Jesus is
continuing to address His “little flock” (the disciples) even as the rest of us
are standing around them, listening in. He fully realizes that He is asking a
lot from the disciples – so He asks for even more.
“Stay dressed –
ready for action!” Jesus urges them. “Keep working!” The happiest servants,
Jesus tells them, will be those whom the Master personally greets with the words “well
done; your work is complete – you can put down your tools now.” The happiest
servants are those who will be found working to the Master’s satisfaction – not
their own. These are the people the Master will serve at table.
“The Son of Man
is coming in an hour you do not expect,” warns Jesus. Therefore, expect Him in
every hour. He may come in the front door as the Master-Bridegroom or slip in
the back as a thief, therefore be watchful.
Peter
interrupts to check his understanding. He asks Jesus to make a distinction
between what he perceives to be leaders and followers. “Are you talking to us
or to the crowd?”
Peter may be
confused because Jesus is talking about the Second Coming (and He hasn’t even
left yet), but it’s more likely that this has struck a chord (albeit wrongly)
within him – and possibly the others – about titles and responsibilities.
Jesus turns the
question around. “You tell me: who among the servants is willing to serve all
the others? That’s your leader – a faithful, sensible Manager. Be careful of
your aspirations. If you know the Master’s will but do not do it, you will be
severely punished.”
Suddenly, Jesus sounds tired, angry and frustrated. With every step toward Jerusalem, the tension rises (regardless of whether or not the disciples feel it). And despite His many lessons on servanthood, the disciples continue to miss the point.
Make no
mistake, says Jesus, I have come to set the world on fire! But before I do, I must undergo
a baptism of suffering, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished
Why does He sound so stressed? No home, no rest, squabbling disciples, greedy crowds, hypocritical Pharisees and a two-faced close friend with a knife in one hand and a moneybag in the other – Jesus has plenty of reasons to be a little short-tempered.
Why are you so stubbornly, willfully blind? He asks. When you look to the west and see clouds, you know a shower is on its way. And you're right! When the wind rises and blows from the south, you say, "Today will be a hot one!" And you're right again! How is it then that you are unable – or unwilling – to read the signs of the times? Why can't – or won't – you decide for yourselves what is right?
Jesus continues to shake His head in disappointment and confusion, and the disciples move away to give Him space – only to enter yet another argument about who among them is the greatest.
Meanwhile, the greatest servant is struggling to hold His own as He walks on – alone in an ever-growing crowd – to Jerusalem.
