What does "one will be taken" in Luke 17:35 imply about readiness? Setting the Scene in Luke 17 “On that night two people will be in one bed: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together: one will be taken and the other left.” Jesus is speaking about His future revelation (v. 30), highlighting the sudden division that will occur when He returns. The Meaning of “One Will Be Taken” • Taken = removed by the Lord for deliverance and reward (see Matthew 24:40–41; John 14:3). • Left = remaining for judgment, as in the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26–29). • The separation is personal and individual; proximity to the faithful does not guarantee safety. Readiness Underscored • Immediacy: The moment arrives without warning (Luke 17:24). • Selectivity: Only those truly belonging to Christ are gathered (2 Thessalonians 2:1). • Irreversibility: Once the separation happens, destinies are fixed (Hebrews 9:27). • Universality: Ordinary life activities—sleeping, working—continue right up to the event, stressing that every believer must stay prepared at all times. Traits of a Ready Disciple • Genuine faith in Christ’s finished work (John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10). • Ongoing repentance and holiness (1 John 3:2–3). • Eager expectation of His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). • Active obedience and service (Matthew 24:46). • Love that marks a transformed heart (John 13:35). Living It Out Today • Start each day conscious that Christ could come at any moment. • Examine motives and actions under the light of Scripture (Psalm 139:23–24). • Keep short accounts—confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Invest time and resources in kingdom work, not merely in temporal pursuits (Matthew 6:19–21). • Encourage fellow believers to stand firm and remain watchful (Hebrews 10:24–25). “One will be taken” declares that readiness is not optional or collective; it is a present, personal commitment to live in faith, purity, and anticipation of the Lord who could appear at any time. |
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