Matthew 24:36-51
24:36 a The day is the day of judgment.• or the Son: Jesus’ limited knowledge is suggested also in Acts 1:7 b. Because the day is unknown, Jesus’ hearers should be vigilant and faithful (see Matt 24:37–25:46 c). 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 d Jesus now applied his predictions (24:1-36 e) to his followers so they will be faithful and prepared for his second coming.
Summary for Matt 24:37-41: 24:37-41 f Jesus’ second coming, like the flood (Gen 7 g), will come upon people unawares. The only adequate preparation is a life of consistent vigilance and obedience (cp. Luke 17:26-27 h, 34-35 i). 24:37 j When the Son of Man returns: Jesus’ second coming (see 24:3 k; cp. Luke 17:26 l).
• in Noah’s day (see Gen 6:9-22 m; 2 Pet 2:5 n; 3:5-6 o): 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 p).
Summary for Matt 24:40-41: 24:40-41 q 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 r; 22:1-14 s) or the Millennium.
24:42 t To keep watch is to maintain active, energetic, single-minded obedience to the Lord (see 25:13 u; 26:38-41 v).
Summary for Matt 24:45-51: 24:45-51 w This parable and the three that follow (25:1-13 x, 14-30 y, 31-46 z) each dramatize the need for faithful obedience during the delay of Jesus’ second coming. 24:45 aa servant: It is possible that Jesus’ listeners would have thought of God’s special servants, the prophets and lawgivers; however, Jesus so frequently used servant figuratively that it is more likely a description of every disciple’s responsibility (see 10:24-25 ab; 13:27-28 ac; 18:23-35 ad; 20:26 ae).
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