Special?

Luke 12:41 - Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?”

Have you ever been in the “in” crowd? It is often easier to know when you are not in the “in” crowd. You see those with special privileges. They are popular. They have their group. They have more access to the leaders. When you are outside, you feel your exclusion. Yet those who have been outside often relish their special position once they get “inside.” 

I imagine that’s how it was for Peter. He had been an ordinary guy. He was not part of the exclusive clique in his society. His outsiderness continued into his adulthood. Note how those in power in Acts 4:13 called him “unschooled” – the ultimate insult in their society and the ultimate label of ordinariness and outsiderness. Yet, in Jesus’ circle, Peter was special. With thousands of followers, Peter was one of the twelve. Among the twelve, Peter spent more time with Jesus than all, save John and possibly Andrew. Peter was special, and Peter knew it. We can tell by the way he asked the question in Luke 12:41. He expected Jesus to have a different message for him than others – the outsiders.

Jesus followed up Peter’s question with a parable that describes a servant who was given special responsibility to oversee the affairs of the master’s house in his absence. Jesus’ message was clear: You have been given special position, but that position has special responsibilities. The fact you are “special” but that does not guarantee you will keep that position, especially if you do not fulfill those responsibilities. Not following through brings a worse judgment to those who have a special relationship, knowledge, and responsibilities than to those who do not (Luke 12:47-48a). Jesus closes with these ominous words: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:48b)

Jesus never fully answers Peter’s question because it is the wrong one. Seeking a special status to be better than others brings judgment. (Notice how the special servant beat the other servants of his master in verse 45.) Special responsibilities are given for the benefit of both the Master and the others around us. Having a special position is great, but it brings great responsibility.