All too often, those who profess to follow the Lord Jesus Christ get caught up in the everyday worries and affairs of life. While we may know theologically that we should live our lives in expectation of eternity and Jesus’ return, it is hard practically to avoid living with our main focus on a job, school, finances, and family problems. Our thoughts of Jesus and His return get relegated to the back of our minds. The good news for us is that Jesus understands this. He intentionally did not make know the day and hour that He would return, so that we could not put Him off until the “last minute.” And in Luke’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that we need to be prepared for His return – and that means prayerfully watching and waiting. This is a critically important part of the Christian life, because “Ready or Not, Jesus is Coming!” (Luke 12:35-48)

I. Be Ready
A. As a Faithful Servant
B. As One Who Does Not Know the Hour

II. Consequences of Readiness
A. Reward from the Master
B. Just Punishment

III. What Does Jesus Expect from Me?

Questions for consideration: (1) Do you think about Jesus’ return? If so, how? If now, why?
(2) Why do you think the Lord goes to great efforts to explain to us that we cannot know when Jesus will return? (3) Think about the ways in which Jesus has blessed you. What does that mean for your state of readiness at His return?