Luke 12:47-48

Jesus clarified the standard by which He would judge these unfaithful servants. The extent of their knowledge of their Master’s will would affect their punishment (cf. Numbers 15:30; Deuteronomy 17:12; Psalms 19:13). Privilege increases responsibility (cf. Luke 11:29-32; Romans 2:12-13; James 3:1). This fact should not discourage disciples from discovering God’s will but should motivate us to maintain our faithfulness as we increase our knowledge. All God’s servants have a responsibility to know their Master’s will as fully as we can, since we are His servants, and to do it.

"This concern to admonish the leaders of the church also appears in Jesus’ farewell discourse the night before his death (Luke 22:24-38) and in Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:18-35). These passages mention various abuses of position by church leaders." [Note: Tannehill, 1:250.]