Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 12:37

"Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them." — Luke 12:37 (ASV)

In Jesus’ time, a person “dressed ready for service” tucked his flowing outer robe under his belt or sash. This was done to prepare for travel, fighting (Ephesians 6:14), or work (cf. 1 Peter 1:13).

Jesus pictures servants waiting for their masters with burning lamps (cf. Matthew 25:1–13). When the master does arrive, there is a striking reversal of roles as he dresses himself to serve and waits on the servants (but cf. also 17:7–10 and comments). If the return is late in the night or toward morning, the alertness of the servants is even more commendable.