39
“Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into.
40
You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
41
Peter asked, “Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?”
42
And the Lord replied, “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.
43
If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.
44
I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.
45
But what if the servant thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?
46
The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.
47
“And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.
48
But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.
49
“I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!