Which other scriptures emphasize readiness for Christ's return like Matthew 24:48? Setting the Scene: What Matthew 24:48 Warns Against • Matthew 24:48 exposes a “wicked” servant who presumes the master will be delayed and so lives carelessly. Readiness is the opposite posture—alert, obedient, expectant. Other Passages Urging Alertness • Luke 12:35-36 – “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet…” • Luke 12:42-46 – Jesus repeats the delayed-master picture, adding that the unprepared servant “will be cut in two.” • Mark 13:32-37 – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return… What I say to you I say to everyone: Keep watch!” • 1 Thessalonians 5:2-8 – “The Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night… so then, let us not sleep as others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” • Romans 13:11-12 – “The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber… The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near.” • Titus 2:11-13 – Grace “trains us… while we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” • 1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be sober-minded; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” • James 5:7-9 – “Be patient… strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near… the Judge is standing at the door.” • Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encourage one another “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” • Revelation 16:15 – “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him…” • 2 Peter 3:10-12 – “The Day of the Lord will come like a thief… what kind of people ought you to be… as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” Why Readiness Matters • Christ’s return is certain yet unscheduled (Matthew 24:36). • The faithful are promised reward (Matthew 24:46); the careless face judgment (Matthew 24:50-51). • Readiness flows from love and loyalty, not fear alone (John 14:15). • Ongoing obedience, holy living, and watchful hope all testify that the gospel has taken root (1 John 3:2-3). Practical Takeaways for Daily Readiness • Cultivate alertness: schedule regular Scripture intake; pray “Your kingdom come.” • Guard holiness: confess quickly, repent promptly, pursue purity (1 John 1:9). • Serve faithfully: use gifts “as good stewards” until He appears (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Encourage others: gather, exhort, and stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). |
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