Much entrusted

Jesus had just told of servants who stay awake until their master comes home. Peter asked whether that was meant for the disciples or for everyone. Jesus answered with the picture of a steward, who runs the household while his master is away. A servant who knew his master's wishes and ignored them is punished severely. One who didn't know, lightly.

The last sentence became a saying. John F. Kennedy quoted it in January 1961, shortly before he became president, in a speech about the duties of those given power: For of those to whom much is given, much is required. Talent, time, money and knowledge of God are given to work with, not to hoard.