Luke 12:45-48 45But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is taking a long time to come,’ and begins to beat both the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and he will cut him in two and put him with the share of the unfaithful. 47And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or do his will, will beaten greatly.
The parable takes a turn in these verses. Not every servant is faithful, works hard, and does as the master has directed. Jesus next gives a different scenario where the servant is unfaithful and goes to the opposite extreme of the faithful and wise scenario described in verses 42-44. Relationships are important in this story. Whereas, in the first scenario, the hypothetical servant took care of his fellows, in this situation, the servant abuses his fellow servants, even the women.
This extreme treatment shows how little he cares and how selfish he has become. His selfishness becomes even more apparent with his gluttony and drunkenness. Instead of providing food for his fellows, the servant hoards it all for himself. He becomes oblivious to the primary need of being ready and doing as the master directed. What would cause a person to become like this? Letting sin and the flesh gain control to the point of total disregard to those around. Sin always has consequences, as the story will indicate.
The surprise for the servant is when the master shows up on the scene. Kids who play when the their parents are away but the parents suddenly come back know the surprise this servant experienced. He got caught in the act. The master may come any any hour, meaning at any time, night or day. The servant receives the sad outcome of a severe beating. Being cut in two could be symbolic of a severe scolding following by a severe beating. There is no indication that the servant is executed, but he is expelled to join the unfaithful or unbelievers who have no part of the master’s household. He went from the top and being honored with the care of other servants to the bottom. One can imagine all kinds of situations in the ancient world where this treatment might lead a servant or slave.
This part of the parable shows how seriously Jesus takes unfaithfulness. This servant knew better. He had the same directions as in the first situation but chose to go his own way. Those who are given leadership positions must had in humility and kindness, not abuse their positions for selfish reasons. There are many stories in history of leaders–even pastors–abusing the trust that God and people have put in them. They see their positions as opportunities to enjoy themselves. The common word used for this abuse is corruption. As the Master and Judge, Jesus is not pleased with those who act this way. These verses are a strong warning to all believers to be ready and doing what Jesus has called us to do.
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