Luke 12:39

Luke 12:39, in plain English

Jesus adds another picture: if a homeowner knew exactly when a thief was coming, he'd be ready. But since you don't know the timing, you need to always be prepared.

Why it's here

Jesus isn't comparing Himself to a thief -- He's comparing the surprise of the timing. You don't get advance notice, so the only wise strategy is constant readiness.

Who's speaking

Jesus uses a second everyday illustration to drive home the urgency of being ready at all times.

Where it sits in the story

The point keeps getting clearer: since you can't predict when the Master returns, the only option is to live every day ready. Constant readiness beats last-minute panic.

The scholarly reading

Jesus adds a second analogy: if the oikodespotēs (homeowner) had known the hora (hour) the kleptēs (thief) was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be diorychthēnai (broken into, literally 'dug through' -- mud-brick walls). Ignorance of timing demands constant vigilance.

Language and setting

The thief metaphor appears elsewhere in the New Testament for Christ's return (1 Thess 5:2, Rev 3:3). The comparison doesn't liken Christ to a thief morally but emphasizes the unexpected, sudden nature of His coming.

Voice

Jesus uses a second illustration to reinforce the need for constant readiness.

Significance

The thief analogy drives home the same point from a different angle: since you don't know when the decisive moment comes, permanent readiness is the only option.

37Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.

38Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed.

39But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.

40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”

41“Lord,” said Peter, “are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?”

Read all of Luke 12 — Sparrows, barns, and a thief in the night — Jesus teaches his followers to stop hoarding and start trusting. Worry is the opposite of faith.