TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN WILL MUCH BE REQUIRED

PROCLAMATION

“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.  But the one who does not know and does things deserving of punishment will be beaten with few blows.  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 12:47-48 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  As Jesus continued to teach, the size of the crowd increased.  They asked Him to give them a sign from heaven and He said that no sign would be given. (Luke 11:29)  He told them about the lamp of the body and letting that light shine. (Luke 11:33-36)  When He finished speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him and He accepted the invitation.  The Pharisee noticed that Jesus did not wash His hands before the meal.  Jesus responded to him and spoke a series of “Woes” unto the Pharisees and the experts in the law. (Luke 11:37-52)  Then Jesus left the house and went outside, and a large crowd gathered around Him.  He spoke to the crowd giving them both warnings and encouragements. (Luke 12:1-12)  He told them The Parable of The Rich Fool. (Luke 12:13-21)  Afterwards, He spoke to His disciples and told them not to worry (Luke 12:22-34), but to be watchful and “be ready, because The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” (Luke 12:35-40)  Then He told them the parable of The Faithful and Wise Steward. (Luke 12:41-48)  Finally He said that He did not come to earth to bring peace, but to bring division. (Luke 12:49-53)

APPLICATION

In this chapter Jesus, The Christ, made several points which provide important “take home” lessons for us today.  One, whoever denies Him before men will be denied before the angels of God. (Luke 12:8-9)  Two, store up for yourself treasures in heaven not on earth. (Luke 12:21)  Three, first seek the kingdom of God; and all the things that you need will be added unto you. (Luke 12:31)  Four, where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34)  Five, be ready, because The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. (Luke 12:35-40)  Six, to whom much is given, of him will much be required. (Luke 12:48)  With great influence, position and power comes great responsibility, and also great punishment for misuse of them.  Be very careful about what you ask God for.  When we know better, we should do better.  Those of us who do wrong knowingly will be punished more severely than those who do wrong out of ignorance.