What does Luke 12:48 mean?

[Figure of eighty]

Luk 12:48  But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
 

I feel i keep seeing scripture when im out and about 

That was the one i saw recently.. 

I feel i dont have much.. 

I just wonder like when i become a nurse just do good to people? Idk 

 

Whats ur take?

Edited March 2 by Michael37
Title Scripture Added

[AnOrangeCat]

My interpretation is that what God might expect of us is in proportion to what we've been given, with what we've been given being a complex web of factors ranging from circumstances to personality and more. God probably doesn't expect someone confined to a wheelchair to be highly physically active in living for Him. He probably doesn't expect someone with a learning disorder to be very eloquent and likely cuts them slack. But we all have the opportunity to serve in some way. On the flip side if you get someone super rich and influential the standards are higher. James 3:1 reinforces the notion and says those who teach are judged more strictly.

So we just do our best in living for God with what we have. I'd say it goes a bit deeper than just doing good, though. As Christians we should share our faith with others. We have a whole lot of freedom in how. Paul called believers the body of Christ and pointed out that just like our body parts have different purposes believers will also have different roles in sharing the Gospel. Someone might not be super outgoing, for example, but there are certainly ways in which they can support those who are. Not just financially. IMO emotional support or watching someone's kids while they do some sort of ministerial work are also examples of valid contributions.

[Dennis1209]

Of course, there is personal application that applies to us, as well as explanation by @AnOrangeCat, and to piggyback a little, the Pharisees, Sadducees, Popes, Theologians, Pastors, Bishops, church Deacons, Sunday School teachers, etc. will be held to a higher standard.

The Paula Whites, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyers, Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, etc., of today will be judged more harshly.

However, in context, Jesus seems to be talking about Israel and their national leaders. In the following short commentary, I agree with the following:

Jesus did not answer Peter’s question directly. Instead these verses indicate that He was talking primarily about the leadership of the nation at that time. The religious leaders were supposed to be managing the nation for God until He brought in the kingdom. However, they failed in that task; they were not looking expectantly toward the kingdom. Because of the penalty exacted (vv. 46–47), Jesus must not have been speaking about believers who were not ready. He seems to have been referring to the nation’s leaders who would be present at the time of the coming of the Son of Man. Faithless ones (v. 47) will be judged more severely than those who, though wicked, do not know about the coming of the Son of Man (v. 48a). Unbelievers with a great knowledge of God’s revelation will have to answer for their lack of response to that revelation.^[1]

 

---

^[1] Martin, John A. 1985. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, 2:239. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

[melbac]

Yes-ish, to what @AnOrangeCat says. I think it also means that ignorance is not a defense. Because both categories of people are punished (stripes). Note, these stripes are not happening in Heaven, but in hell. So both those who sinned ignorantly and those who knowingly sinned are ending up in the same place. The verse is pointing out who receives the greater punishment (stripes). But both will be punished.

[Who me]

9As has already been said this is about knowing God's will and obeying him. This apples to everyone not just to Christians, God expects us all to obey him.

The Jewish leaders had great knowledge, great privileges yet failed  in their primary task of leading the people to know God.

That didn't  excuse the people from not responding  to Jesus when they heard about him, saw his signs etc. 

Today it doesn't  excuse us who know Jesus from not living a life honouring to God.

[Markie51]

Those that take the lead in a Christian congregation have high expectation among their members regarding accurate messaging and counsel.  This is in harmony with the Scriptural principle at Luke 12:48.

Consequently, an unqualified teacher’s (elder, priest, pastor and so forth) words and actions come under closer scrutiny than those of other Christians members that are being shepherded.  Furthermore, if such a man errs in his teaching and these results in problems for members of the congregation, or if his actions give occasion for legitimate offense, he comes in line for severe judgment.-Matthew 12:36, 37.

The disciple James continues his argument: “We all stumble many times.  If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man.” (James 3:2)  Since even exemplary teachers are prone to err in word, the peril of doing so is far greater in the case of unqualified men.  And the more any teacher may err, the more harm will result to the congregation and the heavier will be the judgment against the individual. 

It would be wise to examine one self’s personal conduct and qualifications of understanding of the scriptures before accepting/taking the lead in the position of a teacher/instructor.-James 3:1.

 

[missmuffet]

Luke 12:48 says that those who have been blessed with greater gifts, talents or opportunities will be held

in a higher standard or responsibility and accountability to use those blessings wisely to the benefit of

others and to glorify God.

Another words...the more you have been given the more will be expected of you.

[enoob57]

Think of what responsibility we have... We have been given God The Holy Spirit 

[missmuffet]

12 minutes ago, enoob57 said:

Think of what responsibility we have... We have been given God The Holy Spirit 

Jesus wants everyone in this world to respond to His calling and be saved. Once we have been given the Holy Spirit it is a precious

gift from God.

We need to:

* Live in the Spirit,pray,worship and share the love of Christ with others

* Always seek God's guidance.

* Having less of a tolerance for sin.

* Grow in the Fruit of the Spirit.