the work which the Master had given them to do.

This attitude of watchfulness, and of interest in the return of Christ,
should particularly characterize teachers and leaders. This is the force
of the question which Peter now asked. He inquired whether all believers
would share equally in the blessings of the Lord's return; would not
those, like the apostles, who had been most prominent in his service
receive from him a greater reward? Jesus replied that larger privileges
imply greater temptations and greater responsibilities. If a Christian
minister has been faithful in feeding his people with spiritual food, he
will be rewarded with even higher opportunities for service; but if the
long delay of his Lord's return shall make him forgetful and unmindful of
its reality, if he shall use his high position selfishly or shall use his
power unkindly, then when the Master appears he will be punished with the
utmost severity.

The chief advantage of a religious leader lies in his opportunity for
knowing more fully the teachings of Christ; his superior knowledge,
therefore, will be the ground of his more terrible punishment in case of
unfaithfulness; the principle is abiding and applies in every sphere. "To
whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required."

Thus Christ taught that in the future there will be degrees and gradations
both of punishments and rewards.

13. The Divisive Influence of Christ. Ch. 12:49-59

49 I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it
is already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with;
and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Think ye that
I come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather
division: 52 for there shall be from henceforth five in one house
divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 They shall
be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother
against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law
against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her
mother in law.

54 And he said to the multitudes also, When ye see a cloud rising
in the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it
cometh to pass. 55 And when _ye see_ a south wind blowing, ye say,
There will be a scorching heat; and it cometh to pass. 56 Ye
hypocrites, ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and the
heaven; but how is it