Matthew 24
December 26, 2022
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 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 let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (v42-44)
Matthew 24 is on par with the Book of Revelation for being confusing and debated - particularly regarding the timeline of events that Jesus spells out in this chapter. However, the point of the chapter is clear, as indicated by the word, “Therefore” (v42). We are to “keep watch” (v42) and “be ready” (v44) for His return. And Jesus spells out what He means by this in the following verse (v45-46), when He tells us that He wants to find us “faithfully serving” when He returns.
Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your great plan of salvation - that will culminate in the consummation of the Kingdom - when You return. Even though You’ve made it clear that we will “not know the day or hour of Your return” (v36), You have promised that You’re coming back. And based on the fact that You defeated death by rising from the dead, I have no reason to believe You won’t keep this promise of returning, too. And so, I pray that You would strengthen me to faithfully endure during these difficult days (that You warned us were coming!). Give me all that I need to serve You in all of the ways You’ve called me to - so that upon You return or at my death (whichever comes first) - I’m not ashamed before You, but filled with joy that the waiting is over. What a glorious day that will be to be welcomed into Your Presence, where there is “fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
