“Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?”
The full verse · Luke 12:41 · KJV
unto , , speakest , ?
Asked by
Peter: Simon called Peter, one of the twelve apostles, asking about the parable of the waiting servants (Luke 12:35-41)
Asked to
Jesus: the Son of God and promised Messiah, who had just told of servants waiting for their lord and said, "Be ye therefore ready also" (Luke 12:36-40)
The Scene
Jesus has just told of servants waiting for their lord to return from a wedding, and warned, "the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not" (Luke 12:36-40).
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionPeter wanted to know who the teaching was for. Was it a special word for the apostles, or a word for everyone? Gill says Peter was in doubt "whether the above discourse was peculiarly directed to them, the apostles," as containing "special instructions to them in the discharge of the ministerial work," or whether it was "designed for all his disciples and followers." It was an honest question from someone who wanted to take Jesus' words rightly.
The Response
What Scripture recordsJesus answered with a question of His own: "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household...?" (Luke 12:42). Gill notes that Christ "does not directly, and in express words, answer to Peter's question." Instead He describes the servant his lord will bless and the servant who will be punished (Luke 12:43-47), and ends with a principle that reaches everyone: "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48).
Historical Context
The world behind the wordsThe parable Peter asks about pictures servants staying dressed for work ("Let your loins be girded about") with lamps burning, waiting through the second or third watch of the night for their master to come home from a wedding (Luke 12:35-38). Jesus then adds a picture of a householder who would have watched if he had known when the thief was coming (Luke 12:39).
In Matthew's account, the same teaching on the faithful servant follows a call to "Watch therefore" (Matthew 24:42-51), but Peter's question appears only in Luke. Barnes, in his note on Luke 12:38-46, directs readers to his notes on that Matthew passage.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyJesus' answer suggests the parable is for all, and it weighs most heavily on those given most. Matthew Henry writes, "All are to take to themselves what Christ says in his word, and to inquire concerning it." Peter's question shows that inquiry in action.
The passage also reveals the kind of Lord Jesus is. In the parable, the returning master "shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them" (Luke 12:37). Watching for Him is not anxious duty for a harsh master. It is readiness for a Lord who serves His faithful servants.
Look Closer
What had Jesus just said that prompted Peter's question?
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Lord, when I hear Your word, I sometimes wonder if it is meant for me; what in it are You asking me to take to heart today?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- When you hear a hard teaching, are you quicker to apply it to others or to yourself? Why do you think that is?
- Share a time when a teaching you thought was for someone else turned out to be for you.
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
Like Peter, you can bring your questions straight to Jesus, even questions about how His words apply to you. Asking is not a lack of faith. It is how a disciple listens.
Notice how Jesus answered. He did not sort His hearers into those who could relax and those who must watch. He spoke of faithfulness, and of more being required where more is given (Luke 12:48). So when you hear Jesus' words, the best first question is not "Is this for them?" but "How can I be found faithful in what He has given me?"
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?”
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?”
“What will I, if it be already kindled?”