Matthew 24:38

Context:Matthew 24 is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks to His disciples about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. In this specific verse, Jesus draws a parallel between the days of Noah and the events that will precede His second coming.

Days before the flood:The reference to “the days that were before the flood” refers to the time leading up to the worldwide flood in the days of Noah. The account of the flood is found in Genesis 6-9. During that time, humanity had become exceedingly wicked, and only Noah and his family found favour with God.

Eating and drinking:Jesus emphasises that people in Noah’s time were going about their daily routines, seemingly unconcerned about the impending judgment. They were engaged in normal activities such as eating and drinking, focused on their earthly lives rather than recognising the spiritual realities and the need for repentance.

Marrying and giving in marriage:Another aspect of the pre-flood society mentioned by Jesus is the practice of marrying and giving in marriage. While marriage is a God-ordained institution, Jesus uses this phrase to illustrate the preoccupation with earthly matters and the lack of attention to the spiritual realm.

Lessons and applications:

• Awareness of the signs:Just as Jesus spoke of the signs preceding His second coming, He highlights the importance of being aware of the spiritual signs and discerning the times we live in. We should not be oblivious or distracted by the affairs of this world but rather be watchful and discerning.
• Urgency of repentance:The people in Noah’s time were given a warning through the preaching of Noah, yet they failed to repent. This serves as a reminder of the urgency of repentance and turning to God in the face of impending judgment. We are called to respond to God’s message of salvation and live in righteousness.
• Balance in earthly matters:While it is important to engage in daily activities and responsibilities, we should maintain a balance and not be consumed by worldly pursuits. Our focus should be on the eternal rather than solely on temporal matters.
• God’s faithfulness and judgment:The account of the flood illustrates both God’s faithfulness to warn and His judgment on unrepentant sin. It reminds us of the consequences of rejecting God’s grace and the need for faithfulness to His commands.

Overall, Matthew 24:38 serves as a reminder to be vigilant, spiritually aware, and prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. It calls us to live lives of righteousness, seeking God’s kingdom above all else, and being mindful of the eternal realities rather than being solely focused on earthly pursuits.