What Jesus Did! 'A Greater Responsibility' — Luke 12:41-48

Monday, August 21, 2023

Peter asked, "Lord, is that illustration [about being ready] just for us or for everyone?"

And 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. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But 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? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.

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

— Luke 12:41-48 NLT

Key Thought

Peter's question to Jesus brings home the message for those of us who lead, whether in business, education, friendship, church, family, community, or anywhere else. We've been given the blessings of grace and influence. How we lead is not just a matter of our group, family, or organization doing well; it is also a matter of honoring the Lord with our best efforts and with holy conduct. He has given us skill, influence, and position to be a blessing to others. If we shirk our responsibilities, if we lead unfairly or harshly, or if we "slack off" in using our gifts, we will be judged harshly. Why? Because the Lord has shared powerfully and bountifully with us. He expects us to do the same. We've been given much; God expects much from us!

Today's Prayer

O gracious Father, I know that you have blessed me in many incredible ways. I want to use my gifts, abilities, and talents in ways that honor you and bless your people. I want to use my influence to bring others to you. I want my leadership to be a blessing to all that my life touches. May my life bless others and honor the investment that you have made in me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Peter 4:10-11
  • 1 Peter 5:1-4
  • Hebrews 13:20-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 12:41-48 NLT — "Lord, is that illustration [about being ready] just for us or for everyone?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.