But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
People always care about what is important to them; but in other matters they are either indifferent or care-less. Jesus was telling His disciples that their calling to be His apostles was not a short-term adventure but for a lifetime of service; and that their most important focus needed to be the return of their Master. Using a story about self-indulgent servants who had no care for their master's property while He was away, Jesus highlighted the disgrace that would come to those who have no interest in His promised return. Such people think they can do whatever they like with His people and property so that they can satisfy their own desires.
Of course, Jesus cares very much about His world and His people. If He did not care there would be no judgement. So the trainee apostles need to be very clear that Jesus wants them to take their privileged calling seriously. Alas, Judas Iscariot was also listening to what Jesus said, but he did not heed the warning of destruction. The remainder of the team came to understand that salvation is freely offered but for those who refuse God's mercy, judgement is inevitable.
It was to be a message the apostles passed on to the churches and was incorporated in the training of church leaders. Because God cares so passionately about His church, woe betide any leader who uses their privileged responsibility to please themselves. The best thought to guard the heart against such error is to remember that Jesus is coming back. When He arrives unexpectedly, He will expect to see us serving in a way which will please Him. So whatever changes are necessary to ensure that will be so, let's make them today and reset our focus on greeting Him when He returns.
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