35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. (Luke 12:35-40 KJV)
You Must Be Ready
He urged them to stay ready for his return, when those with treasure in heaven will enter into it (Luke 12:35 and following). Christ is our Master, and we are his servants—not just working but waiting servants. “If anyone serves me, let him follow me.” That means honoring him by watching for him, expecting his return, like servants waiting late into the night for their master.
Though absent now, Christ will return—like a bridegroom coming home after celebrating his wedding abroad, ready to finish the celebration at home. His servants must live in anticipation of his glorious return. On that day, he will judge his servants. That day will determine whether they stay with him or are cast out.
His return is uncertain—late at night, in the second or third watch (Luke 12:38). His coming at death will surprise many. “The Son of Man comes at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40). This reminds us not only of the timing’s uncertainty but of how unprepared most people are.
What he requires is readiness—to open to him immediately when he comes (Luke 12:36). That means being spiritually prepared, with loins girded (ready to serve), and lights burning (ready to welcome him). The servant’s robe is tucked up to move freely; the light is kept burning to guide the Master.
Servants found ready when he comes will be blessed (Luke 12:37-38). Those who watch and stay alert will be honored in an extraordinary way. He will make them sit at his table, and he will serve them. Jesus once served his disciples, washing their feet (John 13:4-5), a picture of the joy with which he’ll welcome them into heaven. “Where I am, there will my servant be also—and my Father will honor him” (John 12:26).
We don’t know when he’ll come, so we must always be ready. If someone knew exactly when a thief would come, they’d stay up and guard their house (Luke 12:39). But we don’t know when the alarm will sound—so we must always be watching. If people take that much care for their houses, how much more should we care for our souls? “Be ready,” Jesus says—just as ready as the homeowner who knew the thief was coming.