The Target Audience

The Target Audience

Luke 12:41-43, NIV

Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” 42The 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? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.”

Setting the Scene

The passage you just read is part of a longer question and response that includes verses 41 to 48. Peter asks Jesus a question related to the illustrations Jesus had just given. Although there are two parables in the previous five verses, Peter mentions only one. He may have been referring to the theme in all that Jesus had just said, or he may have been somewhat troubled by the second of Jesus’ pictures, the household about to be robbed. Peter’s question assumes understanding. He simply asks Jesus to whom he is addressing his warning, “to us, or to everyone?”

First, Jesus answered Peter’s question with a question. There are four possibilities for the person Jesus called “that slave/servant” (Luke 12:43, 45, 47, and 48). Before the Lord comes, his servants might fall into any of those roles. Jesus’ response shifted the focus of Peter’s question from “Who gets to be in charge?” to “How will you perform in whatever situation you find yourself?” Three of the possible servant responses are undesirable; only one receives Jesus’ promise, “It will be good for that servant.” The faithful servant will be rewarded with special responsibilities. Meanwhile, the abusive servant (Luke 12:45-46), the deliberately disobedient servant (Luke 12:47), and the careless servant (Luke 12:48) will receive appropriate punishments.

In Jesus’ previous illustration (Luke 12:35-38), the household was populated by servants who were challenged to be ready together; here, the focus is on how individual servants will faithfully anticipate the master’s return. Whether we fill a leadership role or a supportive role, we will answer to the Master directly when he returns.

Getting Personal

What are you doing to be a faithful and wise servant?

What might hinder you from wanting Jesus to return today?

Your access to God’s Word makes you a highly privileged individual. Consider Jesus’ closing words in this section: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48, NIV). The short answer to Peter’s question to Jesus is “Yes.” Jesus was speaking to everyone.

Talking to God

Ask the Lord to show you any ways you may resemble the three unsatisfactory servants. Thank God for his Word and for his Holy Spirit to help you live for him as a faithful servant.