Christian Art | Parables Of Jesus | King James Audio Bible KJV
Luke 12: 39-48 | King James Audio Bible | KJV | Parables Of Jesus | Week 29 Wednesday
39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
41 ¶ Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
The parable teaches us that we must be ready, because we do not know when Christ will come to us, for the final account of our lives. This is a warning, edging our lives with the unpredictable.
One positive effect of this parable is that it helps us to remain alert to the present moment. While it is easy to allow our thoughts to drift from where we are here and now, to recall the past, to worry or hope for the future, or to slip into daydreams and fantasy altogether, it is when we bring our attention to this very moment of time that we find sharpness, significance, and vibrancy in our life. We may realise just how extraordinary this great gift of life truly is, and feel empowered to live well and offer ourselves wholly to God. When we are attentive to this moment in time we may walk with Jesus.
Peter’s question, ‘Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?’ recalls Jesus’ saying:
[I]t is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. (Matthew 13: 11-13)
Jesus responds with another parable, of the master and the steward, which might well be particularly attuned to Peter’s future needs and role within the Church. The steward is set over the household to take care of them, to be a good servant, and his blessings will be great if he is found to be performing his role well.
It might be that Peter, with the other disciples, who will be shepherds of the Christian people, are being particularly warned by Jesus to continue to show all love and kindness and respect for duty – all faithfulness – as time passes and some might imagine that Christ’s return has been indefinitely delayed.
In telling the parable, Jesus knows that the full meaning of his return, of the coming of the Kingdom, will emerge with time, and that an adjustment of understanding may be required. The stewardship of the apostles and their descendents is for all time.
The parable is also for everyone, all Christians. When Christ called us to be his brothers and sisters we were all given much, a tremendous living principle to animate our lives, such that we may accomplish our life’s mission, whatever it might be. We have our Christian service to perform, not least to be alive and responsive to Christ in each moment, and to find ourselves complete as we fulfil our ultimate purpose, to love God.
Psalm 130 (129)
OUT of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.
2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
7 Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
The Parable of the Master and the Steward is one of the many parables used by Jesus to teach about the Kingdom of God. In this parable, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful in one’s stewardship of the things God has entrusted to us.
Jesus teaches Christians to anticipate the Second Coming, the Parousia, when he will return to judge the living and the dead. The Parable of the Master and the Steward reminds us to be diligent in our faith and to be ready for Jesus’ return, as we do not know when it will occur.
This parable relates to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed and was arrested before his crucifixion, and the Sermon on the Mount, where he taught the disciples about God’s laws and the principles of the Kingdom of God – about the path to heaven. The crucifixion of Jesus, the Christian Cross, is the ultimate sign of Jesus’ sacrifice and love for humanity, and it is the crux of the meaning of parables. Through the Christian Cross, we receive forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal life with God.
In Christianity, the Church acts as a community of believers who worship and praise God through prayer, baptism, and other spiritual practices. We pray for heaven, and we pray for the spiritual assistance to reject hell.
We are called to be prepared and faithful in our stewardship of God’s gifts, and to always be ready for Jesus’ return. Through worship, prayer, and other spiritual practices, we can honour God and so we hope secure our place in heaven.
Saint Anastasius of Antioch offers a deeply theological meditation on one of the central mysteries of the Christian faith: that the immortal God truly suffered and died. Drawing on Scripture, the early Church’s understanding of the Incarnation, and Christ’s own words, Anastasius explains why this suffering was not only possible, but necessary. This paradox—that the impassible God underwent suffering—is not a contradiction but the heart of divine love revealed in Christ [ … ]
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
- George Herbert | The Temple | The Church | The Church-Floore | Christian Poems | Metaphysical Poetry
The poem describes a metaphorical interior of a sacred space. This symbolizes a concept of the human heart as a temple built by God. Each element of the architecture serves as an allegory for spiritual virtues, struggles, and the divine influence in maintaining the integrity of the space. The poet weaves a contemplative vision that ties physical imagery to theological themes [ … ]
