Luke 12:41-46 (NIV) Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?”
The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.”
In response to Peter’s question about the preceding statement, that the servants of the master must be ready for his arrival at every moment, Jesus particularizes the application to the apostles with another parable.
The core of the message is not changed in the least – only the cast undergoes a slight modification. They are now not just servants, but managers, given specific instruction to care for and meet the needs of the other servants. Far from being given more slack, these managers are held to an even higher standard. If they are faithful in their duties, found doing them when the master shows up, there is potential for great reward, and even greater responsibilities. But if they start to become lazy, self-indulgent, and abusive to those they have been given charge of, then the penalties will be equally severe.
All who have been entrusted with the care of others in the Church must be aware that, as in the parable, the Master could show up at any moment (and not just when Jesus returns, but at any moment between now and then, to individuals as well as groups) and will not be pleased with those who are either abusive or slackers. Their punishment is swift and severe – cut to pieces and assigned a place with unbelievers. There’s not any punishment more severe than that!
Many see leadership in the Church as a place of privilege, something to be strived for and worked toward, with many perks and privileges. But Jesus points out that leadership, from His standpoint, comes with awesome responsibilities, and should be taken up only by those who are completely willing to do things His way. To do otherwise will be completely disastrous!
Father, this is a sobering reality. It is a great privilege to be a leader in Your Church, but along with that great privilege comes great responsibility, and great liability if we are not faithful. Help me to always take the role You have assigned me seriously, and to uphold my duties responsibly. Amen.