Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 12:38-40

"And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find [them] so blessed are those [servants]. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through. Be ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh." — Luke 12:38-40 (ASV)

And if he shalt come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

This is a warning to Christ's own people; but it is still more a warning to those who do not know him. Suppose he were to come tonight; where would you be, you who have until now lived as if you were your own masters, and were by no means the servants of Christ? Take heed to yourselves, for you do not know when your Lord shall come.

And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the good-man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Perhaps he will not come when modern prophets say that he will appear, but he will come when he is least expected. Therefore, expect the unexpected; look for your Lord to come when many go to sleep. Perhaps, while I am still speaking, before this gathered assembly disperses, the cry may be heard, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Are our loins girded? Are our lamps burning? God bless His own truth to accomplish both those ends!