Cc Luke Notesonline Lutheran Bible Study

Cc Luke Notesonline Lutheran Bible Study

Cc Luke Notes Online Lutheran Bible Study Bible
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The first Bible in English developed with notes that are distinctly Lutheran, The Lutheran Study Bible provides Christians with deep and meaningful perspective as they read and study God's Word. Prepared by Lutheran contributors from over twenty church bodies, this Bible features Lutheran scholarship, insights from key Church Fathers,. An Advent Bible StudyAn Advent Bible Study 1. Look at Luke 1:5-25, 57-66, and describe who Zechariah was and the circumstances surrounding this song. Zechariah only used two sentences in his twelve-verse song. What is the main topic of the first sentence (vv. The second sentence (v.
Luke 2:41-52
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Reading the Text: NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
 Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
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The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
I.III.2, I.XX.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
Chapter XXVI, Against Praxeas, Tertullian (c. 213)
Chapter I, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217)
Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558: Luke 2:40-47, Luke 2:48-52.
From the Geneva Notes.'All duties which we owe to men, even though they are not to be neglected, so are they (according to the position in life which God has set us) not to be preferred before the glory of God.'
From Matthew Henry's Commentary (c. 1700).'It is for the honour of Christ that children should attend on public worship.'
From Wesley's Notes. John Wesley (1703-1791).'Not one word is said of his disputing with them, but only of his asking and answering questions, which was a very usual thing in these assemblies, and indeed the very end of them. And if he was, with others, at the feet of these teachers (where learners generally sat) he might be said to be in the midst of them, as they sat on benches of a semicircular form, raised above their hearers and disciples.'
'Christ About His Father's Business,' Luke 2:49, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1857.
From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).'In fact, the beauty of Christ's example lies very much in His never at one stage of His life anticipating the duties of another.'
From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.'Jesus grew up among a people seldom and only contemptuously named by the ancient classics, and subjected at the time to the yoke of a foreign oppressor; in a remote and conquered province of the Roman empire; in the darkest district of Palestine; in a little country town of proverbial insignificance; in poverty and manual labor; in the obscurity of a carpenter's shop; far away from universities, academies, libraries, and literary or polished society; without any help, as far as we know, except the parental care, the daily wonders of nature, the Old Testament Scriptures, the weekly Sabbath service of the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16), the annual festivities in the temple of Jerusalem (Luke 2:42), and the secret intercourse of his soul with God, his heavenly Father.--Schaff.'
Comparative References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:Commentary, Luke 2:41-52, Niveen Sarras, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2018.'Luke concludes this story with the family journey back to Nazareth and Jesus' obedience to his parents. I think he became obedient after Mary gave him a harsh timeout to discipline him. Jesus grew in wisdom, as well as divine and human favor.'
Living by the Word, David Keck, The Christian Century, 2018.'Jesus flips the script on his parents.'
'Keeping Company with Mary,' Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2018.'Never underestimate the ponderings of a mother.'
'A Little Child Will Lead Us,' Joe Mitchell, Modern Metanoia, 2018.'The Incarnation is beautiful for many reasons, not the least of which is the reminder that God was a child like any of us.'
'Prophets Among Us,' Clair Mesick, Political Theology Network, 2018.'Where do we place ourselves in these narratives? What is our posture toward the prophets among us? Are we the prophetic children, the parents who tentatively support yet fear their calling, or the status quo that they oppose?'
A Provocation, Richard Swanson, 2018.'...They are together portrayed as faithful Jews. This fits into Luke's overall narrative scheme: everywhere you look, you find observant, faithful Jews.'
'The People in the Church,' Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
Commentary, Luke 2:41-52, Ron Allen, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2015.'In the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, Jesus is the model for the apostles who are the leaders and models for the church.'
'Parenting Just Got Difficult,' Chris Ayers, ReThinkReDoChurch, 2018.'You have the opportunity to take a little bit of the parenting anxiety off the parent's shoulders.'
Sermon Starters for the Week, Scott Hoezee, textual notes, illustrations, commentary, Center for Excellence in Preaching, 2015.
Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2015.
Preaching Luke 2:41-52, James Howell, 2015.
'A Lost Child?' Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2015.
'A Twelve-Year Old Jewish Boy,' Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
'Boy Wonder,' Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2015.
'If We Miss You,' Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2015.
'Questions about This Odd Text,' Scott Barton, lectionary poetry, 2015.
Commentary, Luke 2:41-52, Craig A. Satterlee, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.'After three days, Mary and Joseph found Jesus alive and well in the Temple at Jerusalem among the teachers of the law, the very company where it all will all end as Jesus is tried, convicted, and handed over to be killed.'
'Living the Story,' David Lose, Working Preacher, 2012.'Rather than analyze these passages, perhaps we can just invite our people to enter into them. Perhaps, that is, the way to extend our celebration and contemplation of the Christmas story is to make it our own, inviting our people to identify with the characters.'
'And the Child Grew And Became Strong,' Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2012.
Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2009.'...one notes that Joseph and Mary search for Jesus for 'three days.' In the resurrection, the new family of God supercedes one's earthly family.'
Radical Gratitude, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Luke 2:41-52, David Ewart, 2012.'The return to Jerusalem by Jesus' parents ... would be risky as they would no longer be with the larger group. It would also be shameful as it would make public that Jesus had not been obedient to them.'
Comentario del Evangelio por Iris Barrientos, Lucas 2:41-52, Working Preacher, 2012. 
Commentary, Luke 2:41-52, Ginger Barfield, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.'Verses 51 and 52 provide a Jesus model: he went home with his parents and obeyed them. He grew in all ways as a person should. The end of verse 51 tells us what Jesus' mother did: she worked out things in her heart and mind.'
Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
'First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary,' Christmas 1, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.'Luke gives us an ideal picture, but at least in doing so he retains a genuinely human Jesus in a genuinely human context. It is this Jesus (and this kind of Jesus, not one who dropped in complete from outer space) whom God anoints to declare and live out the good news of liberation and salvation.'
 'Learning from Our Children,' Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2009.'Children find their true home despite us.'
Exegetical Notesby Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.'Being the Son of God, being about his father's business means facing temptation and being servant to all in need. Perhaps in our text, it was the teachers in the temple who where the ones in need.'
 Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
'My Father's House and Business,' Norb Kabelitz, Sabbatheology, The Crossings Community, 2009.'Why is it that our witness seems to lose human (and maybe divine) favor in today's world?'
Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Luke 2:41-52. 'A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity.''In the midst of the usual there are opportunities to find something more than we ever expected.'
 'The Childhood of Jesus,' study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) 'Children,' Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
 'Laying Foundations for Faith,' study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) 'Catechesis,' Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003. 
 'Fear, Family and Christmas,' Feast of the Holy Family, Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R., from Sundays Into Silence: Reflections on the Sunday Gospels in the Light of Christian Meditation. Claretian Publications.'Just be still and know that God is there within you and many of your fears will vanish. This will make you a more sensitive and loving family member.'
'Jesus: A Normal Teenager,' Feast of Sto. Niño, Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R., from Sundays Into Silence: Reflections on the Sunday Gospels in the Light of Christian . Claretian Publications.'Very often we do not have listening in a family because there is fear.'
'The Boy Jesus in the Temple,' Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
Lectionary Commentary and Preaching Paths (Christmas C1), by Dennis Bratcher, at The Christian Resource Institute.'Since it is the first Sunday after Christmas, and this is the first narrative after the birth narratives in Luke, a valid question might be, 'After Christmas, What?' Where do we go after we have celebrated, after we have heard angels sing and watched shepherds worship? Where do we go after the wonder has faded and we have been plodding amid the ordinary circumstances of life? Do we lose the sense of expectation, so that we do not really anticipate this child to do anything out of the ordinary?'
Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of 'starting place' articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).Chakoian, Karen, 'Between Text & Sermon, Luke 2:41-52,' Interpretation, 1998.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Fiorenza, Elisabeth Schüssler, 'Expository Article: Luke 2:41-52,' Interpretation, 1982.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Guthrie, Shirley C., Jr., 'Jesus' Family and Ours,' Journal for Preachers, 1987. Sermon.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
'Homiletical Helps,' Concordia Journal, 2010. (Section on this text begins on page 368)
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Jansen, John F., 'An Exposition of Luke 2:41-52,' Interpretation, 1976.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Klotz, John W., '1st Sunday after Christmas,' Concordia Journal, 1985.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Meyer, Ben F., S.J., 'But Mary Kept All These Things...' (Luke 2:19, 51),' The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1964.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Russell, Letty M., 'God with Us,' The Christian Century, 1991.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Storey, Peter, 'Stirrings of Divinity,' The Christian Century, 2000.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Thyne, Patrick, 'Tell Me about Your Day,' The Living Pulpit, 2003.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
van der Horst, P.W., 'Notes on the Aramaic Background of Luke 2:41-52,' Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1980.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Sermons:'Where Is Jesus?' the Rev. Dr. Dwight Moody, Day 1, 2012.
'Age 12 and Not a Smart Aleck?' 'Age Twelve in the Temple,' Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
'Question Time,' the Rev. Sid Burgess, Day 1, 2000.
Father Andrew M. Greeley, 'Priest, Author, Sociologist,' Commentary and Homily:
With Children:Worshiping with Children, Christmas 1, 2015, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
'Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story,' 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
'Sermon of the Week,' / 'Mensajes para ninos,' Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
'Jesus Grows Up,'Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
'Home Alone,' Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
'Jesus Is Lost in Jerusalem,' Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
'The Boy Jesus Visits the Temple,'children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
Drama: 'Airplane,' Bruce Lang, dramatix.
 'Everyday Concerns,' (scroll down) from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
Graphics & Bulletin Materials:Weekly Devotion Page, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
 Clip Art, Luke 2:42, Luke 2:49, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
 Luke 2:41-52at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
Clip Art, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
Jesus Visits Jerusalem, Henry Martin, sermons4kids.com.
 Boy Jesus in Temple, Clip Art, Anglican Diocese of Dunedin, New Zealand.
Hymns and Music:'Jesus' Parents Left the Temple' a hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, recalls the story of Jesus as a boy in the Temple, talking with the religious leaders, when he was twelve years old. Tune: W ZLOBIE LEZY 4.4.7.4.4.7.4.4.4.4.7 ('Infant Holy, Infant Lowly').
 Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Luke 2:46, 49, 52. The Cyber Hymnal.
Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
At Oremus Hymnal:
Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance: 
Literary References online:'Temple,' from La Corona by John Donne (1572-1631).
Find Worship Resources & Suggested Other Readings for use with this text: Christmas 2A (Episcopal)
 Christmas 2B (Episcopal)
 Christmas 2C (Episcopal)
Study Links and Resources for the Book of Luke
The Master's Return
Luke 12:35-48
Last week we looked at various causes of fear and worry. We saw clearly from the Bible that fear is the result of seeking wrong things. Rather than seeking the necessities of life we are to be seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. As we seek the Kingdom God sustains our life because, as Jesus says, our lives are more than food and clothing.
Seeking the Kingdom is something that must be started and maintained. There is urgency to our search. We must seek it and seek it immediately.
In our text before us today, Jesus teaches another motivation for seeking the Kingdom is His second coming.
The Second Coming is a vital doctrine for the Church and one we must understand.
Acts 1:11 and said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'
1 Thes 4:16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Ti 2:13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Rv 1:7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
Rv 22:12 'Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.
Our Lord gives us another motivation to be busy seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. A second motivation is when our Lord returns, He will find us working, watching and ready for Him.

Please hear God's Word…
Lk 12:35 'Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 
Lk 12:36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 
Lk 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 
Lk 12:38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 
Lk 12:39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 
Lk 12:40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.'
Lk 12:41 Peter said, 'Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?' 

Lk 12:42 And the Lord said, 'Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 
Lk 12:43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 
Lk 12:44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 
Lk 12:45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 
Lk 12:46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 
Lk 12:47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 
Lk 12:48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
1. A Faithful Servant is Prepared When His Master Returns
Lk 12:35 'Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 
Lk 12:36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 
Lk 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 
Lk 12:38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 
To begin with Jesus gives us two examples of being ready for His return.
First He tells us that we should stay dressed for action or literally, have your loins girded. The phrase girding up your loins is a Hebrew phrase that was a typical saying to encourage someone to be ready. The Israelite would take his long rob and roll it up and tuck it in his belt in order to run.
A wonderful example is in Exodus at the Passover.
Ex 12:11 In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover. 
Ex 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 
Ex 12:13 The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.
They ate the meal ready to leave Egypt. At midnight God sent the death angel and every house in Egypt suffered loss. But the Hebrews, with the blood on the doorposts, were safe inside their houses.
Pharaoh also suffered loss and summoned Moses and told him to get his people and get out of Egypt.
Just as the Hebrews were ready to leave that night we must be ready for our Lord's return.
Another sign of readiness is that the servant would welcome his Master home by greeting him at the door with a lamp lit in order to help him into the house. The lamp lit glowing in the window was a sign to his Master that he was ready and looking forward for His return. The Master would see the light before even entering the house. Once the Master knocked it was too late to light the lamp and trim the wick. A faithful servant kept the lamp burning to welcome His Master home.
In both cases, we see the importance of being ready for action.
Brothers and sisters, are you ready for our Master's return? Are you ready to meet Jesus, our Master, when He comes again?
In ancient days a wedding feast may last days. Here, the point is no one knew for sure when the Master would return. Servants would take turns watching.
Lk 12:36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast.
Luke shows us a great reversal. The watching and awake servants will be greatly rewarded when the Master returns. Jesus says that the Master will in fact serve the slaves and they will all feast together.

Please hear God's Word…
Lk 12:35 'Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 
Lk 12:36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 
Lk 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 
Lk 12:38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 
Lk 12:39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 
Lk 12:40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.'
Lk 12:41 Peter said, 'Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?' 
Lk 12:42 And the Lord said, 'Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 
Lk 12:43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 
Lk 12:44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 
Lk 12:45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 
Lk 12:46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 
Lk 12:47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 
Lk 12:48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
1. A Faithful Servant is Prepared When His Master Returns
Lk 12:35 'Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 
Lk 12:36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 
Lk 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 
Lk 12:38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 
To begin with Jesus gives us two examples of being ready for His return.
First He tells us that we should stay dressed for action or literally, have your loins girded. The phrase girding up your loins is a Hebrew phrase that was a typical saying to encourage someone to be ready. The Israelite would take his long rob and roll it up and tuck it in his belt in order to run.
A wonderful example is in Exodus at the Passover.
Ex 12:11 In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover. 
Ex 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 
Ex 12:13 The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.
They ate the meal ready to leave Egypt. At midnight God sent the death angel and every house in Egypt suffered loss. But the Hebrews, with the blood on the doorposts, were safe inside their houses.
Pharaoh also suffered loss and summoned Moses and told him to get his people and get out of Egypt.
Just as the Hebrews were ready to leave that night we must be ready for our Lord's return.
Another sign of readiness is that the servant would welcome his Master home by greeting him at the door with a lamp lit in order to help him into the house. The lamp lit glowing in the window was a sign to his Master that he was ready and looking forward for His return. The Master would see the light before even entering the house. Once the Master knocked it was too late to light the lamp and trim the wick. A faithful servant kept the lamp burning to welcome His Master home.
In both cases, we see the importance of being ready for action.
Brothers and sisters, are you ready for our Master's return? Are you ready to meet Jesus, our Master, when He comes again?
In ancient days a wedding feast may last days. Here, the point is no one knew for sure when the Master would return. Servants would take turns watching.
Lk 12:36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast.
Luke shows us a great reversal. The watching and awake servants will be greatly rewarded when the Master returns. Jesus says that the Master will in fact serve the slaves and they will all feast together.
Jesus is picturing the great banquet feast that we will share together as He, the Great Master, serves His faithful watching servants. I can't wait to feast with the Master. Are you watching and ready? Is your lamp lit and are you dressed for action?
For everyone who is ready the return of Christ will be a wonderful and blessed day. However, for those not ready it will be a day of judgment and loss.
2. For Those Unprepared His Return Will Be Like a Thief
Lk 12:39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 
Cc Luke Notes Online Lutheran Bible Study BibleLk 12:40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.'
We still have the image of the household, however, the attitude is not one of anticipation and blessing, but of surprise and loss.
We should analyze this briefly. In both cases, the Master's return and the thief's arrival were unexpected. However, one meant a blessing because the servant was ready. The other meant loss because the servant (master of the house or head servant) was not ready.
We must understand Jesus is coming. However, we do not know when He will come. Will you be ready when it happens or will it take you by surprise? We must also acknowledge that if one is not prepared when He comes, there will be no time to get ready. It will eternally be too late. Now is the day to prepare, watch and serve.
In the mountains of Southern Kentucky I learned a lot more in Bible College than the Bible. One day in English class a hand went up and the professor was asked, What do we have to learn this fer? I thought to myself, well, examine the question and you will discover the answer to why you need to learn this fer.
I think this is Peter's question. Jesus, should we be listening closely or is this for everybody else?
Lk 12:41 Peter said, 'Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?' 
Like my professor, Jesus didn't answer the question but simply kept going with the lesson.
3. What a Faithful Servant Looks Like
Lk 12:42 And the Lord said, 'Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 
Lk 12:43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 
Lk 12:44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
I remember when I worked as an electrician. I was the foreman and had ten guys under me. Most were very hard workers. One man, however, was so lazy, he would hardly work at all. He spent most of his time looking to see where I was. As soon as I entered the job site he would start looking as if he was busy. The problem was, he didn't know I was actually watching him. As soon as I left he sat down and did nothing.
I didn't expect someone to work himself to death but I did expect an honest day's work for a day's pay. When I returned I was like a thief to him because he suffered loss, but to everyone else my return brought reward. Paychecks went to everyone except him. He received a pink slip.
Lutheran Study Bible AppJesus will richly bless His faithful servants when He returns if He finds them working and serving. His reward will be to set the faithful over His entire household. This should remind us of Joseph over Potiphar's household. He was a trusted servant and was placed over all the master's possessions.
Through out these verses, Jesus uses the term household over and over. This is the picture of a servant working for his master in the household in ancient Palestine. For us, where are we to work as faithful servants in God's household? I think we can turn to Paul here for the answer:
1 Tm 3:14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 
1 Tm 3:15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
Paul identifies God's household as the Church. Are you faithfully serving in the local church? Do you have a ministry here in the Church? This is the household of God. You can be doing a million things that you think are good things but unless you are serving the Lord and your brothers and sisters in your church, you will not be found faithful. This is God's household.
The Church is the household of God on earth here and now. Someday the Bible tells us that those whom the Lord finds faithful over His house now will be given further responsibilities in the world to come.
We must grasp this connection. The church is the household of God. This is where a servant will be found either faithful or lazy.
Bible Study For LutheransNow, we must ask ourselves, Am I ready for my Master's return? Am I serving the those in God's household?
Lutheran Bible Study Books4. The Final Warning
Lk 12:45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 
Lk 12:46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 
Lk 12:47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 
Lk 12:48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Free Online Lutheran Bible StudyHere is our Lord's final warning. He shows us the consequences of not being a faithful servant. For some, who know the Master's will and do not do it will suffer great loss. They will not be rewarded as a faithful servant. Others, who are not faithful, are not serving because they actually are lost. Theirs will be the greatest loss of all.
I pray that today we can all say that we love our Lord and we are waiting and watching. Not only that, but we also must be serving.
How are you doing? Are you a faithful servant in the household of God?