Why is it significant that "no one knows" the day or hour? Setting the Scene “But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36) Why Jesus Stressed the Unknown Timing • Guards against complacency—if the date were public, many would delay repentance (2 Peter 3:9–10) • Preserves the Father’s sovereign authority over all history (Acts 1:7) • Highlights Christ’s humility in His incarnation, submitting even His omniscience to the Father’s plan (Philippians 2:6-8) • Keeps believers’ focus on faithfulness, not calendars (Mark 13:33-37) Practical Implications for Believers • Continuous vigilance: “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44) • Holy living becomes urgent, not optional (Titus 2:11-13) • Evangelism gains fresh urgency—today may be the last opportunity (2 Corinthians 6:2) • Comfort in uncertainty: the Father who knows the hour also holds every moment (Psalm 31:15) Dangers of Date-Setting • Unbiblical speculation distracts from discipleship (1 Timothy 1:4) • Failed predictions breed skepticism toward the gospel (2 Peter 2:1-2) • Focus shifts from Christ to the “expert” predictor, fostering pride and division (1 Corinthians 3:4-7) Cultivating Readiness • Daily fellowship in Scripture and prayer (Psalm 119:105) • Active service in the local church (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Persistent pursuit of holiness—put off sin, put on righteousness (Colossians 3:5-17) • Watching the signs without fear, trusting the One who foretold them (Luke 21:28) Encouragement to Live Faithfully “Look, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” (Revelation 16:15) The unknown day and hour are not meant to unsettle but to anchor hearts in continual expectancy, joyful obedience, and unwavering hope until the moment the skies split and the King appears. |
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