Matthew 24:39

And they were oblivious, until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.

Study Bible

And they were unaware
The phrase "they were unaware" highlights the ignorance and lack of preparedness of the people during Noah's time. The Greek word used here is "οὐκ ἔγνωσαν" (ouk egnōsan), which implies a lack of knowledge or understanding. This ignorance was not due to a lack of warning, as Noah was a "preacher of righteousness" (2 Peter 2:5). The historical context suggests that despite Noah's warnings, the people continued in their daily lives, oblivious to the impending judgment. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain vigilant and spiritually aware, emphasizing the importance of heeding divine warnings and living in readiness for Christ's return.

until the flood came
The "flood" refers to the cataclysmic event described in Genesis 6-9, where God judged the earth with water. The Greek word "κατακλυσμός" (kataklysmos) is used, from which we derive the English word "cataclysm." This event was both sudden and overwhelming, symbolizing God's righteous judgment against sin. Archaeological evidence and ancient flood narratives from various cultures corroborate the historicity of a significant flood event. Theologically, the flood serves as a type of the final judgment, reminding believers of the certainty and suddenness of God's intervention in human history.

and swept them all away
The phrase "swept them all away" conveys the totality and inescapability of the judgment. The Greek word "ἦρεν" (ēren) means to take away or remove. This imagery underscores the complete destruction of those who were unprepared, serving as a stark warning of the consequences of ignoring God's call to repentance. In a spiritual sense, it emphasizes the need for believers to be rooted in Christ, as only those in the "ark" of salvation will be spared from the coming judgment.

So will it be
This phrase draws a direct parallel between the days of Noah and the future coming of Christ. The Greek "οὕτως ἔσται" (houtōs estai) indicates certainty and inevitability. Just as the flood was a real and historical event, so too will be the return of the Son of Man. This comparison serves to assure believers of the reliability of God's promises and the fulfillment of prophetic events. It calls Christians to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that history is moving towards a divinely appointed climax.

at the coming of the Son of Man
The "coming of the Son of Man" refers to the second advent of Jesus Christ. The title "Son of Man" is rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a messianic figure endowed with authority and glory. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses this title to refer to Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority. Theologically, this phrase encapsulates the hope of the Christian faith—the return of Christ to establish His kingdom and execute final judgment. Historically, the anticipation of Christ's return has been a central tenet of Christian eschatology, motivating believers to live holy and godly lives in expectation of His imminent return.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The People of Noah's Time
These individuals lived during the time of Noah and were unaware of the impending flood despite Noah's warnings.

2. Noah
A righteous man chosen by God to build the ark and preserve life during the flood. His obedience and faith are central to the account.

3. The Flood
A cataclysmic event sent by God to cleanse the earth of its wickedness, serving as a divine judgment.

4. The Son of Man
A title used by Jesus to refer to Himself, emphasizing His role in the final judgment and His return.

5. The Coming of the Son of Man
Refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ, a future event when He will return to judge the living and the dead.

Teaching Points

Awareness and Preparedness
Just as the people in Noah's time were caught unaware, we must remain vigilant and prepared for Christ's return.

Judgment and Mercy
The flood was both a judgment on sin and an act of mercy for Noah and his family. Similarly, Christ's return will bring judgment but also fulfillment of His promises to believers.

Living Righteously
Like Noah, we are called to live righteously in a world that often ignores God's warnings.

The Importance of Heeding Warnings
The people of Noah's time ignored the warnings. We must heed the warnings found in Scripture about the end times.

The Certainty of Christ's Return
Just as the flood came as promised, so will the return of Christ. This certainty should influence how we live our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Noah and the flood help us understand the nature of God's judgment and mercy?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not "oblivious" to the signs of the times as the people were in Noah's day?

3. How can we apply the lessons of preparedness and vigilance in our daily walk with Christ?

4. What are some modern-day "warnings" that we might be ignoring, and how can we better heed them?

5. How does the certainty of Christ's return impact your priorities and decisions today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 6-7
Provides the background of Noah, the ark, and the flood, illustrating the context of Matthew 24:39.

2 Peter 3:6-7
Discusses the flood as a precursor to the final judgment, drawing a parallel between the two events.

Luke 17:26-30
Jesus compares the days of Noah and Lot to the days leading up to His return, emphasizing the suddenness and unexpectedness of the events.