Luke 12:35

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

“Fasten your belts [i.e., get things ready], keep your lamps lit,

Cross References

1 Peter 1:13

So, gather your thoughts together for action, take control of yourselves and focus your hope completely on God’s unearned favor, which will be brought to you by Jesus Christ when He returns.

Ephesians 6:14

So, you people should stand firm [in the faith], with the belt of truth firmly buckled around you, and with the “flack jacket” of righteousness on your chest.

Matthew 5:16

In that same way, you should allow your light [i.e., influence] to shine in front of people, so that they will see your good deeds and [be led to] honor your Father in heaven.

Matthew 25:1

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom’s home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party]

Philippians 2:15

so that you will be without just blame and innocent [of wrongdoing], children of God without fault in the middle of a crooked and perverted generation of people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky,

Luke 12:36

and be like men expecting their master to return from the wedding reception, so that when he does come and knock [at the groom’s house, See note on Matt. 25:1-12], they will immediately open [the door] to him.