35-40. loins . . . girded—to fasten up the long outer garment, always done before travel and work (2 Kings 4:29; Acts 12:8). The meaning is, Be in readiness. lights, &c.—(See on Acts 12:8- :). read more
36. return from the wedding—not come to it, as in the parable of the virgins. Both have their spiritual significance; but preparedness for Christ's coming is the prominent idea. read more
37. gird himself, &c.—"a promise the most august of all: Thus will the Bridegroom entertain his friends (nay, servants) on the solemn Nuptial Day" [BENGEL]. read more
38. second . . . third watch—To find them ready to receive Him at any hour of day or night, when one might least of all expect Him, is peculiarly blessed. A servant may be truly faithful, even though taken so far unawares that he has not everything in such order and readiness for his master's return as he thinks is due to him, and both could and would have had if he had had notice of the time of his coming, and so may not be willing to open to him "immediately," but fly to preparation, and let... read more
Jesus’ encouragement 12:35The word "treasure" occurred at the beginning and the end of the preceding teaching and indicated its subject (Luke 12:21; Luke 12:34). Likewise the word "ready" serves the same function in this pericope (Luke 12:35; Luke 12:40). Disciples need to be ready for service and ready to dispel the darkness in the future as they do in the present. read more
The importance of readiness 12:35-40Jesus pictured His disciples as servants waiting expectantly for their master’s return (cf. Mark 13:33-37). He promised them a reward beyond imagination for their faithfulness. The parable of the 10 virgins is similar to this one in its teaching (cf. Matthew 25:1-13). read more
4. The coming of the Son of Man 1:12:35-48Jesus’ teaching of the disciples continued without a break. However the subject shifted from ceasing to be anxious about material possessions to being ready for the Son of Man’s coming. Freedom from anxiety can lead to laziness. Jesus did not want His disciples to be lazy but to prepare for His return. He taught this lesson with two parables. This teaching is the first indication in Luke that Jesus would leave His disciples and then return to them later. read more
In this parable the master returns from a wedding feast. Perhaps Jesus had the heavenly marriage supper of Jesus with His bride, the church, in view (cf. Revelation 4-5). This event will precede His second coming to the earth (Revelation 19). Jesus was not referring to the messianic banquet since that will follow the Second Coming. The disciples in view are on earth, and Jesus is returning from heaven. Thus this parable is most directly applicable to disciples living on the earth during the... read more
The parable of the faithful servants 12:36-38 read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Luke 12:37-40
Luke 12:37-40. Will come forth, and serve them, &c.— It was usual for servants to sit at table, and for the master to wait upon them, among the Babylonians, at their feast called Saccas; among the Cretans, in their Hermoea; and among the Romans, in their Saturnalia: but whether our Lord alluded to these, or any of these, it is difficult to judge. The words certainly are very intelligible, without supposing any such reference. Our Lord, in the next verse, enforced constant watchfulness, and... read more