Answer Please

Peter asked, “Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?” [Luke 12.41]

So, what WAS Jesus' answer to Peter's question today? Who WAS Jesus' illustration regarding the homeowner directed to? It is almost as if Jesus did not even acknowledge Peter's question at all. It seems Jesus' "reply" was simply a continuation of His dialog.

This is a very intriguing conversation recorded by Luke. Did Jesus ignore Peter's question? Or, is the answer "coded" into Jesus' reply in a way that only those to whom it applies will "get it"?

And a servant who knows what the master wants, but is not prepared and does not carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. [Luke 12.47-48]

It indeed appears that Peter's question can only be answered at the individual heart level. Only the individual heart knows what God has said to it (in this case the key words are faithfulness and management). Only the heart that has experienced some level of conviction about responsibility for others can actually comprehend the magnitude of Jesus' answer. All others simply won't get it - neither will they be held accountable for it. Likewise no one can dictate to another what God has spoken at the heart level - no one can bring conviction to the heart of another - that is strictly the work of God.

Wow, what a relief... Or is it?

Father, I "think" I know what You have spoken to my heart. I want to be faithful to act upon that and that alone. I do not want to be lazy and neglect the unique responsibility You have placed on my life. Likewise, I do not want to be proud and take on more than You have equipped me for. God give me the grace to know my place and be a faithful steward of those You have entrusted to my care.