Question about Luke 12 46-48

[stello]

Luke 12:46-48 " The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him, and at an hour of which he is unaware. Then He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47 That servant who knows his master's will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows."

Is this verse talking about when Jesus returns, people who know the truth but didn't make an effort ( as much as we can on our end ) to obey, will be judged more severely?

Stello

[Dave in Tenn]

Stello, these verses are a part of a continuation of the parable beginning in vs. 37, which is itself related to what preceded it.  Try reading them all together and you'll see more clearly what all these varieties of servants did or did not do. 

But I'd say in shorthand, that yes, there are degrees of the harshness of judgement depending on several factors.