36. Be like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding dinner. When he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.
37. "It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready when he comes. What I'm about to tell you is true. The master will then dress himself so he can serve them. He will have them take their places at the table. And he will come and wait on them.
38. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready. It will even be good if he comes very late at night.
39. "But here is what you must understand. Suppose the owner of the house knew at what hour the robber was coming. He would not have let his house be broken into.
40. You also must be ready. The Son of Man will come at an hour when you don't expect him."
41. Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this story to us, or to everyone?"
42. The Lord answered, "Suppose a master puts one of his servants in charge of his other servants. The servant's job is to give them the food they are to receive at the right time. The master wants a faithful and wise manager for this.