Matthew 24:42

Matthew 24:42 delivers a direct command from Jesus Christ, urging His disciples, and by extension, all believers, to maintain constant vigilance concerning His return. This verse serves as a pivotal summary statement following a series of teachings about the signs of the end of the age and His Second Coming, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of that momentous event.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives to His disciples. Chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew detail Jesus' answers to their questions about the destruction of the temple and the signs preceding His coming. After describing various birth pangs or "beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:4-14) and the abomination of desolation (Matthew 24:15-28), Jesus transitions to parables illustrating the suddenness and unexpected timing of His return. He compares it to the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39), where people were oblivious until judgment came, and highlights the immediate separation of individuals, as seen in the examples of two men in the field and two women grinding (Matthew 24:40-41). Matthew 24:42 encapsulates the practical implication of these warnings: since the timing is unknown, constant watchfulness is essential.

Key Themes

• Vigilance and Watchfulness: The central command, "Watch therefore," underscores a state of active spiritual alertness. It implies being spiritually awake, ready, and discerning of the times, rather than passive or complacent.
• Uncertainty of Timing: Jesus explicitly states, "for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." This declaration emphatically removes any possibility of predicting the precise moment of Christ's return, making spiritual preparedness paramount.
• Readiness and Preparedness: Because the timing is unknown, believers are called to live in a constant state of readiness. This theme is further developed in the subsequent parables of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), which stress the importance of faithful living and wise stewardship until the Lord's return.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "watch" is grēgoreite (γρηγορεῖτε), which is an imperative verb meaning "be awake," "be alert," "be vigilant," or "keep watch." It's a command for continuous action, indicating a perpetual state of spiritual readiness, not just a momentary act. The phrase "your Lord doth come" uses the Greek present tense (ἔρχεται - erchetai), which can convey a future event that is certain to occur and is continually anticipated, reinforcing the idea of an ongoing expectation.

Practical Application

Matthew 24:42 is a timeless call to spiritual preparedness for all believers. It encourages us to:

• Live with Purpose: Knowing that the Lord could return at any moment motivates us to live faithfully, serving God and others, and making wise use of our time and resources. This contrasts with the unfaithful servant in Matthew 24:48-51 who thought his master delayed.
• Maintain Spiritual Alertness: Just as a watchman remains awake and alert, believers are called to be spiritually discerning, aware of the signs of the times, and steadfast in their faith. This aligns with Paul's exhortation to "watch and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:6).
• Cultivate a Ready Heart: True watchfulness is not about fear or prediction, but about a heart that is right with God, prepared for His presence through repentance, faith, and obedience. It's about being found doing His will when He appears, embracing the blessed hope of Christ's glorious appearing (Titus 2:13).