Watching Servants
Preaching
Preaching The Parables
Series III, Cycle C
1. Text
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. [33] Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
[35] "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; [36] be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. [37] Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. [38] If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
[39] "But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. [40] You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
2. What's Happening?
First Point Of Action
Jesus reassures.
Second Point Of Action
Jesus speaks about possessions and treasure.
Third Point Of Action
He advises his listeners to maintain a state of alertness at all times, like watchful servants waiting for the return of their master.
Fourth Point Of Action
The master rewards the faithful servant.
Fifth Point Of Action
One cannot know when the thief will break into the house. Jesus interprets that the coming of the Son of Man is also at an unexpected hour.
3. Spadework
Action
Since 9/11, we have moved closer to grasping the feeling tone of the early Christians who did not know precisely what to expect but anticipated something of catastrophic dimension. The necessary action of readiness is twofold. First, be dressed for action. Be ready. Then give a sign that you are ready. Put a light in your window. Should you live in earthquake land, keep hearing aids or glasses in a secured container beside your bed. Second, communicate what others need to know to those persons who are important to you. Show a trusted person in another apartment the location of your diabetic supplies. Plan signals and alternative escape routes with neighbors. The preparedness list is extensive.
Being "dressed for action" involves more than keeping a pair of shoes and a set of sweats beside the bed during tornado season. Dressed for action implies having made the choice to meet whatever comes with the vigor and attitude of one who is fully present in spirit. The light in the window tells others of your presence as it invites and welcomes. Being prepared and letting others know it involves a partnership of caring, both giving and receiving.
Do Not Be Afraid
If not with fear, then how should one greet the unexpected coming of the Son of Man? Christ's choice of imagery carries a note of tension that interlaces with enthusiastic anticipation. Being apprehensive suggests being filled with fear or concern. It also may indicate being unwilling to do something. Disquietude opposes a sense of peace.
This parable characterizes the pull between the fear of the unknown and its concurrent sense of inadequacy for meeting that unknown and the determination to choose hope over fear. The latter choice requires trust and the faithfulness to stay the course of inner strength that will result in a sense of peace. Such a choice of attitude fortifies one for the unknown without being foolhardy. Among the eighty biblical references from Genesis to Revelation to not being afraid are Psalm 85:13, Psalm 89:14, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 45:2, Isaiah 52:12, Isaiah 58:8, Jeremiah 1:8, and Mark 14:28.
Christ has a way of calling us to responsibility while also speaking to our innermost uncertainties. This marriage of challenge, which nudges us forward, and of reassurance, which energizes our tenacity, enables us to remember that God goes before us always. "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b).
Give Alms
One immediate surprise of this parable is Christ's instruction to the disciples not only to sell their possessions but also to give alms. One would have surmised that by selling one's possessions, nothing would remain for giving alms. The seller would need the profit to exist. Earlier in Luke however, speaking to the Pharisees who practiced everything to the letter but missed the action of the heart, Christ instructed, "So give for alms those things that are within" (Luke 11:41a). There are other ways to give voluntarily to the poor than giving money; giving of one's time and acts of service, to name two.
Further, Matthew clarifies the appropriate way to give alms, that is, in a quiet manner unlike the praise-seeking "hypocrites in the synagogues and in the streets" who draw attention to themselves. Matthew adds, "But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:2-4).
Little Flock
The message of the gentle caring of these words addressed first to those whom Jesus loved somehow also enfolds present-day hearers. Something within us also needs comforting even in the midst of activity and fullness of life. We also need the reminder that we are part of a treasured flock guided by a shepherd.
The New Testament image of flock begins with Luke's initial voice of the angel telling the shepherds who were "keeping watch over their flock by night" (Luke 2:8). In today's parable is Luke's recording of Jesus' words of reassurance and his reminder that God means well for followers.
Through the pastoral metaphor, the author of the Gospel of John offers the vision of a sense of community: "I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd" (John 10:16).
Building upon the words of the prophet Jeremiah, "Jesus said to them, 'You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered" 'Ê" (Matthew 26:31). The Jeremiah text reads:
Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord. And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. -- Jeremiah 23:2-3 (KJV)
(See also Jeremiah 10:21.)
Of the 95 biblical references to "flock," Job, the Psalmist, and the Prophets use the term as a metaphor. Jeremiah uses the metaphor eight times. See Jeremiah 13:17, 13:20, 25:34-36, 31:10-12, 49:20, 50:8, and 50:45. As early as Genesis, "shepherd" appears as a metaphor: "He blessed Joseph, and said, 'The God before whom my ancestors Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day'Ê" (Genesis 48:15). However, in the canonical sequence of the Old Testament, Job is the first to use "flock" as a metaphor. (See Job 21:11.)
While only Psalms 68:10, 77:20, 78:52, and 79:13--80:1 use the direct word, "flock," the Twenty-third Psalm sings with singular emphasis. "Shepherd" occurs 53 other times in the Bible. The Prophets refer to "flock" on 33 occasions, led by Isaiah who begins with the familiar "Messiah" text: "He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep" (Isaiah 40:11). But who not living in rural areas thinks about sheep today?
Serve The Slaves
Jesus is an artist at the tool of surprise. When the master returns home, he will have the servants sit down and the master will serve them with gratitude for their readiness. The message: There is recompense for having done the work of our life well, although it may come in an unanticipated form.
Unexpected
The bond of the unexpected, the states of anxiety and of uncertainty, and the constant tension of not knowing when the anticipated will happen can play havoc with one's entire being. Herbert Benson, author of The Relaxation Response,1 awakens us to awareness of the unhealthy physical and psychological consequences of living in a constant, ready-to-spring attitude. Consider the alternative of preparing for the unexpected so we can be ready. Able to relax, we can save the adrenalin for the appropriate time rather than constantly drawing it through our entire system and depleting physical, spiritual, and emotional resources.
3. Parallel Scripture
State Of Alertness
Luke says, "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit" (Luke 12:35) and "You also must be ready" (Luke 12:40). For another reference to the state of alert readiness for the coming of God's realm, see Cycle C, Parable 1, The Sign Of The Fig Tree. The writer of Mark uses the term, "keep awake" (Mark 13:35). Earlier, Mark says, "Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come" (Mark 13:33). In the parable of the bridesmaids and the lamps, Jesus says, "Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour" (Matthew 25:13). (See Cycle A, Parable 12, The Wise And The Foolish, Matthew 25:1ff.) Warning that the kingdom of God was near, Jesus says, "Be on guard ..." (Luke 21:34).
Do Not Be Afraid
This phrase of reassurance appears 66 times in the Bible. Of the sixteen Gospel references, five were spoken by an angel messenger bringing unsettling news. These were the first words the angel said to Joseph then to Mary, to Zechariah, to the shepherds on the hillside, and to the women at the Tomb. (See Matthew 1:20, 28:5; Luke 1:13, 1:30, and 2:10.) First, begin by quieting your fears. Then, hear what I have to say. The recorded sources tell us that Jesus spoke these words eleven times. (See Matthew 10:31, 14:27, 17:7, 28:5, 28:10; Mark 6:50; Luke 5:10, 12:7, 12:32; and John 6:20 and 12:15.)
Within the context of the death of the Centurion's daughter, Jesus calmed, "Do not fear, only believe" (Mark 5:36). Again through the later interpretation of the Gospel according to John, Jesus counters fear with a sense of peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid" (John 14:27), and "I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" (John 16:33).
The Faithful Servant
"Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them" (Luke 12:37). In Matthew, the pleased master will "put that [faithful slave] in charge of all his possessions" (Matthew 24:27), while he will come to the wicked slave at an unexpected hour and "cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 24:26).
Time Of The Coming
Luke says the coming will be at an "unexpected hour" (Luke 12:40). In Cycle C, Parable 1, Luke suggests the coming is not entirely unexpected. Alert people will notice and pay attention to signs of change. However, they must remain attentive lest "that day catch [them] unexpectedly" (Luke 21:34). Luke refers in this parable to "the middle of the night, or near dawn" (Luke 21:38), while Mark says, "[Y]ou do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn" (Mark 13:35).
Treasure
Both Luke and Matthew use "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (See Luke 12:34 and Matthew 6:21.) Luke says, "where ... no moth destroys (Luke 12:33). Matthew says, "where moth and rust consume" (Matthew 6:19). Luke couches the metaphor in the positive, "Make purses for yourselves ..." (Luke 12:34), whereas Matthew's initial statement is the negative, "Do not store up for yourselves" (Matthew 6:19). Matthew completes the thought in the positive mode. Luke says, "where no thief comes near" (Luke 12:33), and Matthew says, "where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). See also the "Consider the lilies" passage about not worrying in Matthew 6:25-33.
5. Chat Room
Brent: Isn't all of this talk about edge of the chair expectation of the coming realm of God outmoded? Wasn't this a ploy to keep people interested in a time they easily could have become passive and simply let go of this new way of living, the Christian way? Contemplating the ending of the world is exciting stuff. While some among us still are caught in predicting the time line of a sudden, world-ending saga, has that not become passe? Having said that, I shudder again at recent memory of human-made disasters that have made such possibilities unexpectedly personal.
Tom: A greater truth gives this parable its continued validity. This parable tells us a lot about God. It tells us about ourselves, about being responsible. The pull still exists between the giving of God's realm on earth and our readiness to receive it. No matter what, God always responds first to the person with these words, "Do not be afraid."
Brent: That is revealing about God. It tells us that God's first concern is to connect at the level of heart. We have so many things to be afraid of today. All sorts of anxiety ramp from the east to the west coast of the North American continent, from ocean to ocean to ocean around the world. Imaginations flare with possible threats. Fear makes complacency shiver.
D.P.: May I join this chat? I am a member of a disaster preparedness committee in our church. I make an analogy between this parable and the possibility of a present day disaster. Disaster preparedness is among the hardest things for most persons to manage. Something inside us resists. We put off becoming as prepared as possible even though we know we are not exempt from an emergency that could make complete chaos out of life as usual.
Brent: Our human nature does tend to ascribe to the head-in-the-sand philosophy, whether it is about preparing for the unforeseen disaster or living as we ought.
D.P.: The moment the evacuation of a town is announced because of a toxic spill caused by the derailment of the 9:20 freight is no time to begin the search for something to put the cat in, get an extra supply of my medications from the pharmacist, and arrange for alternative transportation because my vehicle is in the shop.
Brent: After your son has impregnated his girl friend is no time to talk to him about respecting the being of a woman. After your wife has filed for divorce is a little late to decide to pay more attention to the relationship. When you are having your heart attack --
Tom: I get the idea.
D.P.: Our church folk have disaster readiness partnerships with members who are vulnerable. Beyond preparing, we need to communicate our needs to those who can help or who are important to us as well as letting them know how we have prepared. Becoming as prepared as possible keeps fear in its place. It keeps our lives in perspective. Following guidelines for preparedness keeps a positive focus.
Tom: That also would follow for adhering to the requirements for living within God's realm on earth.
Brent: Are you assuming that the coming of the realm of God is negative and destructive? Consider the effect of what one anticipates with such a coming. If I perceive it primarily from the stance of one who is guilty of numerous shortfalls, then I might see it as a negative coming.
Tom: I may be misinterpreting or even rationalizing, however, I see the realm of God as a nudge, a spiritual realization where people increasingly respect each other. Whenever and wherever we see the promotion of basic human rights, when we increase international cooperation and understanding, and when we move beyond selfishness and self-interest, we further the presence of the realm of God.
D.P.: There will always be the negative comings: tornados, floods, anthrax, the next pipe bomb in the mailbox down the road, whatever it is that is coming next. We can become depleted by fear, or we can take an attitude that counteracts the paralysis of fright.
Brent: If we could return to the parable, another aspect enters here. What do you have to say about not only the slave's invitation to sit down at the owner's table but the owner's serving the servant? It is like a warrior from the opposing side taking time out from the war to locate a new pair of shoes for an "enemy" warrior. It is like a foreman on the assembly line volunteering to fill in for a faithful line worker the last two hours of the shift.
Tom: I think there also is another point. God appreciates our faithfulness. God recognizes our having enough concern for another person to ignore the differences between the two of you, to connect soul to soul. God rewards such devotion to what is right. In the service sector of society, the kind of personal care that grows from human concern and respect puts the person first. It is good business. Furthermore, it is good for the soul. It affirms the intrinsic value of the whole human family.
Brent: So what does this parable tell us about how we are to prepare our inner lives for the coming of the realm of God?
Tom: Well, I'd say do your best to be responsible about following the Two Commandments. It is relationship, relationship, relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. God will notice. Let the rest take care of itself.
Brent: So the moral of the story is to be alert always to how you are living. Keep eye, ear, and heart open. Pay attention to how you go about your business. God will reward your faithfulness beyond what you would expect and probably when you least expect. If we live in this way, we may discover that what we treasure has little to do with money or worldly goods. Its center lies with the intangible qualities of the heart that can exist regardless of the externals.
Tom: God is as generous as the generous owner of the servant. It always has a reciprocal element, doesn't it? The ancient rainbow covenant between God and us always is two-way.
Brent: If we come through, God will come through. Perhaps we can come through because we can trust that God will come through. I don't think this parable is about fear after all. "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," Jesus said. But look out if you are irresponsible.
____________
1. Herbert Benson, The Relaxation Response, (New York: Morrow, William and Company, 2000).
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. [33] Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
[35] "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; [36] be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. [37] Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. [38] If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
[39] "But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. [40] You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
2. What's Happening?
First Point Of Action
Jesus reassures.
Second Point Of Action
Jesus speaks about possessions and treasure.
Third Point Of Action
He advises his listeners to maintain a state of alertness at all times, like watchful servants waiting for the return of their master.
Fourth Point Of Action
The master rewards the faithful servant.
Fifth Point Of Action
One cannot know when the thief will break into the house. Jesus interprets that the coming of the Son of Man is also at an unexpected hour.
3. Spadework
Action
Since 9/11, we have moved closer to grasping the feeling tone of the early Christians who did not know precisely what to expect but anticipated something of catastrophic dimension. The necessary action of readiness is twofold. First, be dressed for action. Be ready. Then give a sign that you are ready. Put a light in your window. Should you live in earthquake land, keep hearing aids or glasses in a secured container beside your bed. Second, communicate what others need to know to those persons who are important to you. Show a trusted person in another apartment the location of your diabetic supplies. Plan signals and alternative escape routes with neighbors. The preparedness list is extensive.
Being "dressed for action" involves more than keeping a pair of shoes and a set of sweats beside the bed during tornado season. Dressed for action implies having made the choice to meet whatever comes with the vigor and attitude of one who is fully present in spirit. The light in the window tells others of your presence as it invites and welcomes. Being prepared and letting others know it involves a partnership of caring, both giving and receiving.
Do Not Be Afraid
If not with fear, then how should one greet the unexpected coming of the Son of Man? Christ's choice of imagery carries a note of tension that interlaces with enthusiastic anticipation. Being apprehensive suggests being filled with fear or concern. It also may indicate being unwilling to do something. Disquietude opposes a sense of peace.
This parable characterizes the pull between the fear of the unknown and its concurrent sense of inadequacy for meeting that unknown and the determination to choose hope over fear. The latter choice requires trust and the faithfulness to stay the course of inner strength that will result in a sense of peace. Such a choice of attitude fortifies one for the unknown without being foolhardy. Among the eighty biblical references from Genesis to Revelation to not being afraid are Psalm 85:13, Psalm 89:14, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 45:2, Isaiah 52:12, Isaiah 58:8, Jeremiah 1:8, and Mark 14:28.
Christ has a way of calling us to responsibility while also speaking to our innermost uncertainties. This marriage of challenge, which nudges us forward, and of reassurance, which energizes our tenacity, enables us to remember that God goes before us always. "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b).
Give Alms
One immediate surprise of this parable is Christ's instruction to the disciples not only to sell their possessions but also to give alms. One would have surmised that by selling one's possessions, nothing would remain for giving alms. The seller would need the profit to exist. Earlier in Luke however, speaking to the Pharisees who practiced everything to the letter but missed the action of the heart, Christ instructed, "So give for alms those things that are within" (Luke 11:41a). There are other ways to give voluntarily to the poor than giving money; giving of one's time and acts of service, to name two.
Further, Matthew clarifies the appropriate way to give alms, that is, in a quiet manner unlike the praise-seeking "hypocrites in the synagogues and in the streets" who draw attention to themselves. Matthew adds, "But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:2-4).
Little Flock
The message of the gentle caring of these words addressed first to those whom Jesus loved somehow also enfolds present-day hearers. Something within us also needs comforting even in the midst of activity and fullness of life. We also need the reminder that we are part of a treasured flock guided by a shepherd.
The New Testament image of flock begins with Luke's initial voice of the angel telling the shepherds who were "keeping watch over their flock by night" (Luke 2:8). In today's parable is Luke's recording of Jesus' words of reassurance and his reminder that God means well for followers.
Through the pastoral metaphor, the author of the Gospel of John offers the vision of a sense of community: "I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd" (John 10:16).
Building upon the words of the prophet Jeremiah, "Jesus said to them, 'You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered" 'Ê" (Matthew 26:31). The Jeremiah text reads:
Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord. And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. -- Jeremiah 23:2-3 (KJV)
(See also Jeremiah 10:21.)
Of the 95 biblical references to "flock," Job, the Psalmist, and the Prophets use the term as a metaphor. Jeremiah uses the metaphor eight times. See Jeremiah 13:17, 13:20, 25:34-36, 31:10-12, 49:20, 50:8, and 50:45. As early as Genesis, "shepherd" appears as a metaphor: "He blessed Joseph, and said, 'The God before whom my ancestors Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day'Ê" (Genesis 48:15). However, in the canonical sequence of the Old Testament, Job is the first to use "flock" as a metaphor. (See Job 21:11.)
While only Psalms 68:10, 77:20, 78:52, and 79:13--80:1 use the direct word, "flock," the Twenty-third Psalm sings with singular emphasis. "Shepherd" occurs 53 other times in the Bible. The Prophets refer to "flock" on 33 occasions, led by Isaiah who begins with the familiar "Messiah" text: "He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep" (Isaiah 40:11). But who not living in rural areas thinks about sheep today?
Serve The Slaves
Jesus is an artist at the tool of surprise. When the master returns home, he will have the servants sit down and the master will serve them with gratitude for their readiness. The message: There is recompense for having done the work of our life well, although it may come in an unanticipated form.
Unexpected
The bond of the unexpected, the states of anxiety and of uncertainty, and the constant tension of not knowing when the anticipated will happen can play havoc with one's entire being. Herbert Benson, author of The Relaxation Response,1 awakens us to awareness of the unhealthy physical and psychological consequences of living in a constant, ready-to-spring attitude. Consider the alternative of preparing for the unexpected so we can be ready. Able to relax, we can save the adrenalin for the appropriate time rather than constantly drawing it through our entire system and depleting physical, spiritual, and emotional resources.
3. Parallel Scripture
State Of Alertness
Luke says, "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit" (Luke 12:35) and "You also must be ready" (Luke 12:40). For another reference to the state of alert readiness for the coming of God's realm, see Cycle C, Parable 1, The Sign Of The Fig Tree. The writer of Mark uses the term, "keep awake" (Mark 13:35). Earlier, Mark says, "Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come" (Mark 13:33). In the parable of the bridesmaids and the lamps, Jesus says, "Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour" (Matthew 25:13). (See Cycle A, Parable 12, The Wise And The Foolish, Matthew 25:1ff.) Warning that the kingdom of God was near, Jesus says, "Be on guard ..." (Luke 21:34).
Do Not Be Afraid
This phrase of reassurance appears 66 times in the Bible. Of the sixteen Gospel references, five were spoken by an angel messenger bringing unsettling news. These were the first words the angel said to Joseph then to Mary, to Zechariah, to the shepherds on the hillside, and to the women at the Tomb. (See Matthew 1:20, 28:5; Luke 1:13, 1:30, and 2:10.) First, begin by quieting your fears. Then, hear what I have to say. The recorded sources tell us that Jesus spoke these words eleven times. (See Matthew 10:31, 14:27, 17:7, 28:5, 28:10; Mark 6:50; Luke 5:10, 12:7, 12:32; and John 6:20 and 12:15.)
Within the context of the death of the Centurion's daughter, Jesus calmed, "Do not fear, only believe" (Mark 5:36). Again through the later interpretation of the Gospel according to John, Jesus counters fear with a sense of peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid" (John 14:27), and "I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" (John 16:33).
The Faithful Servant
"Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them" (Luke 12:37). In Matthew, the pleased master will "put that [faithful slave] in charge of all his possessions" (Matthew 24:27), while he will come to the wicked slave at an unexpected hour and "cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 24:26).
Time Of The Coming
Luke says the coming will be at an "unexpected hour" (Luke 12:40). In Cycle C, Parable 1, Luke suggests the coming is not entirely unexpected. Alert people will notice and pay attention to signs of change. However, they must remain attentive lest "that day catch [them] unexpectedly" (Luke 21:34). Luke refers in this parable to "the middle of the night, or near dawn" (Luke 21:38), while Mark says, "[Y]ou do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn" (Mark 13:35).
Treasure
Both Luke and Matthew use "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (See Luke 12:34 and Matthew 6:21.) Luke says, "where ... no moth destroys (Luke 12:33). Matthew says, "where moth and rust consume" (Matthew 6:19). Luke couches the metaphor in the positive, "Make purses for yourselves ..." (Luke 12:34), whereas Matthew's initial statement is the negative, "Do not store up for yourselves" (Matthew 6:19). Matthew completes the thought in the positive mode. Luke says, "where no thief comes near" (Luke 12:33), and Matthew says, "where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). See also the "Consider the lilies" passage about not worrying in Matthew 6:25-33.
5. Chat Room
Brent: Isn't all of this talk about edge of the chair expectation of the coming realm of God outmoded? Wasn't this a ploy to keep people interested in a time they easily could have become passive and simply let go of this new way of living, the Christian way? Contemplating the ending of the world is exciting stuff. While some among us still are caught in predicting the time line of a sudden, world-ending saga, has that not become passe? Having said that, I shudder again at recent memory of human-made disasters that have made such possibilities unexpectedly personal.
Tom: A greater truth gives this parable its continued validity. This parable tells us a lot about God. It tells us about ourselves, about being responsible. The pull still exists between the giving of God's realm on earth and our readiness to receive it. No matter what, God always responds first to the person with these words, "Do not be afraid."
Brent: That is revealing about God. It tells us that God's first concern is to connect at the level of heart. We have so many things to be afraid of today. All sorts of anxiety ramp from the east to the west coast of the North American continent, from ocean to ocean to ocean around the world. Imaginations flare with possible threats. Fear makes complacency shiver.
D.P.: May I join this chat? I am a member of a disaster preparedness committee in our church. I make an analogy between this parable and the possibility of a present day disaster. Disaster preparedness is among the hardest things for most persons to manage. Something inside us resists. We put off becoming as prepared as possible even though we know we are not exempt from an emergency that could make complete chaos out of life as usual.
Brent: Our human nature does tend to ascribe to the head-in-the-sand philosophy, whether it is about preparing for the unforeseen disaster or living as we ought.
D.P.: The moment the evacuation of a town is announced because of a toxic spill caused by the derailment of the 9:20 freight is no time to begin the search for something to put the cat in, get an extra supply of my medications from the pharmacist, and arrange for alternative transportation because my vehicle is in the shop.
Brent: After your son has impregnated his girl friend is no time to talk to him about respecting the being of a woman. After your wife has filed for divorce is a little late to decide to pay more attention to the relationship. When you are having your heart attack --
Tom: I get the idea.
D.P.: Our church folk have disaster readiness partnerships with members who are vulnerable. Beyond preparing, we need to communicate our needs to those who can help or who are important to us as well as letting them know how we have prepared. Becoming as prepared as possible keeps fear in its place. It keeps our lives in perspective. Following guidelines for preparedness keeps a positive focus.
Tom: That also would follow for adhering to the requirements for living within God's realm on earth.
Brent: Are you assuming that the coming of the realm of God is negative and destructive? Consider the effect of what one anticipates with such a coming. If I perceive it primarily from the stance of one who is guilty of numerous shortfalls, then I might see it as a negative coming.
Tom: I may be misinterpreting or even rationalizing, however, I see the realm of God as a nudge, a spiritual realization where people increasingly respect each other. Whenever and wherever we see the promotion of basic human rights, when we increase international cooperation and understanding, and when we move beyond selfishness and self-interest, we further the presence of the realm of God.
D.P.: There will always be the negative comings: tornados, floods, anthrax, the next pipe bomb in the mailbox down the road, whatever it is that is coming next. We can become depleted by fear, or we can take an attitude that counteracts the paralysis of fright.
Brent: If we could return to the parable, another aspect enters here. What do you have to say about not only the slave's invitation to sit down at the owner's table but the owner's serving the servant? It is like a warrior from the opposing side taking time out from the war to locate a new pair of shoes for an "enemy" warrior. It is like a foreman on the assembly line volunteering to fill in for a faithful line worker the last two hours of the shift.
Tom: I think there also is another point. God appreciates our faithfulness. God recognizes our having enough concern for another person to ignore the differences between the two of you, to connect soul to soul. God rewards such devotion to what is right. In the service sector of society, the kind of personal care that grows from human concern and respect puts the person first. It is good business. Furthermore, it is good for the soul. It affirms the intrinsic value of the whole human family.
Brent: So what does this parable tell us about how we are to prepare our inner lives for the coming of the realm of God?
Tom: Well, I'd say do your best to be responsible about following the Two Commandments. It is relationship, relationship, relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. God will notice. Let the rest take care of itself.
Brent: So the moral of the story is to be alert always to how you are living. Keep eye, ear, and heart open. Pay attention to how you go about your business. God will reward your faithfulness beyond what you would expect and probably when you least expect. If we live in this way, we may discover that what we treasure has little to do with money or worldly goods. Its center lies with the intangible qualities of the heart that can exist regardless of the externals.
Tom: God is as generous as the generous owner of the servant. It always has a reciprocal element, doesn't it? The ancient rainbow covenant between God and us always is two-way.
Brent: If we come through, God will come through. Perhaps we can come through because we can trust that God will come through. I don't think this parable is about fear after all. "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," Jesus said. But look out if you are irresponsible.
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1. Herbert Benson, The Relaxation Response, (New York: Morrow, William and Company, 2000).
