Matthew 24: 42 44 Keep Watching and Ready for the Master will come unexpectedly.

Don't be slack nor let down your guard.

Mat 24:45  "Who therefore is the loyal and intelligent servant to whom his master has entrusted the control of his household to give them their rations at the appointed time?

Mat 24:46  Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes shall find so doing!

Mat 24:47  In solemn truth I tell you that he will give him the management of all his wealth.

Mat 24:48  But if the man, being a bad servant, should say in his heart, 'My master is a long time in coming,'

Mat 24:49  and should begin to beat his fellow servants, while he eats and drinks with drunkards;

Mat 24:50  the master of that servant will arrive on a day when he is not expecting him and at an hour of which he has not been informed;

Mat 24:51  he will treat him with the utmost severity and assign him a place among the hypocrites: there will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

Introduction

Keep watch. Keep alert. This was Jesus admonition in the previous verses. he is coming like a thief in the night,, i.e. UNEXPECTEDLY.

Be Ready. You must be doing what he last told you to do.

Barnes Notes This passage is, in fact, “a parable,” though it is not expressly so called. The design is to show that his disciples should act as if they were each moment expecting his return. This he illustrates by the conduct of a servant who did not expect his master soon to return, who acted with great impropriety, and who was accordingly punished.

Mat 24:45  "Who therefore is the loyal and intelligent servant to whom his master has entrusted the control of his household to give them their rations at the appointed time?

Notes

Who therefore is the loyal and intelligent servant to whom his master has entrusted the control of his household….

Loyal and intelligent WNT Faithful and wise KJV faithful and sensible Leon Morris.

Servant :: Bond-servant, slave

whom his master has entrusted the control of his household to give them their rations at the appointed time? Jesus asks who is this faithful and wise servant. This is a way of inviting the hearers to reflect on their own state of readiness.

Here is the Steward of the Household, a slave chosen to do  the work of looking after the Master's household while he is absent.. He has been appointed to this work. He did not choose it. He is over the whole household. There may have been many slaves to feed and care for.

to give them their rations at the appointed time? Feeding the household at the appointed time was was his responsibility.

Whom his lord - His master.

The word here has no reference to God. It means the “lord” or master of the servant. Applied to Christian teachers, in the spiritual meaning of the parable, it refers to “Christ,” who has appointed them as teachers, and who is their Lord and Master, Joh_13:13-14.

Over his household - His family. Christian ministers are the servants of God appointed over the church, the family of Christ, 1Th_5:12-13; 1Co_3:5; 1Co_4:1-2; 1Co_12:28.

Food in due season - The word “meat” here means food of all kinds. When the Bible was translated into English, the word included, as the original does, all kinds of provisions requisite to support and nourish life.

In due season - As they need it, or in the accustomed times. This was the office of a steward. Among the ancients this office was often filled by a “slave” - one who had shown himself trusty and faithful. The duty was to have a general superintendence over the affairs of the family. Applied to Christian ministers, it means that they are to feed the flock of God, to “minister” to their needs, and to do it as they need it, Joh_21:15-17; Act_20:28; 1Co_4:1-2.

Mat_24:47

Shall make him ruler ... - Shall confirm his appointment over his household, and, as a reward, shall place him over all his property.

This does not mean that ministers will have a higher rank or office, but is a circumstance of “the parable” or story, designed to show the effect of faithfulness. Faithful servants of Christ shall be rewarded. This will be done by His approbation, and by the rewards of the heavenly world.

Mat 24:46  Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes shall find so doing!

Notes

He is committed to the task set for him and he faithfully keeps at it until the Master returns.

This slave is BLESSED. He is at the job when the Master arrives. Everything is in order and the servants are all fed and happy. Joseph was set over the whole household of Potipher both inside and outside servants and he controlled them all and made sure that they were provided for.

Mat 24:47  In solemn truth I tell you that he will give him the management of all his wealth. WNT

Mat 24:47  I can guarantee this truth: He will put that servant in charge of all his property. GW.

In solemn truth WNT  AmenG281 I sayG3004 to youG1473 that, ABP This is a principle of the Kingdom of God. Faithfulness will be rewarded

Notes

Shall confirm his appointment over his household, and, as a reward, shall place him over all his property.

This does not mean that ministers will have a higher rank or office, but is a circumstance of “the parable” or story, designed to show the effect of faithfulness. Faithful servants of Christ shall be rewarded. This will be done by His approbation, and by the rewards of the heavenly world. Barnes

Mat 24:48  But if the man, being a bad servant, should say in his heart, 'My master is a long time in coming,'

Mat 24:49  and should begin to beat his fellow servants, while he eats and drinks with drunkards;

Notes

the man, being a bad servant, should say in his heart, 'My master is a long time in coming,'

That bad servant or that wicked servant. Here is a hypothetical case where a servant is not faithful and intelligent. He lack the moral stamina to persevere even though the Master does not come for a long time. Faithfulness in serving Jesus is essential for rewards in the Kingdom of God.

He says within his heart, “My Master is a long time coming.” Self-talk will control your actions so you need to be saying the right things to yourself.

How long will Jesus coming be? Will you slack off on your Christian responsibilities by being lazy and unfaithful..

This slave acts just as if he thinks the Master will never come back and that he can do just what He  likes. There is no accountability.

Mat 24:50  the master of that servant will arrive on a day when he is not expecting him and at an hour of which he has not been informed;

Notes

This responsibility is only temporary and he must give an account of his fulfillment of his charge.

...the master of that servant will arrive on a day when he is not expecting him and at an hour of which he has not been informed;

DELAY DOES NOT MEAN CANCELLATION.L.M. .P.617

Mat 24:51  he will treat him with the utmost severity and assign him a place among the hypocrites: there will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

Notes

What an unhappy ending. Severe Punishment. cp Luke 12 :46 He is finally lost in the place of grinding of the teeth and intense weeping.

Matthew 24: 42 44 Keep Watching and Ready for the Son of Man will come unexpectedly.

keep watch also  keep a watch or close watch on ; watchover. Observe with continuous attention, especially toact as a sentinel or for protection. For example, Afraidthat the wolves would return, she kept watch while theothers slept, or They kept a close watch on the harbor,looking for signs of enemy ships, or, according to the Gospel of St. Luke (2:8): “And there were in the same country shepherds ... keeping watch over their flock bynight.” [Late 1300s ]

Also see: keep an eye out for…. http://dictionary.reference.com

My father was an Anti-Submarine Officer on a Corvette during WW2 in the Royal Australian Navy. He regularly Kept Watch for Enemy Submarines day and night.

Corvette HMAS Townville used for Convoy escort in the SW Pacific.

This was a very onerous duty as thousands of lives depended on their vigilance and dedication. My Dad retired from the Royal Australian Navy at the end of the war with nervous dyspepsia for which he received a small pension. This was caused by the stress of staying alert in war.

Lt. j.g. Karen Sankes, USN, stands watch aboard amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge as officer of the deck.

Mat 24:42  Be on the alert therefore, for you do not know the day on which your Lord is coming.WNT   Mat 24:43  But of this be assured, that if the master of the house had known the hour at which the robber was coming, he would have kept awake, and not have allowed his house to be broken into.

Mat 24:44  Therefore you also must be ready; for it is at a time when you do not expect Him that the Son of Man will come.

Introduction

The Purposes of God are worked out quite irrespective of what puny humans think about them.

WE have seen that we do not know dates or times or seasons but God will set the course of History despite what man may plan. The Nazis thought there would be a One Thousand Year Reich. God had other plans.

Here in this small paragraph of Scripture we see the Necessity for watchfulness.

Mat 24:42  Be on the alert therefore, for you do not know the day on which your Lord is coming. WNT Therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come NIV

Notes

Be on the alert therefore.

Be on the Alert ἑτοιμος hetoimos Thayer Definition:

1) prepare ready 1a) of things 1a1) ready at hand 1a2) opportune, seasonable

1b) Prepare, be ready: of persons 1b1) ready prepared 1b1a) to do something to prepare yourself 1b1b) to receive one coming

Now in Queensland we are approaching the hot season. The Government and the Rural Fire Service is telling everyone to get ready for bushfires. There has been a good season during winter but every farmer and every household should be ready for the Hot weather and Bushfires. Each person must have their plan when they will leave or stay to fight the fires and all the equiptment to fight fires. So Be prepared.

Bushfire Emergency survival kit. PLAN-PREPARE- RELOCATE

for you do not know the day on which your Lord is coming. WNT

for at an hour that you think not, the Son of Man comes. EMTV

because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him. GNB

Remember the Parables of the five wise and the five foolish virgins

The wise prepared beforehand with extra oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom came at midnight they were ready. The foolish young maidens let their lamps go out and went out so as to buy more at midnight when the shout went out. They were unprepared.

Are you READY for the Return of Christ? Is you life and your house in order or is your life in chaos. Now is the time to get things in order. Soon Christ will return for His Saints.

Mat 24:43  But of this be assured, that if the master of the house had known the hour at which the robber was coming, he would have kept awake, and not have allowed his house to be broken into. WNT

V.43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming,, he would have kept watch and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. NIV

Burglaries happen when people are unaware and unprepared.

I had my briefcase stolen in Lusaka from where I was staying because i did not lock the caravan screen door. Passport, money and everything. Stay alert. Be aware of the dynamics and situations around you.

Have you ever been pickpocketed? They funnelled me down this narrow alley between people standing on the footpath then attacked my pockets from both side. they did not get my wallet thank the Lord for it was way down under my handkerchief.

Mat 24:44  Therefore you also must be ready; for it is at a time when you do not expect Him that the Son of Man will come.

Notes

be ready; for it is at a time when you do not expect Him that the Son of Man will come.

He will come when we least expect it.

One burglar in Zambia came naked in the middle of the night covered with oil or grease.

My wife heard a scratching sound on the window. She slowly pulled the curtain back and saw the naked man taking out the putty around a pane of glass. He was going to open the window nearby and climb in. Esther woke me and in my sleepy  stupor yelled out in French, “Qu’est qu’il y a?” Of course the thief got away. My Constantino said he had rat shot especially for these occasions.

Are you repecting the Lord’s Return at any time? PREPARE NOW GET READY!!!!!!!!

Matthew 24 : 36 - 41 The Day of Messiah’s return is Unknown.

As it was in the days of Noah so it will be.

Mat 24:36  "But as to that day and the exact time no one knows--not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

Mat 24:37  'For as it was in the time of Noah, so it will be at the Coming of the Son of Man.

Mat 24:38  At that time, before the Deluge, men were busy eating and drinking, taking wives or giving them, up to the very day when Noah entered the Ark,

Mat 24:39  nor did they realise any danger till the Deluge came and swept them all away; so will it be at the Coming of the Son of Man.

Mat 24:40  Then will two men be in the open country: one will be taken away, and one left behind.

Mat 24:41  Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken away, and one left behind.

Mat 24:42  Be on the alert therefore, for you do not know the day on which your Lord is coming.

Introduction

All the Signs which point to the End of the Ages are coming up quickly. There are many so called prophets who predict this year or that year. NO ONE KNOWS the exact timing. So dont follow the date setters. Wars, turmoil, tsunamis, and earthquakes are all indicative that something is about to happen. Soon  in the News your will see it.

Comments

Mat 24:36  "But as to that day and the exact time no one knows--not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

Notes

But of that day and hour - Of the precise time of the fulfillment. The “general signs” of its approach have been given, as the budding of the fig-tree is a certain indication that summer is near; but “the precise time” is not indicated by these things. One part of their inquiry was Mat_24:3 when those things should be. He now replies to them by saying that the precise time would not be foretold. Barnes

Compare the notes at . Act 1:7  "It is not for you," He replied, "to know times or epochs which the Father has reserved within His own authority;

It is not for you to know - The question of the apostles respected the time of the restoration; it was not whether he would do it. Accordingly, his answer meets precisely their inquiry; and he tells them in general that the time of the great events of God’s kingdom was not to be understood by them. They had asked a similar question on a former occasion, Mat_24:3, “Tell us when shall these things be?” Jesus had answered them then by showing them that certain signs would precede his coming, and then by saying Mat_24:36, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” God has uniformly reproved a vain curiosity on such points, 1Th_5:1-2; 2Pe_3:10; Luk_12:39-40.

The times or the seasons - The difference between these words is, that the former denotes any time or period that is indefinite or uncertain; the later denotes a fixed, definite, or appropriate time. They seem to be used here to denote the periods that would mark or determine all future events. Barnes

Knoweth no man, no, not the angels -

Mar_13:32."But as to that day or the exact time no one knows--not even the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

Mat 24:37  'For as it was in the time of Noah, so it will be at the Coming of the Son of Man.

Notes.

But as the days of Noah were. The second coming of Christ will be sudden and unexpected. Our Lord assumes, that there was a flood sent in judgment in the days of Noah. He endorses the history contained in the book of Genesis.Popular.

The days of Noah.

We are told that when Jesus comes again to rapture (harpazo) us home, that it will be like when it was in the days of Noah.  This passage, frequently cited to by Biblical scholars and writers, indicates that it was a sign of the end times and as such, should be a condition that should alert us to the coming of the Lord. John Funk Raptureready.com

Mat 24:38  At that time, before the Deluge, men were busy eating and drinking, taking wives or giving them, up to the very day when Noah entered the Ark,

Notes

They were eating and drinking, seeking their enjoyment, not expecting the catastrophe. (As they were ‘drinking,’ it would seem that wine was made before the flood.) The verse does not at all imply that Christ’s people are to cease their ordinary employments, in expectation of the coming of Christ. Absorption in these things is censured. Popular Commentary on the NT.

Mat 24:39  nor did they realise any danger till the Deluge came and swept them all away; so will it be at the Coming of the Son of Man.

Notes

They saw Noah building the ark and doubtless, human nature being what it is, some Mocked him

BUT THEY DID NOT REALISE TILL THE FLOOD CAME AND SWEPT THEM AWAY.

THEY DID NOT KNOW AND DID NOT EVEN EXPECT IT.

They completely disregarded what Noah said to them doubtless they firmly believed that their views were just as valid and just as likely correct as those of this crazy ark-maker.

The Purposes of God are worked out quite irrespective of what puny humans think about them.

Mat 24:40  Then will two men be in the open country: one will be taken away, and one left behind.

Mat 24:41  Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken away, and one left behind.

Matthew 24:40-41

Then shall two men - two women - one shall be taken, and the other left - The meaning seems to be, that so general should these calamities be, that no two persons, wheresoever found, or about whatsoever employed, should be both able to effect their escape; and that captivity and the sword should have a complete triumph over this unhappy people.

Two women shall be grinding - Women alone are still employed in grinding the corn in the east; and it is only when despatch is required, or the uppermost millstone is heavy, that a second woman is added. See Wakefield, and Harmer, Obs. vol. i. 253. That they were formerly thus employed, see Exo_11:5, and the note there. See also Isa_47:2.

Mat 24:42  Be on the alert therefore, for you do not know the day on which your Lord is coming.

Matthew 24: 30 - 35 Then the SON of MAN will come on the clouds with Great Authority and Glory.

The Generation of the Budding of the Fig Tree

Mat 24:30  Then will appear the Sign of the Son of Man in the sky; and THEN WILL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH LAMENT, when they see the Son of Man COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with great power and glory.

Mat 24:31  And He will send out His angels WITH A LOUD TRUMPET-BLAST, and THEY WILL BRING TOGETHER HIS OWN PEOPLE TO HIM FROM NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST--FROM ONE EXTREMITY OF THE WORLD TO THE OTHER.

Mat 24:32  "Now learn from the fig-tree the lesson it teaches. As soon as its branches have now become soft and it is bursting into leaf, you all know that summer is near.

Mat 24:33  So you also, when you see all these signs, may be sure that He is near--at your very door.

Mat 24:34  I tell you in solemn truth that the present generation will certainly not pass away without all these things having first taken place.

Mat 24:35  Earth and sky will pass away, but it is certain that my words will not pass away.

Introduction

Matthew 24 gives us the SIGNS of the End of the Age then the Return of the Messiah to Establish His Kingdom on earth for 1,000 years. This study looks at this glorious Appearing of our Saviour in the Sky.

The Glorious Return of Christ

Comments

Mat 24:30  Then will appear the Sign of the Son of Man in the sky; and THEN WILL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH LAMENT, when they see the Son of Man COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with great power and glory.

Notes

Then will appear the Sign of the Son of Man in the sky;

the Sign  G4592 σημεῖον sēmeion Thayer Definition:

1) a sign, mark, token 1a) that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known 1b) a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature 1b1) of signs portending remarkable events soon to happen

1b2) of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God’s

the Sign of the Son of Man in the sky...The sign of the Son of Man in heaven (to sēmeion tou huiou tou anthrōpou en ouranōi). Many theories have been suggested like the cross in the sky, etc. Bruce sees a reference to Dan_7:13 “one like the Son of man” and holds that Christ himself is the sign in question (the genitive of apposition). This is certainly possible. It is confirmed by the rest of the verse: “They shall see the Son of man coming.” See Mat_16:27; Mat_26:64. The Jews had repeatedly asked for such a sign (Broadus) as in Mat_12:38; Mat_16:1; Joh_2:18. RWP

and THEN WILL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH LAMENT, when they see the Son of Man COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY..

This Sign of His Coming will have such an Impact on all the nations of the earth that They will begin to lament and mourn.

The Jews and the Nations will not rejoice at the Coming of the Son of Man but they will lament. They will see that He comes with Great power and glory and that what they trusted was false. They certainly will be conscience stricken and will begin to mourn as they will face the penalty for their misdeeds.

New International Version

"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.ZECHARIAH 12

The Clouds are associated with the Divine Presence and that is their significance here.

This is the Majestic Appearance of the King of Kings and Lord of lords.

Mat 24:31  And He will send out His angels WITH A LOUD TRUMPET-BLAST, and THEY WILL BRING TOGETHER HIS OWN PEOPLE TO HIM FROM NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST--FROM ONE EXTREMITY OF THE WORLD TO THE OTHER.

Notes

With a great sound of a trumpet (meta salpiggos phōnēs megalēs). Some MSS. omit (phōnēs) “sound.” The trumpet was the signal employed to call the hosts of Israel to march as to war and is common in prophetic imagery (Isa_27:13). Cf. the seventh angel (Rev_11:15). Clearly “the coming of the son of man is not to be identified with the judgment of Jerusalem but rather forms its preternatural background” (Bruce).RWP

WILL BRING TOGETHER HIS OWN PEOPLE TO HIM FROM NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST--FROM ONE EXTREMITY OF THE WORLD TO THE OTHER. The Angels gather them. Not one of God’s own people will be missing from allover the world.

Mat 24:32  "Now learn from the fig-tree the lesson it teaches. As soon as its branches have now become soft and it is bursting into leaf, you all know that summer is near.

notes

learn from the fig-tree the lesson it teaches.

Most trees in Israel kept their leaves throughout the year but not the fig tree. It sheds it’s leaves in winter and year by year its branches become soft and it bursts with new budds then new leaves.

Now learn a parable - See the notes at Mat_13:3. The word here means, rather, “an illustration” make a “comparison,” or judge of this as you do respecting a fig-tree.

Fig-tree - This was spoken on the Mount of Olives, which produced not only olives, but figs. Possibly one was near when he spoke this.

When his branch ... - When the juices return from the roots into the branches, and the buds swell and burst, “as if tender,” and too feeble to contain the pressing and expanding leaves when you see that, you judge that spring and summer are near.

Mat 24:33  So you also, when you see all these signs, may be sure that He is near--at your very door.

Notes.

when you see all these signs,  you may be sure that He is near--at your very door.

His return is Imminent when you see these signs fulfilled. He is right at the door.

beforeitsnews.comShoebat.com- By RS: Many people quote the famous Bible passage from Matthew 24 where Jesus says plainly that no one knows the day or the hour that He will come....

Mat 24:34  I tell you in solemn truth that the present generation will certainly not pass away without all these things having first taken place.

Notes

John McTernan’s Commentary on Matthew 24:29,30 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

(31) And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

(32,33) Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: (33) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. (34) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Luke 21 gives a tremendous key to the setting of the generation mentioned in Matthew 24:34. Luke establishes that it is connected with the destruction and restoration of Jerusalem. So, events involving Jerusalem become the setting for the final generation. In verse 21, Luke writes about the destruction and what to look for. This is describing when the city is about to be destroyed. This answers the first question: When Shall These Things Be?

Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. (21) Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

 Luke then goes on to say that the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the people would not be forever. That Jerusalem would be under the control of the non Jews for only a certain period of time. The exact amount of time is not mentioned, but the conclusion would be known as the events would focus on Jerusalem.

Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

 After the end of the non Jewish control of Jerusalem would come the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. So, according to the synoptic gospels regarding the Olivet Discourse, we are now living in the generation that will not pass away until all things be fulfilled.

Mat 24:35  Earth and sky will pass away, but it is certain that my words will not pass away.

Notes

Heaven and earth shall pass away ... - You may sooner expect to see the heaven and earth pass away and return to nothing, than my words to fail. Barnes