Luke 12:32-48

     The discussion of worldly goods, anxiety and faith concludes with Jesus telling his disciples to have no fear, sell possessions so they can give to the poor, to provide for themselves spiritual purses, whose wealth is in heaven, for no moths can chew that up and no thieves can steal it. For, Jesus said, where our treasure is, so will our hearts be.
     Few Christians have been as radical as to sell all their possessions, yet many Christians have learned the joy of denying themselves and giving generously. Jesus here masterfully points meaning back at the story which he had used earlier, that of the man who had built a bigger barn thinking that was what he needed, only to learn that earthly belongings are temporary--he should have been paying more attention to matters of the soul.
     The climax of what Jesus says is his comment that where our treasure is, that is where our hearts will be found. Jesus understood human nature extremely well. If what we treasure is earthly, our souls will be earthbound. If what we treasure is spiritual, our souls will gain wings.
     Jesus then shifts to another matter, the subject of readiness. He images a servant waiting for the master to return home from a wedding party. Such a party could conclude at any time, short or long. The master might leave the party at any time. The servant doesn’t have any idea. Does the wise servant head for sleep and figure there’s plenty of time?
      Forget modern concepts of fair employment and eight-hour workdays--those don’t apply here. In the day and time of Jesus, the servant paid attention to the needs and wants of the master. If the master returned home and found things out-of-place, not prepared, there would be reprisals. Jesus was pointing out that the wise servant stays ready.
     Then Jesus shifts to a situation anyone might face, even the poor. No one expects a burglar. No one knows the time someone might break in a steal something. Even if it has never happened, the wise householder does not lull themselves into a state of security. It could happen, without warning.
     Using these images of wisdom and preparedness, Jesus reminds them to be ready, because they never know when the Son of Man is be among them.
      Peter, ever the literal man who wants detailed instructions, wants to know if this applies to everyone, or just to the disciples.
     Jesus, ever one to ask people to think, doesn’t give a simple yes or no. Instead he returns to the image of the wise and trusty servant. Who is this servant? Who is the one appointed as the steward (a powerful and honorable position)? It won’t be the one who slacks off and abuses the other servants. It will be the one who was faithful and ready.
      Jesus concludes with the comment that to those who have been given much, much will be expected. This is reminiscent of his parable of the talents.

Where would you say your treasure is?
Is readiness important for you?
What are you waiting for?
What is your readiness as a steward?