Matthew 24

36 No one knows that day or hour when Christ will come again—not even Christ Himself. Therefore, to try to predict when He will return is a vain exercise (see Mark 13:32 and comment).

37-39 In ancient times man’s wickedness was great, and God was displeased. Therefore, He determined to destroy all men and all living creatures by sending a great flood upon the earth. One man, Noah, was righteous and found favor with God. Therefore, God told Noah to build a great boat, so that he and his family might be spared.

All other men at that time were enjoying the pleasures of the world. They did not fear the judgment of God. They probably laughed at Noah for building a boat. They didn’t believe that a flood would come. They were not ready. And they all perished (Genesis 6:5-22; 7:6-12,17-24).

The coming of the Son of Man—that is, the coming of Christ at the end of the world—will be like that flood. It will come without warning. And all who are not counted righteous in God’s sight will receive eternal punishment in hell.⁶⁸

40-41 When the Son of Man comes there will be judgment on the earth. His angels will gather the chosen (Mark 13:27). Those who are not chosen—the unrighteous, those without faith—will be destroyed (see Matthew 13:40-42,47-50 and comment).

The two men in the field (verse 40) appear the same outwardly. But one will be taken to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:1617), and the other will be left to perish in hell. And it will be the same with the two women grinding (verse 41).

42 We cannot tell the day Christ will come; therefore, for that very reason, we must remain always ready for His coming (see Mark 13:33-37 and comment).

43-44 Christ will come like a thief in the night—that is, when He is not expected. A burglar never announces at what time he is going to rob a house! Therefore, we must remain alert all night (see 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6). Let us constantly remain obedient and pure in our Lord’s eyes. Let us not leave one sin unconfessed. Then when He comes, we shall be ready (see Revelation 3:3).

Therefore, to keep watch (verse 42) and to be ready (verse 44) means to look always for the Lord, to meditate on Him, to desire His company, to remain obedient to His will, and to immediately repent of any known sin. Only if we do these things will we be ready for His coming.

(Luke 12:42-46)

45 In this parable about Christ’s second coming, the master is Christ, and the faithful and wise servant is any disciple to whom Christ has given some responsibility in the church. Especially, the parable is a warning for church leaders, who have been given the work of feeding those in the church with spiritual food.

46-47 Let all of Christ’s servants remain busy at the task Christ has given them. If they are faithful in fulfilling a small responsibility, Christ will give them responsibility for much more (Matthew 25:20-21). Indeed, in heaven they will be put in charge of all Christ’s possessions.

48-51 But if any disciple misuses the authority Christ has given him, or does not fulfill his responsibility, Christ will return on a day which that disciple does not expect. And He will punish that disciple, that servant. That servant will be driven out of God’s household and sent to hell, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (see Matthew 25:28-30; Luke 21:34-36).