“Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you know that the end is near. It is right at the door. 34 What I’m about to tell you is true. The people living now will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away. But my words will never pass away.
The Day and Hour Are Not Known
36 “But no one knows about that day or hour. Not even the angels in heaven know. The Son does not know. Only the Father knows. 37 Remember how it was in the days of Noah. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes. 38 In the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking. They were getting married. They were giving their daughters to be married. They did all those things right up to the day Noah entered the ark. 39 They knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 Two men will be in the field. One will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill. One will be taken and the other left.
42 “So keep watch. You do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 You must understand something. Suppose the owner of the house knew what time of night the robber was coming. Then he would have kept watch. He would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready. The Son of Man will come at an hour when you don’t expect him.
45 “Suppose a master puts one of his slaves in charge of the other slaves in his house. The slave’s job is to give them their food at the right time. The master wants a faithful and wise slave for this. 46 It will be good for the slave if the master finds him doing his job when the master returns. 47 What I’m about to tell you is true. The master will put that slave in charge of everything he owns. 48 But suppose that slave is evil. Suppose he says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time.’ 49 Suppose he begins to beat the other slaves. And suppose he eats and drinks with those who drink too much. 50 The master of that slave will come back on a day the slave doesn’t expect him. He will return at an hour the slave does not know. 51 Then the master will cut him to pieces. He will send him to the place where pretenders go. There people will weep and grind their teeth.
1. According to verses 33–35, what do “these things” indicate is near?
2. What comparison is made between the coming of the Son of Man and a thief?
3. What are the two types of servants described in verses 45–51?
4. What does the fig tree illustration teach about spiritual awareness and discernment?
5. How is the time of the Son of Man compared to the days of Noah in terms of human awareness?
6. What does “one taken and one left” suggest about judgment or separation?
7. Why is the imagery of a thief used to describe Jesus’ return?
8. What qualities define a “faithful and wise servant”?
9. How can you stay spiritually alert instead of becoming distracted like people in Noah’s time?
10. What responsibilities has God entrusted to us, similar to the servant’s role?
11. What dangers arise when people try to predict exact dates for Christ’s return?
