Matthew 24:36-51
Q.1. How are we to respond to those who set dates for Christ’s return? Will people be prepared when Christ comes? What will conditions be like? How will people be impacted? – (Mt.24:36-41)
Jesus clearly stated about the coming of the Son of Man – of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone (Mt.24:36). Since not even He knew the exact day and hour, anyone who claims to know is a false prophet. Jesus clearly implied that most people will be pre-occupied with their own lives and give little thought for God … just like in the days of Noah – they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be (Mt.24:39 c.f. Mt.24:37-38). Jesus certainly believed in a literal Noah and a literal flood. His coming will also bring division and separation between friends and family members, as Jesus taught (Mt.24:40-41 c.f. Mt.10:34-36). The unexpected nature of Christ’s PRIVATE return for His own, as in the Rapture, and His PUBLIC Second Coming, applies to both these events equally (c.f. Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thes.4:13-18; Rev.19:11-16). Following the Rapture, the world will be plunged into a time of Great Tribulation, that will last for two periods of three and a half years i.e. seven years (c.f. Dan.7:25; 12:7; Rev.11:2-3; 12:6; 13:5). Jesus described this event, which has never yet happened, and declared – 21 there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. 22 Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short (Mt.24:21-22). Christ’s PRIVATE return for His own as in the Rapture, and His PUBLIC Second Coming, will be only seven years apart.
Q.2. Why is vigilance needed; in order to be ready for Christ’s coming? What kind of servants should we be? What is the danger of forgetting about His return? How will the careless be treated? – (Mt.24:42-51)
In Noah’s day, only he and his family were prepared and spared, and the rest perished (c.f. 1 Pet.3:20; 2 Pet.2:5). By contrast, Jesus warned us – be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming … you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will (Mt.24:42 & 44). He illustrated this by describing a watchful head of the house who would prevent theft and loss, by being prepared for a robber. He applied this to us, His servants, and advised us to be faithful stewards with that which has been entrusted to us (Mt.24:45-46). Jesus compared this with an evil slave who presumed that he could live selfishly for himself. He warned – 50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, 51 and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mt.24:50-51). However, faithful servants will be rewarded, for – 46 Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 47 Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions (Mt.24:46-47).