No Exceptions: Jesus Was Talking to You

I look forward to reading through the Bible in a year because just about every day I see something new, and it makes me think, “How does this apply to us today?” One verse that stood out recently was when Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” (Luke 12:41). At first, I thought, “What?” — it just didn’t seem to fit, and it almost looked like Jesus ignored the question. But He didn’t. Instead of giving a direct answer, He responded with another parable that carried a deeper message, showing that His teaching was meant for more than just the disciples, it was a warning and a call to faithfulness for all who hear.

Jesus doesn’t answer with a simple yes or no. Instead, He gives a deeper lesson about what it means to be a faithful servant. He speaks of a servant who is entrusted with his master’s household, called to feed and care for others faithfully until the master returns. The reward for such faithfulness is great; the servant will be set over all the master’s possessions. But if that servant is lazy or self-serving, forgetting the master’s return, he will be punished. The message is clear: this call to faithfulness applies to anyone who has been entrusted with knowledge of God’s will.

That includes all who are truly saved and born again. Every child of God has been given the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the responsibility to live according to the truth. Jesus’ words show that with knowledge comes accountability. To be a believer is not simply to receive salvation and stop there, it is to be a steward of the gospel, a worker in God’s kingdom, and a voice for His truth.

One key part of this responsibility is knowing the Bible personally. God does not call believers to depend solely on others for understanding His Word. Instead, He commands that each believer read, study, and meditate on Scripture through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” This isn’t written to the preachers but everyone and it is not a suggestion. It’s a command. Every believer is to be diligent in learning and applying God’s Word.

And it doesn’t stop with personal study. Believers are called to share the truth of Scripture with others. Whether in conversations with unbelievers, encouraging fellow Christians, or teaching in more formal settings, all followers of Christ have a role in spreading His truth. In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This commission wasn’t given to just a few; it was given to all who follow Him.

Defending the faith is also part of this calling. In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are told to “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” This means being ready to speak the truth when it’s challenged, to explain the gospel clearly, and to stand firm in a world that is always resisting it.

Faithful stewardship of God’s truth is not reserved for pastors or scholars like many false teachers want you to believe, it is the calling of every believer. If someone claims to know Christ but has no hunger for His Word, no desire to grow in understanding, and no willingness to share or defend the truth, it calls for serious self-examination. Jesus said in John 8:31, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” But some may say, “Well I am not one of the disciples.” And I say if you are not you better be worried. When the Bible says, “you are truly my disciples,” it is referring to those who not only profess to follow Jesus but who continue in His Word and live in obedience to Him. In John 8:31, Jesus says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” This shows that being a true disciple is marked by a continual relationship with His Word,  reading it, believing it, obeying it, and allowing it to shape your life.

Not everyone who claims to be a child of God is necessarily a true disciple. Scripture makes it clear that there is a difference between outward profession and genuine, saving faith. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus warns that many will say “Lord, Lord” but will be turned away because they did not do the will of the Father. True children of God are those who have been born again by the Spirit and bear fruit that reflects that new life (John 15:5–8). They will not be perfect, but they will have a heart that desires to follow Christ, to repent of sin, to grow in holiness, and to abide in His truth.

So, while all true disciples are children of God, not everyone who claims to be a child of God is necessarily a child of God. The evidence is seen in a life that continues in God’s Word and reflects a growing love for Him and His truth.

To be born again is to be changed and to be made new, filled with the Spirit, and entrusted with the truth. And with that comes a God-given command: know the Word, live the Word, share the Word, and defend the Word. This is not optional. It is the life of one who truly follows Christ.

If You’re Saved, You’re Called to Know and Share the Word

Read / Listen
Deuteronomy 32:28-52
Luke 12:35-59
Psalm 78:56-64
Proverbs 12:24

New Testament

Luke 12:35-59
  

Summary

You Must Be Ready
Not Peace – but Division
Interpreting the Time
Settle with Your Accuser

Jesus teaching

Overview: Luke 10-24  Click Here to Watch Video

   

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Dr. J. Vernon McGee – Thru the Bible

 

12-15 – J Vernon Mcgee – Thru the Bible

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