Luke 12:35-48

35“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning,

36as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.

37The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!

38He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

39“Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into.

40You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

41Peter asked, “Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?”

42And the Lord replied, “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.

43If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.

44I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.

45But what if the servant thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?

46The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.

47“And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.

48But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.