“Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”– Luke 17:35 (KJV)
“Two women will be grinding flour together at the mill; one will be taken, and the other left.”– Luke 17:35 (NLT)
“It will be the same as it was in the days of Noah. Two women will be working in the same field; one will be taken and the other left.”– Luke 17:35 (MSG)
What Does Luke 17:35 Mean?
This verse comes from Jesus’ teaching about the end times, specifically about His return. In this passage, we see an illustration of ordinary life—women working, performing tasks that are commonplace. This setting is crucial because it highlights that Jesus’ coming can occur at any time, even while we’re engaged in our daily routines. The act of grinding flour represents the mundane, and this imagery encourages us to remain watchful and prepared.
When Jesus mentions two women grinding, one will be taken while the other is left, He speaks to a significant spiritual truth. The ‘one taken’ signifies those who are faithful and watchful, while ‘the one left’ refers to those who are not prepared for His coming. This verse, similar to the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, teaches us about the necessity of being spiritually alert in our daily lives.
Luke 17:35 Explanation and Commentary
When we read Luke 17:35, it’s essential to connect it with the broader context of the chapter. Jesus is addressing His disciples about the coming kingdom and His return. He’s informing them of the unexpected nature of His coming, comparing it to the days of Noah and Lot, where life was normal until sudden judgment fell. These examples serve as warnings to live righteously and maintain faithfulness.
In our lives today, we can think of this verse as a reminder. Life often feels ordinary as we grind through our daily tasks while Jesus is encouraging us to keep our hearts and minds open to His return, reflecting on our spiritual state. Sometimes we can get lost in day-to-day responsibilities, but we should not forget the promise of His return.
Additionally, this verse speaks of hope for those who remain faithful. The ‘one taken’ may refer to the deep relationship we can share with Christ when we are in tune with His will. The act of grinding flour, which may seem mundane, symbolizes our need to remain engaged in our spiritual disciplines—praying, reading Scripture, and serving others.
Luke 17:35 stands as an invitation to us to examine our hearts. Are we living with expectation? Are we prepared for His return? This verse reassures us that our everyday actions matter in the larger picture of God’s kingdom. With faithfulness in our tasks, we can look forward to His coming with joy.
Context of Luke 17:35
Understanding this verse requires some knowledge of the surrounding context. In the earlier verses of Luke 17, Jesus discusses the coming of the Kingdom and the suddenness of His return. He indicates that people will be going about their everyday lives, much like in the days of Noah—eating, drinking, marrying—while not realizing the impending judgment. The context emphasizes the importance of readiness.
The discourse continues with references to Lot’s days as well, where people’s focus on worldly pursuits blinded them to the truth. Jesus’ juxtaposition of being taken or left illustrates a final separation based on faith and readiness. It’s essential to observe that this isn’t simply about physical actions but reflects a spiritual state. The focus rests on who we are in Christ rather than what we accomplish in worldly terms.
When we consider the context further, we can look at the theme of faithfulness throughout the Gospel of Luke. For instance, Luke 12:35 says, “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning”. This idea correlates with being watchful, consistently prepared for the return of the Lord. Moreover, throughout the Gospels, Jesus emphasizes being ready and faithful servants, which aligns with the message in Luke 17:35.
As we absorb this context, we begin to appreciate the urgency of Jesus’ message: His coming will be unexpected, and spiritual vigilance is crucial. We need to actively pursue a relationship with Him, keeping our hearts attuned to His voice. Each moment holds significance in our journey toward His return.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 17:35
In Luke 17:35, the key components revolve around two women grinding together. Firstly, the action of grinding is significant. It reflects the reality for many in society, staying engaged in work and life, yet it symbolizes much more. When we participate in daily routines, it’s easy to lose sight of the spiritual perspective we need to carry with us. We are reminded that our everyday actions should have eternal significance.
The separation of the two women is critical as well. One is taken, while the other is left. To be ‘taken’ can evoke feelings of assurance and hope, representing those who are faithful followers of Christ. In contrast, the woman who remains represents those who are perhaps oblivious to the reality of Jesus’ teachings. This distinction sharpens our understanding of the urgency of our faith and the importance of maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus.
When reflecting on this verse, we should cherish the opportunity we have to be the ‘one taken.’ This does not imply that we should be fearful of what we might come across daily, but instead, we should focus on being prepared and actively seeking to live out our faith. Each day presents us with opportunities to deepen our trust in God and lend our skills to serve others.
Ultimately, the dichotomy presented within the verse encourages us to examine our life choices. We must evaluate our faithfulness to God in our relationships, work, and personal growth. Are we ready to be counted among those faithful? It’s vital to cultivate a relationship with Jesus while recognizing the importance of encouraging others to remain watchful with us as we anticipate His glorious return.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 17:35
There are valuable lessons in Luke 17:35 that extend beyond just understanding the scripture. The first lesson is about vigilance. As we reflect on our spiritual lives, it is evident we must remain focused and vigilant in our faith walk. Choosing to engage in regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship helps us stay spiritually aware and ready for His returning.
The second lesson centers on our daily choices and how they align with our faith. Life has a way of pulling us into a routine, often overshadowing the importance of our relationship with Christ. This verse serves as a gentle reminder that in the midst of life’s busy grind, we must prioritize our spiritual growth. Being faithful in small things enables us to cultivate a more profound relationship with God.
Additionally, we learn about the significance of community. As followers of Christ, we should encourage one another in our faith. We can support each other to stay watchful, reminding friends and family to keep their focus on God’s promises. It’s important to surround ourselves with others who have a heart for the Lord’s coming, helping us stay engaged and accountable.
Lastly, we see a theme of hope. Although the future can seem uncertain, we are reminded of the promise of eternal life with Jesus for those who remain faithful. As we navigate through life’s trials, we can hold fast to the assurance that our efforts in Christ are never in vain. Keeping our eyes on Jesus enables us to confidently proclaim our hope in Him, knowing that one day we will be united with Him forever.
Final Thoughts
Luke 17:35 is a significant scripture that empowers us to remain watchful and ready for Christ’s return. This simple yet profound verse weaves together ordinary life with the extraordinary promise of eternity. As we engage in our daily grind, we can remember that our actions hold profound meaning in God’s vast plan.
While working, loving, and living, we must keep an open heart, ready to respond to the call of Christ each moment. The future is uncertain, but in Christ, we find hope. Let’s commit to fostering our relationships with Jesus, encouraging others as we await His glorious return. In doing so, we actively participate in God’s kingdom work here on earth.
If you’re eager to grow more in your understanding of Scripture and lessons from the Bible, consider exploring other topics that may inspire you with God’s wisdom. You might find it uplifting to read about related concepts such as the importance of faith in action or the call for justice and mercy. Together, let us continue to grow in faith and knowledge.