Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

⁴¹ “Master,” said Peter, “are you telling this parable for us, or for everyone?”

⁴² “Who then is the faithful and wise servant,” said Jesus, “whom the master will set over all his household, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? ⁴³ A blessing on the servant that his master, when he comes, finds doing just that! ⁴⁴ I’m telling you truly, he will install him as manager over all his possessions. ⁴⁵ But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is taking his time over coming back,’ and begins to beat the slaves and slave-girls, to eat and drink and get drunk— ⁴⁶ then the master of that servant will come on a day he doesn’t expect him to, and at a moment he didn’t imagine, and he will cut him in two. He will give him the same place as the unbelievers.

⁴⁷ “If a servant knew what the master wanted, and didn’t get ready, or do what was wanted, the punishment will be a severe beating. ⁴⁸ If the servant didn’t know, and did what deserved a beating, it will be a light beating. Much will be required from one who is given much; if someone is entrusted with much, even more will be expected in return.”