“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”– Matthew 24:36 (KJV)
“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.”– Matthew 24:36 (NLT)
“But no one knows that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”– Matthew 24:36 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 24:36 Mean?
In this verse, Jesus delivers a strong statement about the timing of significant future events, specifically His return and the end of the age. This scripture is part of a larger discourse where Jesus speaks about what to expect before His second coming. By stating that no one knows the day or hour of these events, Jesus emphasizes the mystery of God’s timeline. Not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son Himself, know when this day will come. Only the Father has this knowledge. This highlights the sovereignty of God and how His plans are beyond human understanding.
When we read this verse, it serves as a reminder to us that the timing of significant events is solely in God’s hands. We might feel an urge to predict or speculate when things will happen, but Jesus warns us against this. This verse reassures us that it is God’s perfect timing that counts. It offers believers comfort, reminding us that we do not need to worry about when Jesus will return; instead, we should focus on living our lives in anticipation and readiness for that day.
Matthew 24:36 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on Matthew 24:36, we can appreciate its deep significance. Here, Jesus is addressing His disciples in the context of their concerns regarding end-time events. In the preceding verses, Jesus shares various signs that will herald His return: wars, famines, and natural disasters. It can be easy for us to get consumed with these signs and to try to figure out when Jesus will return. However, Jesus brings our attention back to the most important aspect: the timeline of this event is not for us to know.
We often find ourselves wanting to be in control of everything, and this includes knowing what the future holds. However, Jesus’ teaching is a profound reminder that we should instead submit to God’s will and trust that He has everything under control. It is a call to humility and faith.
The phrase “knoweth no man” is especially significant. It reminds us that predictive abilities are limited to humans and that no matter how educated, wise, or insightful someone is, they cannot date the return of Christ. This explains why we often hear various interpretations and predictions about the end of the world, which historically have proven incorrect. They clash with Jesus’ own words.
This portion of scripture invites us to maintain a state of readiness. Rather than live in fearful anticipation, knowing that we can’t predict the exact moment serves to inspire hope and excitement about the future. If we know that Jesus could return at any time, we are encouraged to live righteously and actively share our faith with others, knowing that each day is an opportunity to spread His love.
Context of Matthew 24:36
To understand Matthew 24:36 fully, we look at its context within the book of Matthew. This verse is nestled in the Olivet Discourse, a passage that reveals Jesus’ teachings on the signs that will precede His return and the end of the age. Before getting to this pivotal verse, Jesus discusses various signs of the times — false prophets, tribulation, and the need for preparedness among His followers. He paints a picture of both the challenges and the hope found in His eventual return.
Understanding the cultural and historical context allows us to see why Jesus emphasized that no one knows the day or hour. The early Jewish audience was familiar with apocalyptic language and the expectations surrounding the Messiah. They were living in times of oppression and longing for liberation. The idea that they might anticipate the arrival of their Messiah was both comforting and confusing. Jesus’ message redirected their expectations. Rather than focusing on a timeline, they were called to focus on their relationship with Him, serving others, and living out their faith daily.
Contextually, Jesus’ announcement that no one knows the specific time calls for vigilance. In verses that follow, He tells parables that encourage preparedness for His return, namely the parable of the faithful and wise servant. This further reinforces that it is our duty to stay prepared for His coming while recognizing that the exact timing is not something we can control.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 24:36
The key phrases in Matthew 24:36 play a critical role in unpacking its meaning. The first key part is “no man knows.” This phrase serves as a reminder that human wisdom has limits. There are many aspects of life we can study and understand, but the timing of Christ’s return transcends our knowledge. This signifies reliance on God’s wisdom rather than seeking certainty in precarious predictions of the future.
Next, we have the mention of the “angels of heaven.” This highlights that even celestial beings, who exist in God’s presence, are not privy to this knowledge. It underscores the authority of God and the hierarchy within His creation. Even angels who serve God do not know these mysteries, so who are we to assume we can predict when Jesus will come again?
Continuing, Jesus mentions “my Father only.” This phrase illustrates the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father. As humans, we often seek to understand God through human terms, but Jesus reminds us of God’s distinct role in this divine plan. It emphasizes both the sovereignty and the mystery of God’s purposes. It’s an invitation to trust completely in His timing and judgments without trying to box Him into our worldly framework.
Finally, we see the emphasis on the specific “day and hour.” This underscores that even pinpointing a date is beyond our capability. It leaves us with a sense of anticipation and excitement, knowing that while we cannot control the timing, we can live in the assurance that every day is a day closer to His return.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 24:36
This scripture offers us numerous lessons to reflect upon. One of the first lessons is the importance of living in readiness. Jesus talks about vigilance throughout the surrounding passages, urging us not to become complacent. In today’s busy world, it’s easy to lose sight of our spiritual commitments in favor of daily routine and distractions. Matthew 24:36 serves as a wake-up call to us to examine our priorities and ensure that we are living in obedience and faithfulness to God.
Another lesson we can draw from this verse is the concept of trusting God’s timing. Life often presents challenges when we want answers and solutions immediately. When we do not receive them, we may become anxious or frustrated. Jesus reminds us that there are aspects of life that are intended to remain a mystery for our good. Trusting in God’s perfect timing allows us to find peace even amidst the unknowns.
We can also learn the importance of focusing on what we can control and letting go of what we cannot. Many people invest time and effort in trying to discern prophetic timelines, which diverts their focus from the essential work of sharing God’s love with others. Instead of getting caught up in debates about the end times, we are called to concentrate on living out our faith and spreading hope.
Finally, this verse teaches us about faith and humility. Standing in the awe of God’s sovereignty can bring humility to our hearts. Knowing that we do not possess the knowledge of future events can lead us to rely on Christ rather than ourselves. It calls us to stay humble and recognize our dependence on Him. As we cultivate this humility, it can shape our perspectives and the way we interact with the world around us.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 24:36 serves as a key reminder of God’s sovereignty and the mystery of His timeline. No matter the circumstances, we can find comfort in the fact that He alone holds the future in His hands. As we embrace this truth, we’re encouraged to live with readiness and anticipation for Jesus Christ’s return, realizing that each day is an opportunity for us to shine His love into the world.
It is our duty to stay engaged in our faith, express hope in our conversations, and serve those around us. Let’s remember that the exact timing of future events is not our concern. What we can do is nurture our relationship with Christ daily and allow the gospel message to flow out of us as ambassadors of His love. May Jesus’ words inspire us to remain faithful and prepared, living in a way that glorifies Him, regardless of the uncertainty surrounding the timings of events. If you wish to explore more about the Bible, check out some other topics like Matthew 11 and the early life of Moses in Genesis 18:1-15. Each passage can offer new insights and uplifting experiences as we learn to navigate this beautiful journey of faith.