Matthew 24:36-44 – Be ready for the impending crisis and judgement

Although these verses could be seen at two levels, we must attempt to read these verses with the first century readers’ mindset. What they were staring at was the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. As we read these verses, we must bear in mind that the coming of the Son of Man must be seen in the context of Daniel 7.

For some, these verses refer to the second return of Christ and how one ought to be ready. However, there is another possible way to look at these verses. Could Jesus be warning the disciples and Christians then, to be ready for death in the light of the impending event? For them and us, this passage clearly constitutes a call to constant introspection, to keep short accounts with God, to prayer, reading of the Bible and worship, and to Christian discipleship and such activities.     

Jesus had clearly foretold the destruction of Jerusalem. Though it was an event that would certainly take place, yet He made it clear that any attempt to calculate the precise timing would be inappropriate. Why? It is because God alone knows the timing according to His sovereign will and purpose. Instead of being engrossed in calculating the time of the event, Jesus would rather that His followers be engaged in living their lives in constant vigilance, and be ready for the Day of the Lord which may appear anytime.

In the illustration of Noah’s day, Jesus was showing that life would be carried on as usual until the last minute. Until the flood came everything in life was conducted normally as usual. Jesus further said that there would be radical division in the family. One will be taken away and the other left behind. There would be sudden separation. Could this be understood as the distress of members of being arrested and jailed, causing family division? So in verse 42 Jesus exhorted His followers to keep watch because no one knew the exact time of the event. They were told to be prepared so that none would be taken by surprise when the vindication of the Son took place.

In verses 43-44, Jesus used the secret unwelcome visit of a thief to further enforce the unpredictability of all that would take place. A thief usually comes at an hour least expected by anyone. In much the same way, all that Jesus had said, would be in an hour that they least expect. Hence they must be vigilant and prepared, and be ready for the suddenness of the event. In so doing, they would avoid the risk of being caught up in the consuming judgment of God.   

These words were given to warn them of the critical moment in the first century before Jesus death and resurrection, and the destruction of the Temple. They were told to be ready for what’s coming. Today we face our own set of turmoil and impending worldwide crisis. Like His call to the disciples then, He is also calling us to be vigilant and to be prepared, and be fully ready for what would soon take place.