By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
ALERT
Matthew 24:36–51
God saved me through the work of Christ, transforming my life when I was a college student in 1981. In the early years of my spiritual growth and ministry, I became acquainted with the teachings of Hal Lindsey and other end-times prophecy proponents.
My wife and I watched Mark IV Pictures movies beginning with “A Thief in the Night” about the coming rapture and the events related to the Great Tribulation. In 1988, I received a booklet sent to 300,000 U.S. pastors outlining 88 reasons for the Lord’s return on Rosh Hashanah. We are still waiting.
I have no doubt that Jesus is coming. We just don’t know when He is coming. While we wait, we must be on alert.
An Unknown Hour (36–41)
When? The disciples asked Jesus questions earlier in Matthew 24:3. When will these things happen (the destruction of the temple)? What is the sign of Your coming? What is the sign of the end of the age? Jesus explained that only the Father knows the timetable.
With this in mind, it would be best to ignore the person who predicts the day and the hour of the return of Christ, the rapture of the Church or the rise of the Antichrist. In fact, Jesus reiterated this prior to His ascension in Acts 1:7.
Manner? They didn’t know exactly when the flood was coming in Noah’s day. Engagements, weddings, celebrations and parties were happening up until the family boarded the ark. This is the way it will be when Jesus returns.
Who? Men will be at work in the field but not everyone will be taken. Women will be grinding grain, but some will be left behind.
Be Alert (42–44)
Be alert. Jesus called His disciples to be alert. Each of us must be diligent in the work we have been entrusted to do.
Be aware. Like a thief in the night, He will come when most do not expect Him. This motif is found in Matthew 24:43, 1 Thessalonians 5:2–4 and Revelation 16:15.
Be ready. I grew up participating in Boy Scouts of America, and our motto was “be prepared.”
Every Christian is called to be ready for the return of Christ. And while we wait, we are to always be ready to tell people the reasons why we follow Jesus (1 Pet. 3:15).
Be Faithful (45–51)
Be diligent in service. While believers await the Master’s return, we have a stewardship to take care of all that belongs to Him. As He tarries in His coming, we are accountable to do what He has equipped us to do. We are called to trust Him, and we must be faithful to serve Him.
Don’t be derelict in service. Not everyone will be found faithful. There are men and women who haven’t been faithful in following Jesus since they were in youth group. Some go to their graves as members of County Seat FBC or Deep-in-the-Woods Baptist Church, but they haven’t borne spiritual fruit for decades.
Don’t ignore the Savior. Why is it that so many people quit coming to church when they graduate high school? Many grew up in church, but they never surrendered to Jesus (1 John 2:19). The coming of Jesus will be like a thief in the night for them.
Pray for the salvation of the lost, including the folks on church rolls who have never trusted Jesus.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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