Matthew 24:37-39 is about Jesus warning his disciples to be prepared for his second coming by comparing it to the days of Noah, where people were unaware and unprepared for the flood that came upon them.
37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,
39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 24:37-39
The scene in Matthew 24:37-39 takes place during one of Jesus’ teachings to his disciples on the Mount of Olives. The disciples, including Peter, James, John, and Andrew, had come to Jesus privately to ask about the signs of his coming and the end of the age. As they sat with Jesus overlooking Jerusalem, he began to explain to them the signs that would precede his second coming and the end times.
The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the city below as Jesus spoke about the days of Noah, drawing parallels between the wickedness of that time and the state of the world before his return. The disciples listened intently, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern as they tried to comprehend the gravity of Jesus’ words. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the olive trees around them, adding a sense of solemnity to the moment.
As Jesus painted a vivid picture of the flood sweeping people away unexpectedly, the disciples couldn’t help but feel a sense of urgency and awe at the magnitude of the events he described. The scene on the Mount of Olives was one of profound teaching and revelation, as Jesus prepared his disciples for the days to come and the importance of being spiritually vigilant and prepared for his return.
What is Matthew 24:37-39 about?
Imagine Jesus painting a picture with His words, comparing the days of His return to the time of Noah. Just like how people were going about their daily lives without expecting the flood to come, so too will many be caught off guard when Jesus returns. This verse is a call for believers to stay alert, prepared, and mindful of His return.
Do you find yourself caught up in the routines and distractions of daily life, forgetting to be ready for Jesus’ return? Are you living with purpose and faith, aware that at any moment, He could come back? Let this verse serve as a reminder to stay vigilant, faithful, and prepared for the day when Jesus will return in all His glory. We eagerly and expectantly await His coming, living each day with the knowledge that He could come at any moment.
Understanding what Matthew 24:37-39 really means
In the midst of Jesus’ teachings on the end times and His second coming, He draws a striking parallel between the days of Noah and the coming of the Son of Man. The comparison serves to highlight the suddenness and unexpected nature of Christ’s return, urging us to be vigilant and prepared. “As it was in the days of Noah,” signifies a period of normalcy and routine, where people are oblivious to the impending judgment that is about to unfold. The phrase encapsulates a sense of unawareness and unpreparedness that characterized the people of Noah’s time, serving as a cautionary tale for us to heed.
Reflecting on the narrative in Genesis 6:5-8, we witness the depths of humanity’s wickedness during Noah’s era and God’s decision to bring forth the flood as a form of judgment. This historical account intertwines with Jesus’ words, emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and living a life that aligns with our faith. The warning echoes through 2 Peter 3:3-7, where Peter forewarns of scoffers in the last days who will mock the idea of Christ’s return, mirroring the ignorance prevalent in Noah’s time. Jesus further reinforces this message in Luke 17:26-30, underscoring the abruptness of God’s judgment through the comparison of Noah’s days and Lot’s days.
In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it is easy to fall into a state of complacency and distraction, much like the people before the flood. The call to vigilance and preparedness remains as pertinent now as it was then, urging us to live with an eternal perspective. Consider a community residing near a dormant volcano, going about their lives heedless of the rumblings until the volcano erupts unexpectedly. This scenario mirrors the urgency of being spiritually prepared for Christ’s return, emphasizing the need to heed the signs and live in a state of readiness.
As we delve into the implications of these verses, it prompts introspection on our own spiritual readiness for Christ’s return. Are there areas in our lives where we have grown complacent or been consumed by worldly concerns? Taking a moment to reflect and pray, seeking God’s guidance in staying vigilant and focused on His promises, can help realign our priorities. By grasping the profound meaning behind these passages and applying their relevance to our lives today, we equip ourselves to honor Christ through our readiness and anticipation of His imminent return.
How can we stay spiritually prepared for His return?
We can stay spiritually prepared for His return by being vigilant and staying faithful in our relationship with God. Just like how people were carrying on with their daily lives before the flood came, we should be diligent in our walk with God, living in a way that honors Him. This means staying connected to Him through prayer, studying His word, and living out our faith in our daily lives.
We should also be mindful of the signs of the times and be discerning of the world around us. This involves being aware of the current state of the world and our own spiritual condition, ensuring that we are living according to God’s will and being a light in a dark world. We can be ready for His return at any moment by staying spiritually prepared in these ways, knowing that our faith and trust in Him will sustain us through whatever may come.
Application
Stay sharp and ready, just like how you tackle challenges at work or care for your family. Let’s be like Noah, prepared and obedient. Stand firm in your beliefs and don’t let life’s storms catch you off guard. Will you commit to following through on your faith and embracing the strength it brings?
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.