Matthew 24:36-51

In response to the disciples’ question about the timing of the kingdom of God (24:3), Jesus gives two illustrations – a real life example and a parable. Jesus states right up front that no man, not even the angels, know when the kingdom of God will begin; furthermore, He points to the time of Noah as an example of the timing of the kingdom. In Noah’s day, people were consumed with eating, drinking, and marrying thereby ignoring their responsibility to worship and obey God (24:38). Then, Noah entered the ark and God sent a great flood upon the earth as judgment for the people’s wickedness and failure to love God. Jesus says that this is comparable to what the kingdom of God will be like…people will be consumed with their own daily lives and judgment will suddenly fall without warning (24:39-41). Jesus challenges them to always be ready for the coming kingdom and that means keeping their lives pure before God each day (24:42-44). Following the illustration of Noah, Jesus also shares the parable of the two servants. The first is faithful and wise and manages the master’s household while he is away. When the master returns, he finds that his servant has been faithful to do the things he has asked of him (24:45-47). However, the evil servant thinks that his master has taken a long time to return, so he beats his fellow servants and begins to drink with the other drunks (24:48-49). Jesus is clear in saying that the master will come at a time when the evil servant is not ready for him and will face judgment from him (24:50-51). Jesus’ message is easily discernible – be faithful in obeying God and be ready at all times for His coming. We should never get distracted by worldly things so much that we ignore our God-given purposes and responsibilities. We have been given gifts from God and our desire should be to consistently use them to bring glory to God and point others to Him.