Message Notes

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPECIAL 26 July 2020

TEXTS: Luke 12:35-48; Matthew 24:45-51

INTRODUCTION

1. A Triple Parable with the same theme: Watchfulness

a) Parable of good servants awaiting the return of the Master  (Luke 12:35-40)

b) Parable of a watchful houseowner (Luke 12:39)

c) Parable of good and bad servants in contrast waiting for the Master (Luke 12:42-48; Matthew 24:45-51)

2. They were spoken to the Disciples

PARABLE OF THE GOOD SERVANTS

Luke 12:35-40

1. Encouragement to be good and faithful

2. Defining terms:

a) Waiting

They wait for the return of the Master (Luke 12:36)

b) Watching

They are watchful (Luke 12:37)

b) Ready

Challenge to be ready all the time (Luke 12:40)

3. Understanding Time

a) Day Time

i) 1^st hour   7.00am

ii) 11^th hour 5.00pm

b) Night time

i) 1^st Watch 6.00pm- 9.00pm

ii) 2^nd Watch 9.00pm- 12.00nn

iii) 3^rd Watch 12.00nn- 3.00am

iv) 4^th Watch 3.00am- 6.00am

3. The 1^st Parable 

The Parable of the Watchful Servants

a) The Master is away at a wedding

 The house is left to the servants

b) The Return of the Master

i) 1^st Watch (6.00pm- 9.00pm)

Luke 12:36-37

ii) 2^nd Watch (9.00pm- 12.00mn)

Luke 12:38a

iii) 3^rd Watch  (12.00mn- 3.00am)

Luke 12:38b

c) Blessing of the good and faithful servants

i) The Master knocks (Luke 12:36)

ii) They immediately open the door (Luke 12:36)

iii) 1^st Watch context (though not mentioned)

d) Blessing also of the watchful servants

i) If the Master returns on the 2^nd Watch (Luke 12:38a)

ii) Or if he returns on the 3^rd Watch (Luke 12:38b)

4. 2^nd Parable

Parable of a wise house owner 

a) A short parable

b) Watchfulness is essential

c) Watchfulness of a house owner

i) If he knew when the thief comes, he would have kept watch (Luke 12:39a)

ii) He would be able to prevent the thief from breaking in (Luke 12:39b)

POINT OF BOTH PARABLES

1. Therefore you also be ready,

2. For the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect (Luke 12:40)

THE QUESTION OF PETER

1. “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us,”

2. Or to all people?” (Luke 12:41)

THE THIRD PARABLE

Parable of Contrasting Servants

Luke 12:42-48; Matthew 24:45-51

1. The good steward of the house 

a) He is faithful

b) He is wise (prudent) (Luke 12:42a)

c) He is appointed to be head of his household (Luke 12:42b)

d) He is in charge of the other servants (he looks after their meals) (Luke 12:42c)

e) He is blessed when the Master returns and finds him faithfully serving (Luke 12:43)

f) He will appoint him to a higher position
He will look after all the Master’s goods (Luke 12:44)

2. One example of a bad steward of the house

a) He thinks that his Master will not be returning soon

b) He is described as bad servant (Matthew 24: 48)

c) He beats both male and female servants (Luke 12:45)

d) He is described as drunk (with drunkards) (Matthew 24:49)

e) The Master returns unexpectedly (Luke 12:46)

f) The punishment of the bad steward

i) He will be cut in two

ii) He will be given the portion of the unbelievers (Luke 12:46)

3. A second example of a bad steward

a) He knew his Master’s will (Luke 12:47a)

b) He did not prepare himself to do according to his master’s will (Luke 12:47b)

c) He will be beaten with many stripes (Luke 12:47c)

3. A third example of a bad steward

a) He did not know (Luke 12:48a)

b) He did things worthy of punishment (Luke 12:48b)

c) He will be beaten with a few stripes (Luke 12:48c)

POINT OF THIS PARABLE

1. For everyone to whom much is given,

From him much is expected (Luke 12:48d)

2. And to whom much has been committed,

Of him they will ask the more (Luke 12:48e)

SUMMARY OF LESSONS

1. Be watchful

2. Be faithful and wise

3. Never abuse rights and privileges

4. We are all accountable

5. We will be blessed when we are truly faithful and watchful