What is the meaning of Matthew 24:37? As it was in the days of Noah • Genesis paints a vivid picture: “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 6:5). • Daily life continued as if judgment were unthinkable—people “were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” (Matthew 24:38; cf. Luke 17:26–27). • Only Noah, “a preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5), heeded God’s warning. Hebrews 11:7 reminds us he “condemned the world” by his obedient faith. • Key takeaway: widespread moral decay and spiritual indifference marked Noah’s generation; the same atmosphere precedes the Lord’s return. so will it be • Jesus draws a direct parallel: what happened once will happen again (Ecclesiastes 1:9). • The phrase underscores certainty—God’s past actions guarantee His future actions (Isaiah 46:9–10). • Patterns to expect: – Mass disbelief until the very moment judgment arrives (2 Peter 3:3–7). – Ordinary routines masking looming catastrophe (Luke 21:34–36). – A remnant living by faith, just as Noah’s family did (Matthew 25:1–13). at the coming of the Son of Man • The same Jesus who ascended will return personally and visibly: “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:27). • His coming is climactic: “Then they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30; cf. Revelation 19:11–16). • Consequences mirror the flood: – Deliverance for believers—“caught up…to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). – Swift judgment for the unprepared—“one will be taken and the other left” (Matthew 24:40). • Urgency follows: live watchfully, work faithfully (Matthew 24:42–46). summary Jesus links Noah’s days with His return to spotlight two realities: human nature drifts toward complacent sin, and God’s judgment arrives suddenly yet righteously. Because Scripture’s record of the flood is literal and true, its lessons carry weight for every generation. The call is clear—walk with God like Noah, heed the warnings, and stay ready for the certain, glorious appearing of the Son of Man. |
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