A Tale of Two Servants Part 1
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Observing the behavior and outcome of two vastly different servants while the return of their Master is delayed-- focusing on the faithful servant.
Text: Luke 12:41-46
Date: 01/07/2024, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 132
Description:
Luke's melding of the themes of servanthood and the Second Coming continues in a poignant tale of two very different servants. One is faithful and dutifully carries out the tasks his master expects of him-- even when the master is away. The other takes the opportunity of the master's absence to indulge in egregiously sinful behavior. We will carefully analyze the behavior of the two servants, as well as the master's reward for the faithful servant and the punishment for the wicked one. We will apply this distinction to individual Christians as well as the church as a whole, as we wait for our Master's return at His Second Coming. As was the case with the last parable Jesus told of the ever ready and watchful servant, we will learn the great value of living a life that our Lord will be pleased with as we consider this tale of two servants. This message will focus on the attributes and behavior of the faithful servant, leaving the study of the wicked servant to next week.
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I. Introduction, Mark 1:15
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 12:41-46.
A. Context
1. The parable of the rich fool, Luke 12:19.
2. The parable of the Kingdom-servant.
B. Two parables on servanthood.
1. A parable for "us or for all?", vs. 41.
2. The faithful servant, vs. 42-44.
a. The question, vs 42.
i. The faithful and wise manager.
1) How the question is framed.
2) Looking at the words.
a) "faithful"
b) "wise", James 3:15,17.
c) The manager.
ii. Fruits of faithful wisdom.
iii. Answering the question.
b. The blessed servant, vs. 43.
i. A state of blessedness.
ii. The relationship confirmed.
iii. The reason for the blessing.
c. The nature of the blessing, vs. 44.
i. The "truth formula".
ii. The reward.
1) The eschatological reward, Matt. 25:21, Rom. 8:16-17, 1Cor. 2:9.
2) Reward in the "here and now".
d. Interpreting the blessing.
3. The wicked servant, vs. 45-46.
a. A sharp distinction, vs. 45.
i. The irrationality of the wicked servant, vs. 45a.
1) References of irrationality.
a) Like the religious leaders.
b) Like the rich fool, Luke 12:19.
2) The faulty reasoning.
a) The example of the Exodus, Ex. 32:1.
b) A sharp comparison.
c) An eschatological delay.
ii. The debauchery of the wicked servant, vs. 45b.
1) Mistreating his fellow servants, Matt. 20:25-26, Ezek. 34:10.
2) Dereliction of duty, Ex. 32:6, Luke 12:19, 1Cor. 15:32.
b. The punishment of the wicked servant, vs. 46.
i. The unexpected return.
1) Faulty reasoning exposed.
2) The relationship confirmed.
3) The eschatological setting, Matt. 24:27.
4) The essence of New Testament eschatology, Matt. 25:31-32.
ii. The harsh punishment.
1) He will be "cut to pieces", 1Sam. 15:33, Heb. 11:37.
2) He will be put with the unbelievers, Luke 12:5,9,10.
III. Application
A. To the wicked servants.
B. To the faithful servants.
IV. Conclusion
