Matthew 24:38
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Matthew 24:38 (KJV)
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 the preceding verse, Jesus compares His coming to the days of Noah. In this specific verse, He draws a parallel between the days before the flood and the events that will precede His second coming.
Meaning
The reference to “the days that were before the flood” points to the time immediately preceding the worldwide flood in the days of Noah, not the entire period from creation. The account of the flood is found in Genesis 6-9, where humanity had become exceedingly wicked, and only Noah and his family found favour with God.
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. The point is not that these activities were sinful in themselves; eating, drinking, and marriage are lawful and normal parts of life. Rather, the people were so absorbed in their ordinary routines that they gave no thought to the coming judgment.
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. The people were oblivious until the flood came and swept them away, as the next verse states. The parallel to the coming of the Son of Man is that people will be similarly preoccupied with everyday concerns and unprepared for His return.
Biblical connections
The same teaching appears in Luke 17:26-27, where Jesus says that in the days of Noah people were eating and drinking and marrying until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. This parallel reinforces the lesson of readiness and watchfulness. Jesus’ use of this historical event underscores the suddenness and certainty of judgment.
Application
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.
Reflection
Matthew 24:38 serves as a reminder to be vigilant, spiritually aware, and prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. The verse does not condemn marriage or daily life, but warns against living as if there will be no reckoning. 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, because the coming of the Son of Man will be sudden and unexpected.
