What does Matthew 24:44 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 24:44, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh," is a call for vigilance and preparedness for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

It suggests that the timing of this event will be unexpected, likened to a thief arriving in the night. The central theme here is readiness, emphasizing the need for constant spiritual watchfulness because the exact time of the return is unknown.

Historical Context

Matthew 24 forms part of what is known as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks to his disciples on the Mount of Olives.

In the chapters preceding this verse, Jesus details the signs of the end times and the need for his followers to be ready for his return.

The historical context is the period when early Christians expected Jesus’ imminent return, and the teachings were a source of hope and urgency during a time of uncertainty and persecution.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse encapsulates the Christian doctrine of Parousia, which refers to the Second Coming of Christ.

This expectation has shaped Christian eschatology and has been interpreted differently among various denominations:

• Pre-millennialists believe that Jesus will return before a thousand-year reign of peace.
• Post-millennialists think Christ will return after a period of peace and righteousness.
• Amillennialists see the millennium as a symbolic period that is currently being experienced in the church age.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Matthew 24:44 can serve as a reminder to live morally upright and spiritually focused lives, no matter the circumstances.

Believers are encouraged to engage in regular self-reflection, commit to their faith, and foster a sense of accountability for their actions.

The verse serves as a motivator for Christians to partake consistently in their communities and spread their beliefs, with the understanding that the time they have is limited.

Cross-References

• Mark 13:32-37: The necessity of watchfulness is similarly emphasized here.
• Luke 12:40: A parallel admonition to be ready for the Son of Man.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:2: Paul’s teaching that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
• Revelation 16:15: A statement from Jesus about coming unexpectedly like a thief.
• Matthew 25:13: The importance of watchfulness is echoed in the parable of the virgins.

Language Study

Key phrases to consider in the original Greek language are:

• "γίνεσθε ἕτοιμοι" (ginesthe hetoimi) - "be ye also ready": conveys a sense of being prepared or in a state of preparedness.
• "ἥ τε ὥρα" (he te hora) - "the hour": this does not just indicate a literal hour but a period or a moment in time.
• "ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου" (ho huios tou anthropou) - "the Son of man": a title Christ used for himself, which has roots in Jewish apocalyptic literature and emphasizes his role in judgment and salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a deity's return or a judgment day is present in various religious traditions.

In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is a series of events that lead to the death of major figures and the world's rebirth.

In Islam, there is a belief in the Day of Judgment when Jesus, known as Isa in the Quran, will return to defeat the Antichrist figure.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the promise of an unforeseeable event such as the Second Coming does not conform to scientific methods, which operate on predictions based on empirical evidence.

Therefore, this verse is generally considered a matter of faith and personal belief, rather than something that can be examined scientifically.

Commentaries

Commentators often focus on the imminence and unpredictability highlighted in this verse.

For instance:

• John Wesley emphasized the manner of Christ’s return as unexpected, thus the perpetual need for preparedness.
• Albert Barnes noted the importance of always being ready for death and judgment, drawing a practical application for believers.
• William Barclay pointed out the inherent tension believers live with, knowing the end is both near and unknown.

All these commentaries concur that the essence of the verse is an exhortation to live in a constant state of moral and spiritual readiness.