Matthew 24:27-44
Summary for Matt 24:27-28: 24:27-28 a Lightning may be an allusion to the astrological phenomena attending the Messiah’s coming (see 24:29-31 b; 1 Thes 4:13-18 c). It is not the suddenness of lightning that is in view but rather the magnitude of its visibility. Very possibly, Jesus gave these sayings to ward off premature excitement regarding the end (1 Thes 4:13–5:10 d; 2 Thes 2:1-12 e).Summary for Matt 24:29-31: 24:29-31 f These sayings form the climax of the discourse and answer the second of the disciples’ initial questions (see 24:3 g). Some take 24:29-31 h to refer to God’s judgment on the Jewish people in AD 70, using apocalyptic images and metaphors to describe it. Others see a reference to the second coming of Christ at the end of history. 24:29 i the sun will be darkened ... will be shaken: This phenomenon can be taken literally, as befitting the climactic self-disclosure of God’s Son, or metaphorically, as for a cosmically significant event (see Acts 2:17-21 j; Heb 12:26-27 k; 2 Pet 3:10 l; Rev 6:12-13 m). Similar apocalyptic language is used frequently in the Old Testament for describing political disasters and the collapse of a government as cosmic judgments from God (e.g., Isa 13:9-16 n; Ezek 32:1-10 o; Joel 2:1-17 p; Amos 8:7-10 q).
24:30 r the sign that the Son of Man is coming (literally the sign of the Son of Man): The sign is probably the Son of Man himself (see 12:38-42 s; 16:4 t). His coming expresses his vindication (see 26:64 u) and will bring deep mourning to those who experience God’s judgment.
• All the peoples of the earth could be translated all the tribes of the land. The term used here is not the usual Greek term for Gentile nations (ethnoi), but a term used frequently of the tribes (phulai) of Israel (the land), suggesting that a national disaster in Israel might be in view (see 21:43 v; Zech 12:10-14 w).
• the Son of Man coming on the clouds: See Dan 7:13 x. Many believe that this means a descent of the Son of Man from God’s presence to reside on earth as Judge and Deliverer—i.e., the second coming of Christ. Others have argued that this describes the Son of Man coming in judgment, but not necessarily the second coming of Christ (see Matt 10:23 y; 16:27 z; 19:28 aa; 25:31 ab; 26:64 ac; 28:18 ad).
24:31 ae Many believe that the rapture of God’s people through angels (13:41 af; 16:27 ag; 25:31 ah) is predicted here. Others believe that angels (Greek angeloi, “messengers”) here are human messengers (11:10 ai; Luke 7:24 aj; 9:52 ak; Jas 2:25 al) and that Jesus is describing the expansion of the Good News among Gentiles (see Matt 21:33-46 am; 22:1-14 an; Deut 30:1-10 ao; Isa 27:13 ap; Zech 2:6-13 aq).
24:33 ar all these things: This expression, used first in 23:36 as (“this judgment”), refers to the events associated with the destruction of the Temple (see 24:2 at, 8 au).
• his return (literally he or it): It could mean Jesus’ return (see Jas 5:9 av; Rev 3:20 aw), the destruction of the Temple, or the end of history (see Luke 21:31 ax).
24:34 ay this generation: In Matthew, generation is used particularly for contemporary, unbelieving Jews, especially focusing on the leaders who have led people away from the Messiah (11:16 az; 12:39 ba, 41-42 bb, 45 bc; 16:4 bd; 23:36 be).
24:35 bf Jesus’ words are as sure as God’s own (see 5:18 bg; Isa 40:8 bh; 55:11 bi; 59:21 bj).
24:36 bk The day is the day of judgment.
• or the Son: Jesus’ limited knowledge is suggested also in Acts 1:7 bl. Because the day is unknown, Jesus’ hearers should be vigilant and faithful (see Matt 24:37–25:46 bm). This statement ought to deter those who attempt to calculate the date of our Lord’s return.
Summary for Matt 24:37-25:46: 24:37–25:46 bn Jesus now applied his predictions (24:1-36 bo) to his followers so they will be faithful and prepared for his second coming.
Summary for Matt 24:37-41: 24:37-41 bp Jesus’ second coming, like the flood (Gen 7 bq), will come upon people unawares. The only adequate preparation is a life of consistent vigilance and obedience (cp. Luke 17:26-27 br, 34-35 bs). 24:37 bt When the Son of Man returns: Jesus’ second coming (see 24:3 bu; cp. Luke 17:26 bv).
• in Noah’s day (see Gen 6:9-22 bw; 2 Pet 2:5 bx; 3:5-6 by): The comparison here does not concern the magnitude of sins, but a lack of discernment about what God is doing, accompanied by a preoccupation with life’s festivities (Matt 6:19-34 bz).
Summary for Matt 24:40-41: 24:40-41 ca The term taken most likely means taken in judgment, at AD 70 or at the end of history; left would then mean remaining to enter the new era of either the church (see 21:43 cb; 22:1-14 cc) or the Millennium.
24:42 cd To keep watch is to maintain active, energetic, single-minded obedience to the Lord (see 25:13 ce; 26:38-41 cf).
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