Unexpected Arrival

Unexpected Arrival

Luke 12:35-36, NKJV

Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.

Setting the Scene

Luke places this teaching from Jesus about the end times immediately following his account of Jesus’ words about worry (Luke 12:22-31) and the relationship his followers were to have toward the poor (Luke 12:32-34). Jesus confronted the usual unhealthy ways we handle the future: by worrying and hoarding. With verse 35, Jesus teaches about the attitudes we ought to have each day as we anticipate his future return.

Unlike other passages in the New Testament about the return of Christ, which include a number of telltale signs, here Jesus’ teaching ignores the clues leading up to his impending arrival. Jesus did not want his followers to spend time trying to figure out exactly when he was going to return. Instead, he pointed out that even when we try to predict what will happen, the event will catch everyone by surprise. The difference, Jesus says, will be between those who are morally and spiritually prepared and those who are careless and unbelieving.

In every generation, people have tried to predict the moment of Christ’s return—and have been consistently wrong. Rather than being drawn into current debates, our task is to obey Christ, knowing that God is working out his plan in history. Jesus will return and everyone will be held accountable.

Jesus pictures a household anticipating the arrival of the master who has been away at a wedding. A servant was expected to be on call continuously, around the clock, whether the master was home or not. When the master left for the evening or an extended trip, those who served the household had ongoing duties to perform as well as anticipating the master’s return.

The master did not expect to return to a dark or slumbering house. The phrase “let your waist be girded” refers to an adjustment of typical clothing in anticipation of action. A person gathered his long outer robe and tucked it into his belt or sash, freeing the lower extremities to work, walk, or run. It implies “dressed for action.”

Homes in Jesus’ day were occupied spaces. Even the owner returning from the banquet “knocks” to gain admission. His servants must be ready to open the door. The house is humming with life, and the light streaming from the windows provides a beacon in the dark streets and a welcome for the master. That wasn’t the time to scramble to light a lamp or dress for action.

Jesus described watchful busyness—servants who are carrying out their duties in anticipation of the master’s arrival. His mention of the wedding adds a hint of joy to this picture. The master is returning with joy to his household, signaling the shift of festivities from elsewhere to home. For those eagerly anticipating the Lord’s return, the unavoidable surprise is a delight. Authentic disciples are ready to welcome Jesus back—even today.

Getting Personal

When do you feel the tension between anticipating Jesus’ return and occupying yourself with his instructions until then?

In what ways can you keep your “lamp lit” (Matthew 5:14-16) today?

There are some unacceptable ways to resolve the tension between waiting and working. Jesus never apologized for asking his disciples to live faithfully in that tension. He promised to make it worth our while.

Talking to God

Thank God for the promised return of the Master, Jesus. Ask him to help you use your time well while you wait for his return in glad anticipation.