36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. 38 And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
12:36
and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.
The return of Christ is like a master returning from a wedding feast that could last a whole week; the time of his return would be uncertain. The wedding here is not the wedding supper of the Lamb (Re 19:7-9) because the master returns after the feast. When the master knocks on their door, they are ready to open it.
12:37
Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.
Those who are prepared for Christ’s return are blessed. Those who watch for the Lord’s arrival will be prepared when He actually comes. The Lord will bless those ready for His coming.
The master will give those prepared for his coming a sense of assurance that they will recline at his table, where He will serve them. The term “assuredly” indicates the certainty of Jesus’ fellowship with them and serving them. Jesus will serve His servants who are alert for His coming (Jn 13:3-8). He gave assurance of this promise by the strong affirmation of “assuredly.”
12:38
And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
The “second watch” was from 9 p.m. to midnight. The “third watch” was from midnight to 3 a.m. Believers should be prepared at any time of the day or night for the coming of Christ.
PRINCIPLE:
Believers should remain vigilant for the Lord’s return.
APPLICATION:
Believers should prepare themselves for the Lord’s return; He will bless those who do.
The coming of the Lord in our passage refers to the Second Coming, not the rapture. The Second Coming is the culminating event of history. That event will bring judgment upon the world of the lost and bring blessings to believers. The event will launch Jesus to become the King of Kings of the world. The Second Coming will fulfill all the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments of the event. For example, God will fulfill His promises to Israel when Christ returns (Zech 12:10). It is also the point at which creation will no longer groan (Ro 8:18-22).
