MPV Commentary

20-25. To address the misconceptions of both the Pharisees and his disciples, Jesus spoke about the coming of the kingdom in different ways.

It does not come with outward signs that can be observed or watched for. 21. People will say, "Look, here it is!" or "There it is!" but the kingdom is actually within you. It has both an internal and external aspect.

22. The days are coming when people will look for a deliverer amidst calamities, and deceivers will claim to be that deliverer. One of those days will be the day of the Son of Man, when He will appear among them but only for a short time.

23. They will say, "Look, here is the Christ!" or "There he is!" but do not follow them. 24. The coming of the Son of Man will be as sudden and visible as lightning in the sky. Jesus spoke about His coming in a way that blended different events together, making it clear that the kingdom would change form before its final transformation at His personal return.

25. But first, he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. This shows that the immediate reference of Jesus' words is to an event soon after his death. It was meant to distract his disciples from the glory associated with the establishment of his kingdom.

26-30. Eating, getting married, and planting are ordinary activities in life. The problem is not their wickedness but their worldliness, unbelief, and lack of preparation for the future. Jesus referred to historical events as facts, including those denied or explained away by some today.

31-33. To take something away from someone who is reluctant to part with it is like trying to save precious items in a burning house. The cases mentioned are similar, even though they differ.

32. Lot's wife looked back and was doomed because her heart remained in Sodom. She couldn't bear the thought of leaving it behind.

33. Whoever tries to cling to their life will lose it, just as Jesus said before (Luke 9:23-27).

34. Two people sharing a bed – one prepared and the other unprepared – will be separated when the time comes. This is an awful truth that was realized before the destruction of Jerusalem, when Christians were forced to separate from their old associates. It will also occur at the second coming of Christ.

37. Where will this happen? Everywhere where there is incurable moral and spiritual corruption, the ministers of divine judgment will be seen, just as birds of prey are drawn to carrion. This was tragically verified at the destruction of Jerusalem and many times since, but its most terrible illustration will be on the final day.