BS Matthew 24: 36-44
Before we even look at this scripture we must learn terminology, for some it will be new and to others old hat, BUT it is necessary to understand this passage.
Apocalyptic Literature – A type of Jewish and Christian religious writing that means “revelation” or “unveiling” and is applied to writing that contains alleged revelation of the secret purposes of God, the end of the world, and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. NIV Bible Dictionary
Apocalyptic literature typically includes a number of concepts: 1) time is divided into two ages – the present age is ruled by Satan, the age to come will be ruled by God, the transition will occur very quickly, the end of the present age will happen in the very near future, the transition will include wars, plagues, famine, earthquakes and other natural disasters. 2) There will be a general resurrection of the dead. 3) There will be a final judgment. 4) Satan’s supporters will be annihilated. 5) God’s supporters will enter a period of peace and happiness. We find Apocalyptic Literature in both the Old and New Testament. In the Old it is found interspersed in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Micah and Daniel. In the New Testament we find it in Mark, Matthew, Luke and Revelation. Paul does touch on the subject matter in 1 Corinthians 15: 20-28; 2 Corinthians 5: 1-3; 1 Thess 4: 15-18; and 2 Thess 2: 1-12. Internet - 11/27/07 “Religious Tolerance.org http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_ntb5a.htm
NIV 36"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
The Message 36"But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven's angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows. 37 -39"The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away. 39 -44"The Son of Man's Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.
The primary point of this passage (along with the three parables following) is THE IMMINECE OF HIS RETURN. The point is … Jesus is coming back, it’s really going to happen. The exact time is not important, what is important is we are ready and waiting.
36"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Jesus begins with the truth that no one knows when his coming will happen. The expression “day or hour” is used throughout scripture to indicate a GENERAL reference to time.
We see here some of the “emptying” of Christ in this passage. This emptying or in Greek kenosis (found in Philippians 2: 7) contends that when Jesus became flesh he limited the use of his divine attributes so that he could experience the full human life. While He did not in any sense give up his deity, Jesus voluntarily limited the use of these characteristics (Hebrews 4: 14-16). He voluntarily limited himself and remains uninformed to the time about “that day.”
37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Jesus uses a familiar story with his audience, the story of Noah. The people in the days of Noah did not heed the warnings of judgment that were given to them. They continued to carry on in the every day activities. Although in Genesis 6: 11-12 the people of Noah’s day were identified as evil, Jesus’ main point in this passage is not necessarily that the people are evil. They were just so wrapped up in everyday living they were caught off guard because they had no concern for righteousness and spiritual realities. Ouch, does that sound familiar???? By contrast, Noah and his family went through with the preparations for the coming flood, even though they could see no specific signs and did not know the time. That is Jesus expectation of us…regardless of whether we know the time or not, can see signs or not, we are to be ready and waiting.
40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
Jesus gives two other regular daily examples for the people of his time, folks in a field and grinding with a hand mill. The way Jesus relates is amazing. Here he is teaching about future events but he makes it easy, in our day he could have just as easily said, “two people sitting at their computers in an office” or “two people shopping at Wal-Mart.” The point is that the Son of Man gathers his people at his return to enjoy the fullness of his Kingdom, while those left behind experience his judgment.
42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
“Watch” implies not only to keep looking but also to be prepared. Ultimately the human race is divided into two groups – those who watch for Christ’s coming and those who do not. The principle of separation is illustrated here graphically. The keynote for this passage is “Watch” literally “stay wide awake!” For no one knows when Christ may come. To live without watchfulness invites disaster! A home owner must be vigilant or the thief will rob him. We must remember that the watching of the Christian for the coming of Christ is not that of terror-stricken fear and shivering apprehension, it is the watching of eager expectation for the coming of glory and joy. The spirit which leads to disaster is the spirit which says there is plenty of time, it is a delusion. Watching here is NOT a passive term.
Here’s an example, a fireman. Firemen are really intentional about being ready at any given moment, to the point of having their fire pants fixed perfectly over their boots - so as to simple step into the boots, pull up the pants and run. When on duty they live in this state of complete readiness, they prepare for it, they plan it, they think about it, they strategize about it, etc. So we must ask ourselves what does it look like for me to be watching, ready, prepared? What does it look like for the community of faith I belong to be ready? I think I won’t answer that, because for each of us the answer may be different. BUT I’d like for you to think about it and email me back one statement about what this “watchfulness” could mean for you or for the body of believers you know. Resources: NIV Bible Dictionary, NIV Application Commentary, The Gospel of Matthew by William Barclay, Beacon Bible Studies – Matthew by Ralph Earle, Commentary by Matthew Henry
