Berean Study Bible Temptations and TrespassesJesus addressed those who had been called to follow Him closely and who would soon bear responsibility for teaching and leading others in the growing community of believers. Luk 12:1 In the meantime, a crowd of many thousands had gathered,… “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, Sin, deception, persecution, and false teaching would continue to confront God’s people in a fallen world. Such dangers test faith and can draw people away from obedience to God. Mat 18:7 Woe to the world for the causes of sin…… but woe to the one through whom they come! Those who deliberately lead others into sin or undermine their faith stand under God’s judgment. Their influence carries serious guilt because they harm people whom God calls to trust and obey Him. Mat 18:6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones… It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck A millstone was a massive stone used to grind grain, and fastening one to a person’s neck pictured a hopeless death. Jesus used this severe image to show the dreadful judgment awaiting anyone who deliberately leads others into sin. Mrk 9:42 But if anyone causes one of these little ones… and to be thrown into the sea Drowning beneath such a weight would be certain and inescapable. The sea, often feared in Jewish thought as a place of danger, chaos, and uncertainty, heightens the picture of irreversible judgment. Jon 1:15 Then they picked up Jonah and cast him into the sea,… than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. The little ones are believers who are humble, immature in faith, or especially vulnerable to spiritual harm. To cause them to stumble is to entice, pressure, or influence them toward sin or unbelief. Jesus warns that those who misuse their influence against such people answer to God for the damage they cause. Rom 14:13 Therefore let us stop judging one another.… Watch yourselves. Jesus commands continual vigilance over one’s own conduct and spiritual condition. Sin must not be ignored, whether in oneself or within the fellowship of believers. Gal 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass,… If your brother sins, A fellow believer who falls into sin is not to be abandoned or publicly shamed without cause. The matter is to be addressed within the community that bears Christ’s name. Mat 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him… rebuke him; Loving correction identifies wrongdoing plainly and seeks the offender’s restoration. It is not retaliation, but a necessary response to sin. Lev 19:17 You must not harbor hatred against your brother… and if he repents, Genuine repentance involves turning from sin and acknowledging the offense. Restoration follows repentance rather than denial or continued rebellion. Luk 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy… forgive him. The repentant believer is to be released from the offense. Forgiveness preserves fellowship and reflects the mercy God has shown to His people. Mat 18:35 That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you… Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, Jesus addresses repeated personal offenses, not a single isolated failure. The injured disciple is not permitted to set a limit on forgiveness because the wrong has been committed often. Mat 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him… and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ Each return includes an acknowledgment of sin and a request for restoration. Repentance requires more than regret; it is a turning from wrongdoing and a willingness to be reconciled. Luk 15:18-20 I will get up and go back to my father and say to him,… you must forgive him.” Forgiveness is commanded whenever repentance is expressed, even when the offender has failed repeatedly. God’s people are to deal truthfully with sin, yet they must not withhold mercy from one who returns in repentance. Eph 4:32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another,…
The Power of FaithThe Twelve responded to Jesus after He warned them about causing others to stumble and commanded them to forgive a repentant brother repeatedly. They recognized that such obedience required more than natural resolve. Addressing Jesus as Lord acknowledged His authority over them and their dependence on Him. Act 1:6 So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord,… “Increase our faith!” They asked for the faith needed to trust and obey Him in difficult demands of discipleship. Their request showed that genuine faith rests on God’s power rather than human strength. Mrk 9:24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe…”… And the Lord answered, Jesus responded to the disciples’ request for greater faith by directing them to the power of genuine faith in God rather than to its apparent size. Mrk 9:23 “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible…”… “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, Even faith that seems small rests in the power of the God who can do what human strength cannot accomplish. Mat 17:20 “Because you have so little faith,” He answered.… you can say to this mulberry tree, The deeply rooted mulberry tree represented something difficult to remove, making Jesus’ image deliberately striking. Mrk 11:23 Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain,… ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ Such an act is impossible by natural means, yet nothing is beyond God’s authority when His people trust Him and act according to His will. Mat 21:21 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith…”… and it will obey you. Creation itself is subject to God’s command, and He is able to work through the faith of His servants. Luk 8:25 “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed,… Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field Household servants commonly performed demanding agricultural work, including cultivating fields and tending livestock. In an agrarian society, such labor sustained the master’s household and was understood as part of the servant’s regular responsibilities. 1Co 9:7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?… will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? A servant who returned from the fields was ordinarily expected to complete the remaining duties of the household before eating. Jesus appeals to this familiar order to show that faithful service does not place a master in debt to the servant. Luk 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch.… Instead, won’t he tell him, A servant returning from fieldwork was still expected to complete the household duties assigned by his master. Mat 8:9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers… ‘Prepare my meal The master’s meal was prepared and served before the servant attended to his own needs. Mat 22:4 Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who… and dress yourself to serve me The servant made himself ready for table service, carrying out his role with proper attention and order. Jhn 13:4-5 So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments,… while I eat and drink, In a household of that time, the master normally ate first while the servant remained available. Luk 22:27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table… and afterward you may eat and drink’? Only after completing his work would the servant eat. The picture emphasizes that fulfilling assigned duties does not place the master under obligation to reward the servant beyond what is proper. Luk 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch.… Does he thank the servant In a first-century household, a servant’s work was owed to the master as part of his assigned responsibilities. The master was not considered indebted to him for services required by his position. Jesus uses this familiar arrangement to correct the idea that obedience places God under obligation to reward His servants. Mat 10:24-25 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant… because he did what he was told? Carrying out assigned commands does not create a claim upon the master; it is simply the servant’s duty. Disciples obey the Lord because He is their rightful Master, not because their obedience puts Him in their debt. Eph 6:5-8 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear… So you also, Jesus applies the parable directly to His disciples, who serve under God’s authority and are accountable to Him. Mat 10:24-25 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant… when you have done everything commanded of you, Even complete obedience does not place God in debt to His servants. His commands remain righteous, and obedience is their proper response. Deu 6:25 And if we are careful to observe the commandments… should say, Their attitude and confession are to reflect humility before God rather than self-congratulation. Job 40:4-5 Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You?… ‘We are unworthy servants; They have no basis for claiming special merit or demanding reward from their Master. Mat 8:8 The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy… we have only done our duty.’” Faithful service fulfills what God rightly requires; it does not earn standing before Him. 1Co 4:2 Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
The Ten LepersJesus continued toward the city where His earthly ministry would culminate in His death and resurrection. His deliberate progress reflects His obedience to the Father’s purpose and the approaching fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption. Luk 9:51 As the day of His ascension approached,… He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. The route lay near the boundary between Jewish Galilee and Samaritan territory, regions marked by longstanding religious and ethnic hostility. Jesus’ presence there shows that His ministry extended beyond customary social barriers, bringing God’s mercy to those often separated from one another. Jhn 4:4 Now He had to pass through Samaria. As He entered one of the villages, Jesus continued His public ministry along the border region of Samaria and Galilee. In a small village, His arrival would have quickly become known, drawing those in need while He traveled toward Jerusalem. Luk 10:38 As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village… He was met by ten lepers. The men suffered from skin diseases that made them ceremonially unclean and separated them from normal community life. Living as outcasts, they came together in shared desperation, believing Jesus could show them mercy. Mat 8:2-3 Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him… They stood at a distance Required to remain apart from healthy people, they kept the separation imposed by the law and by society. Yet from that distance they sought Jesus, trusting that His authority extended even to those others considered beyond help. Lev 13:45-46 A diseased person must wear torn clothes… and raised their voices, The ten lepers stood at a distance, as the law required, separated from their homes and communities because of their disease. Their loud cry reached Jesus from afar and revealed the depth of their need. Mat 20:31 The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out… shouting, Their united plea carried urgency and hope. Though excluded from ordinary life, they believed Jesus could hear them and act on their behalf. Mat 8:29 “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted.… “Jesus, Master, They addressed Him with respect and recognized His authority. Unlike a general appeal for help, their words showed that they understood Jesus had power over their condition. Luk 8:24 The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master… have mercy on us!” They asked for compassion and deliverance from the suffering, isolation, and uncleanness that marked their lives. Their request sought not only healing but restoration to fellowship with their families and community. Mat 20:30 And there were two blind men sitting beside the road.… When Jesus saw them, Jesus noticed the ten lepers despite their exclusion from ordinary community life. Their disease made them ceremonially unclean and separated them from family, worship, and public society. Mat 8:2-3 Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him… He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” The Law required a priest to examine anyone healed of leprosy and declare that person clean before restoration to the community. Jesus directed them to follow that requirement, though they had not yet been healed. Lev 14:2-4 This is the law for the one afflicted with a skin disease… And as they were on their way, The men obeyed Jesus’ command before seeing any outward change. Their journey toward the priests became the setting in which His healing power was displayed. 2Ki 5:13-14 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said,… they were cleansed. All ten were healed of their disease and restored from ceremonial uncleanness. Their cleansing removed the condition that had separated them from worship and community, showing Jesus’ authority over disease and uncleanness. Lev 14:7 Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed… When one of them saw that he was healed, One of the ten lepers recognized that Jesus had completely healed him. Because leprosy made people ceremonially unclean and often physically disabled, lepers lived apart from ordinary society. Healing brought freedom from isolation and the possibility of restoration to family, worship, and community. 2Ki 5:14 So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan… he came back, Rather than continuing on with the others, the man returned to Jesus. His response showed that he understood his healing had come from God’s mercy working through Christ. He did not treat his restoration as an ordinary event but turned back to acknowledge its source. 2Ki 5:15-16 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back… praising God in a loud voice. His public praise gave glory to God for what had been done. The other nine had received the same physical healing, but only this man returned in gratitude. His response revealed faith that recognized God’s work in Jesus. Luk 19:37 And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives,… He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet Overwhelmed by what Jesus had done, the healed man prostrated himself in humble reverence. His response recognized that his cleansing came through Jesus’ authority and mercy. Jhn 11:32 When Mary came to Jesus and saw Him, she fell at His feet… in thanksgiving to Him— Unlike the others, he returned to honor Jesus personally. His gratitude revealed more than relief from disease; he understood that God had acted through Jesus. Eph 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything… and he was a Samaritan. Samaritans were widely despised by many Jews because of longstanding ethnic and religious division. The only man who returned was therefore an outsider, showing that faith and grateful recognition of God’s work were not limited by ancestry, status, or religious background. Jhn 4:9 “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for…”… “Were not all ten cleansed?” Jesus had healed ten men afflicted with leprosy, restoring them from a condition that left them ceremonially unclean and isolated from normal community life. All received the same physical healing, demonstrating His authority and compassion. 2Ki 5:14 So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan… Jesus asked. His questions exposed the response of those who had been healed. Though the ten obeyed His instruction to show themselves to the priests, only one recognized the source of his healing and returned. Mrk 10:51 “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked.… “Where then are the other nine? The absence of the nine revealed their failure to give glory to God. The one who returned was a Samaritan, an outsider in Jewish society, showing that faith and gratitude were not limited by nationality or religious background. 2Ki 5:15-16 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back… Was no one found Of the ten men healed, only one returned. The others received mercy but did not openly acknowledge the One who had healed them. 2Ki 5:14-15 So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan… except this foreigner The grateful man was a Samaritan, a people regarded by many Jews as religious and ethnic outsiders. His return shows that faith and gratitude were not limited to Israel. 1Ki 8:41-43 And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel… to return and give glory to God?” By falling before Jesus and thanking Him, the Samaritan recognized that God had acted through Him. His response gave God the honor due for His mercy and revealed genuine faith. Jhn 9:24 So a second time they called for the man who had been blind… Then Jesus said to him, Jesus addressed the one leper who returned to give thanks after being healed. Though all ten had been cleansed, this man alone came back, fell before Jesus, and glorified God. His return revealed gratitude and recognition of God’s work through Christ. Jhn 5:14 Afterward, Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him… “Rise and go; The man was no longer bound by the isolation and uncleanness of leprosy. Jesus sent him on his way restored to health and able to reenter ordinary life. Mrk 2:11 “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” your faith has made you well!” The man’s faith was shown not only in obeying Jesus’ command to go to the priests, but also in returning to worship and thank Him. His healing involved more than physical cleansing; “made you well” can also mean “saved,” and he received the saving mercy of God through faith in Christ. Mrk 5:34 “Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.”…
The Coming of the KingdomThe Pharisees expected God’s promised kingdom to bring Israel’s deliverance and the overthrow of foreign rule. Their question sought a timetable and visible evidence for its arrival. Act 1:6-7 So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord,… Jesus replied, He corrected their expectation that God’s reign would begin through signs they could calculate or observe from a distance. Jhn 3:3-5 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you,… “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. God’s kingdom was already present in the ministry and person of Jesus, though not in the political form the Pharisees anticipated. Its arrival was not marked by military revolt, public spectacle, or the immediate removal of Rome, but by the King standing among them and calling people to submit to God’s rule. Mat 12:38-39 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him… Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ God’s kingdom would not appear as a visible political state or territorial power that could be located on a map. Many in Israel expected the Messiah to overthrow Rome and establish an earthly rule centered in Jerusalem. Jesus rejected such expectations and warned against claims that the kingdom had arrived in some identifiable place or through spectacular public signs. Mat 24:23 At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look,… For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” The King Himself stood among them. Through Jesus’ ministry, authority, and works, God’s reign had already entered history, though its final public fulfillment awaited His return. The kingdom was therefore present in Christ and active among those who received Him, rather than confined to a geographic realm or merely postponed to the future. Mat 12:28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God,… Then He said to the disciples, Jesus spoke privately to those who had followed Him closely and would soon carry His message after His departure. Luk 12:22 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you,… “The time is coming He warned of days ahead when opposition, suffering, and the apparent triumph of evil would test their expectations of God’s kingdom. Jhn 16:25 I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech.… when you will long to see Having known Jesus’ presence and authority firsthand, they would desire His visible intervention and deliverance. Mat 13:17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed… one of the days of the Son of Man, The Son of Man would come openly in power and judgment, establishing the kingdom in its fullness. Luk 21:27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming… but you will not see it. The disciples would endure a period of waiting before His return, living by faith in God’s appointed time. Mat 23:39 For I tell you that you will not see Me again… People will tell you, ‘Look, there He is!’ Israel’s longing for deliverance under Roman rule created an atmosphere in which supposed messiahs and prophetic leaders could attract followers. Jesus warned that claims of His appearance in a particular place would be false. Mat 24:5 For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’… or ‘Look, here He is!’ Such reports would spread widely and demand immediate attention, but Christ’s return will not be hidden, regional, or dependent on human announcement. It will be unmistakable to the whole world. Mat 24:23 At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look,… Do not go out or chase after them. His disciples were not to abandon their calling or follow those who claimed special knowledge of the Messiah’s whereabouts. They were to remain faithful to Christ’s teaching and resist deception. Mat 24:26 So if they tell you, ‘There He is, in the wilderness,’… For just as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, Christ’s coming will be sudden, public, and impossible to mistake. Like lightning that fills the whole sky, His return will not be hidden or confined to one place. Mat 24:27 For just as the lightning comes from the east… so will be the Son of Man in His day. Jesus will appear openly in the day appointed for His return, bringing the fulfillment of God’s kingdom and judgment upon the world. Mat 24:30 At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear… But first He must suffer many things Jesus’ path to glory would first lead through suffering, in fulfillment of God’s redemptive purpose. He would endure physical pain, betrayal, sorrow, and the burden of bearing sin as He obediently gave His life on the cross. Mrk 8:31 Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man… and be rejected by this generation. Israel’s leaders and many of the people refused to receive Jesus as the promised Messiah. Expecting deliverance from Rome, they overlooked the Savior who came to deal with sin. Their rejection led to His crucifixion, yet God used it to accomplish salvation. Act 4:11 This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected’… Just as it was in the days of Noah, Before the flood, wickedness and violence filled the earth. Noah faithfully obeyed God and was preserved with his family through the judgment that destroyed the ungodly. His rescue through the ark points to God’s provision of salvation amid judgment. 1Pe 3:20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently… so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man: Christ’s return will find many absorbed in ordinary life and unprepared for judgment. As the flood came upon those who ignored God’s warning, the Son of Man will come suddenly to judge evil and deliver those who belong to Him. Mat 24:37-39 As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be… People were eating and drinking, Daily life continued without regard for Noah’s warning or the judgment God had announced. People continued eating and drinking and pursuing ordinary activities as Noah prepared the ark in obedience to God. Mat 24:38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating… marrying and being given in marriage, People continued marrying and giving their children in marriage, carrying on with ordinary plans and celebrations. Marriage itself was not condemned, but their unbroken routines revealed indifference to God’s approaching judgment. Luk 20:34-35 Jesus answered, “The sons of this age marry… up to the day Noah entered the ark. Noah and his family entered the refuge God had provided, marking the end of the time of warning and preparation. Gen 7:13 On that very day Noah entered the ark, along with his sons… Then the flood came and destroyed them all. The waters came suddenly upon those who had ignored God’s warning, bringing the judgment foretold. Mat 24:39 And they were oblivious until the flood came… It was the same in the days of Lot: Lot lived in Sodom, where widespread wickedness had corrupted the city. Its people continued in ordinary life without regard for God’s judgment or the warning connected with Lot’s departure. Gen 13:12-13 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot settled… People were eating and drinking, Daily routines continued without interruption. The problem was not these ordinary activities, but the false security of people who saw no danger and gave no thought to coming judgment. Mat 24:38-39 For in the days before the flood, people were eating… buying and selling, Commerce and material pursuits occupied their attention while Sodom remained morally corrupt. Prosperity and activity gave no protection when judgment came. Ezk 7:12-13 The time has come; the day has arrived… planting and building. The people made plans for the future as though life in Sodom would continue indefinitely. Yet when Lot left the city, destruction came suddenly, showing that earthly security cannot prevent God’s appointed judgment. Jer 29:5-6 Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens… But on the day Lot left Sodom, Lot, Abraham’s nephew, was living in Sodom when God sent angels to bring him, his wife, and his daughters out before judgment fell. His departure marked God’s merciful rescue of the righteous from a city consumed by wickedness. Gen 19:15-17 At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying,… fire and sulfur rained down from heaven God’s judgment came suddenly and supernaturally upon Sodom and Gomorrah. The burning sulfur brought complete devastation to the cities of the plain, fulfilling the warning given before Lot’s escape. Gen 19:24 Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire… and destroyed them all. The inhabitants who remained perished in the judgment. Sodom’s destruction stands as a historical warning that God’s judgment against persistent rebellion is certain and final. Gen 19:25 Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain… It will be just like that As in the days of Noah and Lot, ordinary life continued until judgment came without warning. People ate, drank, married, bought, sold, planted, and built, unaware that God’s appointed moment had arrived. Mat 24:37-39 As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be… on the day God’s judgment will occur at a definite time known to Him. That day will bring both deliverance for His people and decisive judgment upon those who have disregarded His warning. 1Th 5:2-3 For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord… the Son of Man Jesus identifies Himself as the heavenly ruler foretold in Daniel, yet also as the One who entered human life in humility. He possesses authority to save, reign, and judge all people. Dan 7:13-14 In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw… is revealed. At Christ’s return, His glory and authority will no longer be hidden or disputed. His coming will openly establish God’s rule and bring final judgment upon the world. 2Th 1:7-10 to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well… On that day, Jesus points to the day of His revealed return and the judgment that will follow. The event will come with such sudden certainty that no time will remain for ordinary preparations. Mat 24:36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels… let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve his possessions. Flat-roofed homes were commonly reached by outside stairways. A person already on the roof was not to delay by entering the house for valuables. Material goods will have no value when Christ’s judgment begins. Mat 24:17 Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve… Likewise, let no one in the field return for anything he has left behind. Workers in the fields were not to turn back for tools, clothing, or possessions. The warning recalls the danger of hesitation when God’s judgment falls and calls for immediate response rather than attachment to what must be left behind. Mat 24:18 And let no one in the field return for his cloak. Remember Jesus calls His hearers to keep Lot’s wife in mind as a warning drawn from the destruction of Sodom. Her fate shows that escaping judgment outwardly is not enough when the heart remains attached to the life God has condemned. Rev 3:3 Remember, then, what you have received and heard.… Lot’s wife! As she fled Sodom with Lot and their daughters, she looked back despite the command not to do so and was turned into a pillar of salt. Her backward glance revealed reluctance to leave the city and its corrupt way of life behind. In the context of coming judgment, her example warns against turning back when God calls for decisive escape. Gen 19:26 But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, Jesus warns against clinging to personal safety, possessions, or earthly security when God calls for faithfulness. In the setting of His return and coming judgment, those who make preserving their present life their highest aim will forfeit the life God gives eternally. His words recall the danger seen in Lot’s wife, who looked back in attachment to the life she was leaving behind. Mat 16:25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,… but whoever loses his life will preserve it. Those who surrender themselves to Christ, even at the cost of comfort, reputation, possessions, or physical life, receive true and lasting life. For believers facing persecution, this was a promise that death for Christ’s sake was not defeat. God preserves His people beyond death and will raise them to eternal life. Jhn 12:25 Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever… I tell you, on that night The suddenness of the event will interrupt ordinary life, leaving no opportunity for preparation after it begins. Exo 12:29 Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male… two people will be in one bed: Even those sharing the closest daily circumstances will not share the same outcome. Ecc 4:11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;… one will be taken In the context of the days of Noah and Lot, those taken are removed in judgment. Mat 24:40 Two men will be in the field: one will be taken… and the other left. The one left is spared from the immediate judgment, as Noah and Lot were preserved when destruction came. Mat 24:41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken… Two women will be grinding grain together: Grinding grain by hand was an ordinary daily task, often shared by women using a millstone. Life will appear normal when the Son of Man comes. Mat 24:41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken… one will be taken In the surrounding context, being taken refers to removal in judgment, as in the days of Noah and Lot. Mat 24:40 Two men will be in the field: one will be taken… and the other left.” The one left is spared, showing that Christ’s return will bring an immediate and final separation between those under judgment and those preserved. Mat 25:10-12 But while they were on their way to buy it… Two men shall be in the field; Ordinary work will continue when the Son of Man is revealed. In first-century Judea, fields were a familiar place of daily labor, showing that judgment will interrupt life without warning. Mat 24:40 Two men will be in the field: one will be taken… the one shall be taken, In the context of Noah and Lot, those taken are removed in judgment, as the flood swept away the ungodly and fire destroyed Sodom. Mat 24:41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken… and the other left. The one left is spared from that immediate judgment. God’s judgment will be individual and final, separating people even when they share the same work and surroundings. Zec 13:8-9 And in all the land, declares the LORD,… “Where, Lord?” they asked. The disciples wanted to know where the separation Jesus described would occur. They still looked for a visible setting for the coming judgment and kingdom. Jhn 13:36 “Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked.… Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a carcass, Jesus answered with a proverb rather than naming a place. Wherever spiritual corruption and rebellion have reached their appointed end, judgment will come. Deu 28:26 Your corpses will be food for all the birds of the air… there the vultures will gather.” As birds gather unmistakably around a dead body, divine judgment will arrive surely and visibly upon those marked for it. No guilty place or people will escape God’s appointed reckoning. Mat 24:28 Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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