The Returning King

Matthew 24:36–44 NIV

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “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.

For many of us, Advent was a time of perpetual watchfulness as children. We had Advent calendars with little windows or pockets that must be rushed to every day, to obtain the small treats that were inside. Each day was looked at with much scrutiny: “How many more days until Christmas? What if I miss it?” Everyone was monitored closely to see what came in and out of the house. Each night was met with in- creasing restlessness, not wanting to sleep or even close your eyes because—what if you miss it? What if you miss the magic? What if you miss the wonder? What if you miss Santa Claus on the rooftop or sneak- ing presents under your tree?

You watch closely each and every day with wonder.

While this story isn’t relatable for everyone, most of us can relate to a time we were anticipating something. A wedding day, the birth of a baby, retirement, a long-worked-for raise—whatever it might be, we know what it is like to watch in extreme anticipation, waiting.

Our text today is about this type of waiting and watching, never losing focus on what we should have our eyes on: the return of Jesus.

Many of us read this text with the baggage of fear, and there’s some validity to that because the preceding verses are a bit gloomy—to say the least. There is definitely a sign of caution here to not be dis- tracted, to stay the course, but the message is not one of fear. It’s ultimately one of hope: that God keeps his promises, that Christ will return, and that if we stay the course, if we are watchful and ready, we will see this hope fulfilled.

Jesus knew people get distracted by everyday life

This text reveals a distractedness that could consume God’s people. Jesus is warning his hearers. Matthew is warning the early church.

There is much to do since Jesus had arrived. Getting distracted could hinder the mission.

The Gospel of Matthew has an overarching theme of sharing the gospel with others. This theme is revealed in the Great Commission at the end of the book, Matthew 28:19

Matthew 28:19 NIV

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

We also see this theme illustrated in the parable of the sheep and goats in 25:31–46, where we learn that the call of those following Christ is to a life lived in love and compassion for those around us.

Jesus called his people to join the mission of God in the world. Distracted disciples don’t change the world...

This chapter gives several examples of this warning so we for sure get the message:

The Ten Bridesmaids, the Talents, the Sheep and the Goats all remind us that laziness, worry and lack of compassion leave us unprepared for Jesus’ return.

They were caught off guard because they forgot about God.

They were not paying attention to the signs around them that were pointing them toward salvation; instead, they were focused on other things.

Noah

In vv 38-39 the story of Noah is referenced.

The issue was not that the people were marrying, eating, and drinking. The issue was that they allowed those things to distract them from their coming destruction and, ultimately, the opportunity for hope and salvation. It’s costly to ignore our need for God and our coming moment of judgement or deliverance.

We are also distracted people

While we may know that Christ is coming, we often allow other things to consume our time.

We sometimes forget our call to compassion and love because of these distractions.

This time of year, we can look at obvious distractions in our lives.

Busyness is a problem throughout the year, but this season can feel particularly busy.

Materialism is an issue especially as we near Christmastime. Shiny things are alluring, and we can sometimes view both getting and giving as a way to be fulfilled; yet both can serve as distractions.

Keeping up appearances—the way we, and our homes, look to others—can become a serious distraction in our lives. This can be a fine line. We have to take care of things to do our part as good neighbors, but not to the point of high debt or taking undue pride of life.

Family can be a distraction, even though family is really good! Much like the people in Noah’s time

weren’t wrong for getting married and celebrating, we aren’t wrong for spending time with family, but sometimes even good things like our family can become the focus of the season over Jesus.

There are myriad things that distract us from looking for Christ in our lives and in the world around us.

Jesus pointed the way to spiritual focus

Matthew 24:42 NIV

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

Matthew 24:44 NIV

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Advent is a season for regaining our focus

While this might feel like an odd text for Advent, it is appropriate.

We are reminded to be mindful of the distractions in our life and remember the birth of Christ.

Each week we are called to look back to Christ’s birth and remember.

We are also reminded each week to look ahead to Christ’s return.

Just like the anticipation we had as children, looking forward to Christmas day or another important day, we are reminded to look forward for Christ’s return.

What distractions do you need to remove from your life to regain focus on Christ?

What do you need to add to your life to regain focus on Christ?

Those of us who anticipate the return of Christ are hopeful.

We know that the hardships and trials we face now will be made right at Christ’s return.

We are confident of the ways the already/not yet kingdom of God is at work.

When we are anticipate Christ’s return, we look for and see where the Holy Spirit is already at work in the world.

We partner with the work of the Holy Spirit in the world, in much the same way Noah partnered with God in building the ark.

The fear in the text is never for those who trust in the Lord. It’s always for those who don’t.