The Commands of Christ - Matthew 24:40-44

"Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."


To whom are these commands spoken?


Spoken to the disciples in response to their question about the sign of Christ's return and the end of the age (v. 3).

What do these commands require?


Watch and be ready, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.

What truths do we learn through these commands?


Jesus is returning at an unexpected hour. While these verses are referring to the second coming, not the rapture, both events will be unexpected. Our duty then is to be faithful with what Christ has called and commanded us to do and also to be expecting His return at any moment. The person that is not ready for Christ's return will be taken in judgment, just as the man in the field or the woman grinding at the mill.

So the question bears asking: Are you ready? Have you trusted in Christ for salvation? Have you devoted your life to obedience to your Lord and Master? Are you doing His will? These are serious questions. Questions that, if not considered and answered correctly, can affect your eternal destiny. There are some very real consequences for disobedience to these two commands and there are some very real blessings for obedience.

What are the consequences for disobedience and the blessings for obedience?


I'd like to just consider the rest of Matthew 24 to evaluate what happens when one is obedient or disobedient to these commands:

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying in his coming,' and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."


Let us strive to be faithful, consistently walking with the Lord, doing His will, and eagerly waiting for His return.