Luke 12:40

40 So don't you be slovenly and careless. Just when you don't expect him, the Son of Man will show up."

Luke 12:40 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 12:40

Be ye therefore ready also
Not habitually, but actually, in the exercise of grace, and the discharge of duty, with loins girt, and lights burning. This may be understood either of a readiness to meet the Lord in the way of his judgments, and particularly the destruction of Jerusalem, which was to be in a few years; or of a preparation for death, and the last judgment, which lies in the righteousness of Christ imputed, and his grace imparted: and to have a comfortable view of the one, and a gracious experience of the other, as they will engage to the performance of good works, to which such are ready; so they make meet for the coming of Christ, be it in what way, and whensoever it will: and the rather, a concern should be had for such a preparation, because of the following reason,

for the son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not;
in either of the above ways; (See Gill on Matthew 24:44).

Luke 12:40 In-Context

38 It doesn't matter what time of the night he arrives; they're awake - and so blessed!
39 "You know that if the house owner had known what night the burglar was coming, he wouldn't have stayed out late and left the place unlocked.
40 So don't you be slovenly and careless. Just when you don't expect him, the Son of Man will show up."
41 Peter said, "Master, are you telling this story just for us? Or is it for everybody?"
42 The Master said, "Let me ask you: Who is the dependable manager, full of common sense, that the master puts in charge of his staff to feed them well and on time?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.