The All-Important Parenthesis Part 2

Last week we looked at what appeared to be a “break” Jesus was taking from the narrative

Instead, what we saw was Him switching teaching methods.

He went from straight out narrative, to two parables and exhortations…this is where we begin today..

The Exhortations

Be Watchful

Be Prepared

Be watchful

Jesus uses three examples

The fig tree…mindful to watch for the “budding” signs (last week)

Noah…the sudden flood waters

The thief

Be Watchful: Noah

Christ cautioned that no man knows the exact time and date of His return

But the signs are going to be proof that it is near

Its remarkable how these closing days of the tribulation resemble the days of Noah as the date of the flood drew near

Too Little, too late

Let's look at verses 37-39

The signs will be all around for people to see, but they'll refuse to accept the truth

Just like Noah's day they lived their lives right up until the rain started falling and refused to stop

Just as in Noah's day God prepared a way of escape but when He closed the door of the ark it was too late

When Christ returns it will be too late to repent

The Flood of Noah speaks of judgement

Verses 40-42

The two in the field, and the two in the mill

One is taken, not in the rapture, but in judgment as Christ returns

The one left will be left to enter into the Kingdom

We all always assumed it was the one left behind that had no hope...

Watch therefore...because you don't know when He's coming!

Be watchful: The Thief

What if a thief called and made an appointment to rob your house?

You'd know the date, the time and you'd be watching!

Unfortunately, thieves don't do that do they

Because we don't know when to expect a thief we don't see it coming

The same is true for the return of Christ

If they're not watching they'll be taken by surprise

What do we take from This?

1. Time is precious

2. We only get one lifetime to trust in Christ

3. Once this lifetime is over, that’s it

4. Time is running out, fast

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