28: A Series of Warnings related with the Time (Luke 12:35 – 59)

Knowing the nature of the kingdom of God: the time of completion is not known, disruption and conflict in our human relationships is inevitable, and now is the day for forgiveness, will teach us what to do now. We will be alert and faithful in our ministry. We will not be discouraged or led astray by the objections of our loved ones. We will diligently seek reconciliation with God while the opportunity is still given.

👉 Read Luke 12:35-59

Q1. We must stay alert to open the door (       ) when he knocks. These people are blessed because he will seat them at (       ) and serve them. We must stay alert because we do not know (       ) he arrives.

We must stay alert to open the door ( immediately) when he knocks. These people are blessed because he will seat them at ( the table ) and serve them. We must stay alert because we do not know ( the time ) he arrives.

Only the one who is waiting for Jesus’ coming could open the door right away when He knocks at the door. Note, we have no way to know His coming until He knocks the door.

V37-38 emphasize that He seats his exhausted, watchful servants in the place of honored guests.

Q2. We steward money, time, talent, and everything God has entrusted to us. Our mission is to distribute those things to others who need them (v42). What thought makes us neglect this duty of distributing? (v45)

ANS: The Lord is not coming soon, not today.

We can be alert and grow in faith if we regard the Lord's return as imminent. If you are nervous and anxious about His return tonight, you should check if you believe the gospel. If you enjoy the world while being lazy, you should ask if you have faith. Waiting for the Lord is like a bride waiting for the bridegroom to come.

Our duty is to serve others with what is entrusted to us.

Our reward is more authority over His possessions (His kingdom).

V42-43 and v45-46 show two extreme cases. What if we don’t serve others but don't beat others either? The Bible often doesn’t talk about the mediocre stance between faithful and unfaithful. What do you think about such a case?

V47-48 could be Jesus’ indirect answer to Peter’s question in v41. Such severe punishment for those with willing unfaithfulness tells of their evil intentions.

Q3. Jesus came to give trouble, not peace (v51), because He proclaimed the message of the cross (v50). Why does it bring conflicts between people, even between families? (This is a meditation question) 

ANS: The gospel of the cross cannot be accepted without the grace of the Holy Spirit. And it has a higher priority than anything in the world (family or life). Therefore, there can be a division between believers and nonbelievers in the family. I'm not saying to antagonize the unbelieving family, but that the gospel naturally divides them into believers and unbelievers, which creates a possibility of conflict.

The gospel of the cross reveals what is hidden in our hearts.

If know this, you won’t be distressed too much encountering objection from your beloved ones.

Q4. Jesus was worried, "How can you not interpret the present time?" (v56). What did Jesus want them to understand about of 'the present time?' (v58-59, hint: 2Cor 6:2)

ANS: It is the time of forgiveness and salvation. Jesus proclaimed so, but they refused to accept the offer of salvation. If you haven't yet, you should return to the Lord before it is too late. 

We must not misunderstand the day of grace as if God were overlooking and tolerating our sins. The reason judgment for sin does not fall immediately is that today is the day of salvation. Today is the day of salvation; tomorrow is the day of judgment.