How does Luke 17:26 compare to the days of Noah in Genesis 6? Setting the Stage Luke 17:26: “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.” Snapshot of Noah’s Day (Genesis 6) – Genesis 6:5 – “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.” – Genesis 6:11-12 – “Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways.” – God’s verdict: global judgment by a literal flood (Genesis 6:13; 7:11-12). – One gracious provision: an actual ark (Genesis 6:14-22). – Noah: “a preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5), yet only eight souls entered the ark (1 Peter 3:20). Key Parallels Jesus Highlights 1. Normal life continues right up to judgment • Matthew 24:38-39 echoes Luke 17, noting eating, drinking, marrying until the flood came “and took them all away.” 2. Moral breakdown and spiritual indifference • 2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes end-time society: lovers of self, pleasure rather than God. • As in Noah’s era, evil is not hidden; it is celebrated. 3. Worldwide scope of judgment • The flood affected the whole earth (Genesis 7:19-23). • Christ’s return will impact every nation (Revelation 1:7). 4. Sudden, inescapable onset • The flood began on a specific day (Genesis 7:11). • The Son of Man will be revealed in a moment (1 Corinthians 15:52). 5. A single means of rescue provided by God • Ark then; Christ now (Acts 4:12). • Hebrews 11:7 links Noah’s faith to righteousness; Romans 3:22 does the same for all who believe in Jesus. Contrasts Worth Noting – Water versus fire: God promised never again to destroy the earth by flood (Genesis 9:11); future judgment comes by fire (2 Peter 3:7). – Eight preserved then; a worldwide church preserved now (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). – Physical ark; spiritual union with Christ (Colossians 3:3). Motifs of Judgment and Deliverance – Judgment is certain because God is holy. – Deliverance is equally certain because God is gracious. – The call is the same: heed God’s warning, enter His provided refuge. Personal Takeaways for Believers – Expect society to mirror Genesis 6; do not be shaken. – Live and proclaim righteousness as Noah did (Philippians 2:15-16). – Fix hope on the blessed appearing of Christ, our true Ark (Titus 2:13). |
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