Luke 12:28-48

28 If this is how God clothes grass, which is alive in the field today and thrown in the oven tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you! What little trust you have!

29 "In other words, don't strive after what you will eat and what you will drink -- don't be anxious.

30 For all the pagan nations in the world set their hearts on these things. Your Father knows that you need them too.

31 Rather, seek his Kingdom; and these things will be given to you as well.

32 Have no fear, little flock, for your Father has resolved to give you the Kingdom!

33 Sell what you own and do tzedakah -- make for yourselves purses that don't wear out, riches in heaven that never fail, where no burglar comes near, where no moth destroys.

34 For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also.

35 "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit,

36 like people waiting for their master's return after a wedding feast; so that when he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him without delay.

37 Happy the slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes! Yes! I tell you he will put on his work clothes, seat them at the table, and come serve them himself!

38 Whether it is late at night or early in the morning, if this is how he finds them, those slaves are happy.

39 "But notice this: no house-owner would let his house be broken into if he knew when the thief was coming.

40 You too, be ready! For the Son of Man will come when you are not expecting him."

41 Kefa said, "Sir, are you telling this parable for our benefit only or for everyone's?"

42 The Lord replied, "Nu, who is the faithful and sensible manager whose master puts him in charge of the household staff to give them their share of food at the proper time?

43 It will go well with that servant if he is found doing his job when his master comes.

44 Yes, I tell you he will put him in charge of all he owns.

45 But if that servant says to himself, `My master is taking his time coming,' and starts bullying the men- and women-servants, and eating and drinking, getting drunk,

46 then his master will come on a day when the servant isn't expecting him, at a time he doesn't know in advance; his master will cut him in two and put him with the disloyal.

47 Now the servant who knew what his master wanted but didn't prepare or act according to his will, will be whipped with many lashes;

48 however, the one who did what deserves a beating, but didn't know, will receive few lashes. From him who has been given much, much will be demanded -- from someone to whom people entrust much, they ask still more.