41  “…Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all…”
Peter’s exact motive in asking this question isn’t given.  Commentary implies he may have been wondering about the rewards mentioned.  Similar to Peter’s statements elsewhere saying they had given all, what would they receive.  Jesus appears to answer a few verses later.

48  “…everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
The parable applies to all believers as we all must be ready and watching.  But those to whom a responsibility has been given to watch out for others shall be held to greater scrutiny.  The standards are the same, but the judgment is greater.  As it says elsewhere, let not many become teachers because they will receive the greater condemnation.

48  “…he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few…”
Interesting note.  Not knowing reduced the punishment, but didn’t remove it.  The violation was still committed and must be atoned for.  Those who commit crimes with extenuating circumstances can have their consequences adjusted according to the circumstances, but they still committed the crime and must pay the penalty.  As Proverbs 6 says, people don’t despise a thief if he steals when he is starving, but when he is caught he has to restore sevenfold.

51  “Do you suppose that I came to give peace…not at all, but rather division”
Jesus’s isn’t saying He wants people to be divided, but that His truth is going to bring division because all people will not accept the truth.  Even within families, some will believe and some will not.  Have that issue in my own family.  He even mentions that He wishes the fire were already kindled.  He wishes the fire of judgment and justice against sin were already raging, showing those who are for God and those against.  And He’s not wishing that any would get caught up in that fire.  He’s not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance.  I’m concerned that we as His followers have allowed the fire to dwindle down to almost nothing to the point that those who oppose don’t fear the coming judgment.  We are too concerned about hurting feelings and offending emotions.  Better to be offended now than rot in Hell for all eternity.

56  “Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?”
Why call them hypocrites?  Can see why He would jump on them for not paying attention, but why hypocrites?  What were they claiming that they weren’t doing or vice versa?  I think it was them saying they didn’t know, they weren’t told.  He says they have no excuse.  They had the prophets who told what was to come, so they should have listened and took appropriate action.  They do that with the weather, why not something more important?

57  “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?”
Seems at first like a sudden right angle turn.  How does this relate to what He’s been saying?  He’s showing them they aren’t acting on what they already know, even in judging right and wrong.  They know what is right when they have a disagreement with an adversary.  They should act on it before going to court.  Same deal with knowing about the Messiah and the coming judgment.  They know the truth, they’ve heard the prophets, they’ve seen Jesus’s miracles and heard His teaching.  They need to act on what they’ve been given.

59  “…you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite”
Just like there are consequences to legal matters, there are consequences over spiritual matters.  Not doing what you know to do results in consequences regardless of the circumstances.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.