enemy of the house and an enemy of the enemy, for they will despise you as well.

So, what is the difference between “unto us”, (disciples, servants, stewards) and “even to all”? Jesus put it this way in verses 47-48: “And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes.”

The reasoning follows, and it is a thing our own life-experience can validate, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

We know from other parables that the master of the house is a king who utterly destroys his enemies. We know also that talents given to servants will be required again with interest. Stewardship is not an occupation to enter into lightly. The question we must ask ourselves is this: are we prepared? We may also rightly ask ourselves: do we even know what the preparations are?

Do you doubt yourself? Have you concerns? Compare yourself to Jesus. Jesus is the heir to the father and himself said in John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.” If we know one thing about the son of his father, we know this, Jesus was a people person. His people skills were second to none. He was inclusive; he loved and forgave, but like his Father, he laid into his enemies without hesitation, without pulling his punches. Be like Jesus; Jesus was the model steward.

This study should stand as a stark warning to the governments of this world. A government is no more than a steward, a servant of the people. Governments are not here for themselves. They may not abuse the people in any way. Penalties await the failed steward. Good advice: unearth the preparations you need, realize them faithfully and wisely.