Luke 17:34-37 is about the unexpected and sudden arrival of the kingdom of God, emphasizing the need for readiness and vigilance among believers.
34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left.
35 There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.”
36 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.”
37 And they said to him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.”
Setting the Scene for Luke 17:34-37
In Luke chapter 17, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the coming of the kingdom of God. As he often did, Jesus used parables to convey his message, and in this particular passage, he paints a vivid picture of the end times. Jesus describes a scene where two people are in the field, and one is taken while the other is left behind. He also mentions two women grinding at the mill, with one being taken and the other left.
The disciples, gathered around Jesus, listen intently as he describes the sudden and unexpected nature of his return. The atmosphere is tense as they try to grasp the significance of his words. The disciples, who have been following Jesus closely and witnessing his miracles and teachings, are now faced with the reality of the end times and the importance of being prepared for his return.
The setting is likely outdoors, perhaps on a hillside where Jesus often taught his followers. The disciples are seated around him, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity, concern, and awe. The sun is beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the group as they contemplate the weight of Jesus’ words. The scene is both peaceful and charged with anticipation, as they grapple with the implications of what Jesus is revealing to them.
What is Luke 17:34-37 about?
Imagine waiting for someone at the door with anticipation and excitement. You have been preparing for this moment, and finally, they arrive unexpectedly. Jesus urges us in this verse to always be prepared for His return, just as we eagerly wait for someone at the door. The emphasis on being ready signifies the importance of being spiritually prepared and living in accordance with His teachings every moment of our lives.
The suddenness of His coming serves as a reminder that we do not know the exact time when Jesus will return. It challenges us to reflect on whether we are living a life that would align with His teachings and values if He were to come back right now. Are we actively nurturing our relationship with Him and others? Are we showing love, kindness, and compassion in our interactions with others? Jesus’ return will be final, signifying the importance of being in a constant state of readiness spiritually.
So, as we navigate our daily lives, let us keep this verse in our hearts and minds. Let us strive to be like the wise and faithful servant who prepares and actively lives out their faith in anticipation of the return of our Lord.
Understanding what Luke 17:34-37 really means
In Luke 17:34-37, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the sudden and selective nature of His return, using everyday scenarios to drive home the point. The imagery of two men in one bed, one taken and the other left, underscores the unexpected nature of His coming. It serves as a stark reminder that readiness for the Kingdom is a personal and individual responsibility. Similarly, the depiction of two women grinding together, with one taken and the other left, emphasizes that life will go on as usual when Jesus returns, regardless of outward appearances or activities. This challenges us to look beyond the surface and focus on the state of our hearts in preparation for His coming.
When Jesus’ disciples inquire about the whereabouts of those taken, His cryptic response about eagles gathering where the body is hints at the unmistakable signs that will accompany the end times. This enigmatic reply suggests that the judgment will be evident to all, leaving no room for doubt or ignorance. The urgency of being spiritually prepared at all times is a central theme in these verses, urging us to live in a constant state of readiness for the return of Christ. The sudden separation described serves as a sobering reminder of the personal nature of faith and salvation, highlighting the importance of individual readiness.
Drawing parallels from related Bible passages such as Matthew 24:40-41, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, and Revelation 16:15, we see a consistent message of being alert and prepared for the coming of the Lord. Just as a family in a hurricane-prone area stays prepared with an emergency plan and supplies, so too should we be spiritually equipped for the unexpected return of Jesus. This analogy underscores the necessity of readiness and the assurance that those who are prepared will find safety and security in His presence.
As we reflect on these verses, it prompts us to evaluate our own spiritual readiness. Are we living in a manner that reflects our anticipation of Jesus’ return? How can we encourage others to prioritize their relationship with God and be prepared for His coming? These questions challenge us to examine our hearts and ensure that we are not caught off guard when the time arrives. Let us take these teachings to heart, using them as a reminder to stay vigilant, share the urgency and hope of the Gospel, and prioritize our walk with God in anticipation of the glorious return of our Lord and Savior.
Are we prepared for Christ’s return?
The verse you mentioned serves as a reminder for believers to always be prepared for Christ’s return. It emphasizes the importance of being alert and ready for the coming of the Son of Man at any moment. People were caught off guard because they were not prepared for the judgment that came upon them, just as in the days of Noah and Lot. Therefore, believers are urged to remain vigilant in their faith and live in a way that is pleasing to God, so that they may be found worthy when Christ returns.
Being prepared for Christ’s return involves living a life of holiness, righteousness, and faithfulness. It means staying connected to God through prayer, studying His Word, and walking in obedience to His commandments. We, as believers, should constantly examine our hearts and actions, ensuring that we are living in a manner that reflects our faith in Christ. We can have confidence and peace by living in a way that honors God and prepares us for His return. Believers who have placed their hope and trust in Him ultimately anticipate and joyfully await the return of Christ. It is a time when all things will be made right, and God’s kingdom will be established forever. Therefore, let us heed the reminder in the verse you mentioned to be prepared, for we do not know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will come.
Application
Hey there, in the hustle and bustle of your daily grind, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Just like in your job or with your loved ones, preparation is key. Let’s make sure we’re spiritually equipped and ready for anything that comes our way. Are you staying tuned in and ready for the ultimate call to action?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.