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Forerunner Commentary
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<< Luke 12:34

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What Does Luke 12:35 Mean?

In relation to Luke 12:35, "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning," readiness and vigilance are essential for disciples awaiting Jesus Christ, the Son of Man. Servants must remain alert, as depicted in parables where they wait for their master's return, even late at night or early morning. Expectant watchfulness defines the posture of believers, who cannot predict the moment of His arrival but must be prepared to welcome Him instantly. If found worthy through constant vigilance, the master will care for them. This state of readiness reflects the unique blessing of being called and valued by God, emphasizing the importance of always being prepared for His return.

Luke 12:35-40

From this, we can see that expectant watchfulness is the normal posture of a Christian. Jesus wants us to be ready for His return at any time, and as servants, we are in no position to determine when to expect Him. He will come when He will come, and we must be prepared to welcome Him whenever that happens to be.

Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Where Is the Promise of His Coming?

Related Topics: Alertness | Faithful Servants | Faithfulness | Jesus Christ's Return | Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants | Parable of the Faithful and True Servants | Parable of the Ten Virgins | Readiness | Responsibility, Sense of | Servant | Stewardship | Vigilance | Watchfulness | Watching

Luke 12:35-38

"Watching" points directly to the necessity of being ready for Jesus Christ, the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). It also includes patiently waiting, as is seen in Matthew 25:1-13, where the virgins must wait for the bridegroom. If the master's return is late at night or very early in the morning, the alertness of the servants is even more commendable. Jesus teaches that His disciples should always be ready because He would come at a time when they would not be expecting Him. The parable pictures several servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet. They must remain constantly vigilant so that the master could enter the house immediately upon arriving at home. If they prove worthy by being watchful and ready, their master will care for them.

Martin G. Collins
Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants

Related Topics: Alertness | Faithfulness | Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants | Parable of the Ten Virgins | Readiness | Responsibility, Sense of | Servant | Stewardship | Vigilance | Watchfulness | Watching

Luke 12:35-40

These strong warnings and encouragements apply only to one small and unique group of very special people who are blessed and valuable to God above all on earth (Malachi 3:16-17). They are special and valuable not because they are great, talented, and accomplished in this world, but because God has called them, covered them with the priceless blood of Jesus Christ, and made them His regenerated children.

John W. Ritenbaugh
The Elements of Motivation (Part Five): Who We Are