Be Ready!

Be Ready

Luke 12:35-40

Introduction

1. In Luke 9:51 we began studying the ‘Travel Narrative’ - ten chapters in Luke that contain several unique passages not found in the other gospels. It is the Travel Narrative because it begins with Jesus beginning his journey to Jerusalem. Along the way he is teaching his disciples how to live the Kingdom life - preparing them for his departure. Throughout his teachings is the promise to return at a future time. During the delay in time between his resurrection and second coming, disciples will face challenges that might cause them to struggle, become weary, or even lazy. Jesus explains that disciples need to develop a sense of being ready for his unpredictable return.

2. This text speaks to us as we await His Return. In the 250 chapters in the NT, Christ’s return is mentioned 318 times… 1 verse in 25. The only books that do not mention the Second Advent are Galatians and the tiny letters of 2 and 3 John. (Hughes) Jesus often spoke of his return. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). Paul’s epistles are filled with references and John begins the book of Revelation with the warning, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him… I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, who was, and who is to come” (Revelation 1:7,8). Peter called this the “blessed Hope” (1 Peter 1:3).

3. What does it mean to Be Ready?

1. Be Prepared! (Luke 12:35-36)

A. Preparation is Essential! “Are You Ready?” Dressed, ready for service. No time to get ready later. Lamps burning, prepared in the daylight with attention to lasting through the night. What are we doing to prepare for the second coming of Christ? OR are we living as if it will never happen? This story reminds me of the Ten virgins…5 didn’t have oil for their lamps and while they were out the groom arrived!

B. If you have the sense that you are not ready for Jesus to return, I encourage you to work on that!

2. Be Patient! (Luke 12:37-38)

A. Vs 38 … even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. They could be there all night … This passage has a sense of alertness, anticipation.It is a mental awareness of the impending arrival..It is a physical action that indicates awareness. (Not just an attitude - but an action in life). In the next section after our text Jesus talks about those who just aren’t ready, even though they knew they should be - they became lax.

B. Perseverance waiting for the return of Jesus is hard - we don’t like to wait! They’re sitting by lit lamps, watching out the window, waiting. "You know what waiting is like. Waiting can be boring. It can be angering. It can be frustrating. Spiritual waiting may mean we’ve spent a long time grieving, wondering, aching, longing. Waiting is difficult, maybe even impossible. But we still hold out hope, even if hope is small and sometimes feels ridiculous. A tiny lamp, but it’s still lit". - Sevier We Are waiting and ready, and want to stay that way. Remember This is a joyful waiting for the Master. They don’t have to be begged to open the door!

3. Be Assured! (12:37-38)

A. A great change happens in this story - the Master serves the slaves! This reminds us of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. The return of Jesus is not just about him, but about what He intends to give to us forever.

B. It’s worth waiting for even it is daybreak when he arrives.

C. Be assured that God will keep all of his promises and there will be great blessings to His children when Jesus returns!

4. Be Alert! (39-40)

A. The imagery shifts now from servants awaiting a Master to the scenario of a thief in the home! The meaning is similar - be alert that Jesus could come back at any moment! We may not know when a thief comes, but we do know that Jesus is coming! 2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

B. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.