God’s Word of Praise and Thanksgiving
Introduction
Matthew 24:29-51: Jesus tells his followers to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man because no one knows the day or hour. Christians interpret the coming of the Son of Man as Christ’s Second Coming.
Scripture Reading
The Coming of the Son of Man
(Mark 13.24-27; Luke 21.25-28)
29 “Soon after the trouble of those days, the sun will grow dark, the moon will no longer shine, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers in space will be driven from their courses. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky; and all the peoples of earth will weep as they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31The great trumpet will sound, and he will send out his angels to the four corners of the earth, and they will gather his chosen people from one end of the world to the other.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
(Mark 13.28-31; Luke 21.29-33)
32“Let the fig tree teach you a lesson. When its branches become green and tender and it starts putting out leaves, you know that summer is near. 33In the same way, when you see all these things, you will know that the time is near, ready to begin. 34Remember that all these things will happen before the people now living have all died. 35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
No One Knows the Day and Hour
(Mark 13.32-37; Luke 17.26-30,34-36)
36“No one knows, however, when that day and hour will come—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son; the Father alone knows. 37 The coming of the Son of Man will be like what happened in the time of Noah. 38In the days before the flood people ate and drank, men and women married, up to the very day Noah went into the boat; 39 yet they did not realize what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40At that time two men will be working in a field: one will be taken away, the other will be left behind. 41Two women will be at a mill grinding meal: one will be taken away, the other will be left behind. 42Watch out, then, because you do not know what day your Lord will come. 43 If the owner of a house knew the time when the thief would come, you can be sure that he would stay awake and not let the thief break into his house. 44So then, you also must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him.
The Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant
(Luke 12.41-48)
45“Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant? It is the one that his master has placed in charge of the other servants to give them their food at the proper time. 46How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing this when he comes home! 47Indeed, I tell you, the master will put that servant in charge of all his property. 48But if he is a bad servant, he will tell himself that his master will not come back for a long time, 49and he will begin to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50Then that servant’s master will come back one day when the servant does not expect him and at a time he does not know. 51The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the hypocrites. There he will cry and gnash his teeth.
Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 24:42
Watch out, then, because you do not know what day your Lord will come.
Reflect
How does Jesus describe the coming of the Son of Man? Why does Jesus tell his followers to be watchful? How do you prepare for the unexpected? What does this passage say to you about living faithfully?
Pray
Lord Jesus, as I await your coming in power and glory, keep me faithful. Open my heart to be ever ready to receive and welcome you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Matthew 25:1-30: Jesus describes the Kingdom of heaven with two parables.