Spiritual Discernment Required — October 5 [Description]Overview of Matthew 24:23-51:This passage is part of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, where He warns His disciples about end times deception, readiness, and judgment.Verses 23—28:Jesus warns that false messiahs and prophets will arise performing signs and wonders to deceive people—even the elect if possible. He emphasizes that His return will be unmistakable and global, like lightning flashing across the sky. He cautions not to chase after secretive or sensational claims.Verses 29—31:Jesus describes the cosmic signs that will follow great tribulation—sun and moon darkened, stars falling, and the Son of Man coming in glory. His angels will gather the elect from all corners of the earth.Verses 32—35:Through the parable of the fig tree, He teaches that just like budding trees signal summer, these signs signal that His return is near. His words are trustworthy and eternal—even when heaven and earth pass away.Verses 36—44:No one knows the exact day or hour of His return—not even angels or the Son—only the Father. It will come suddenly, like in Noah’s day, catching many off guard. Jesus urges His followers to stay alert and ready.Verses 45—51:Jesus contrasts the faithful and wise servant, who does his master’s will and is rewarded, with the wicked servant, who lives selfishly, thinking the master’s return is delayed. That servant faces judgment and separation.Summary Takeaway:This passage is a clear wake-up call to be spiritually discerning, stay faithful in daily life, and live prepared for Christ’s return—because it’ll be sudden, unmistakable, and decisive.

Bible discovery

Matthew 24:23-51365D 278.1

23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.365D 278.2

24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.365D 278.3

25 See, I have told you beforehand.365D 278.4

26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.365D 278.5

27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.365D 278.6

28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.365D 278.7

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.365D 278.8

30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.365D 278.9

31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His ^{[d]chosen ones} elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.365D 278.10

32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.365D 278.11

33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that ^{[e]Or He} it is near—at the doors!365D 278.12

34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.365D 278.13

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.365D 278.14

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of ^{[f]NU adds nor the Son} heaven, but My Father only.365D 278.15

37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.365D 278.16

38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,365D 278.17

39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.365D 278.18

40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.365D 278.19

41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.365D 278.20

42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what ^{[g]NU day} hour your Lord is coming.365D 278.21

43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what ^{[h]Lit. watch of the night} hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.365D 278.22

44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.365D 278.23

45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food ^{[i]at the right time} in due season?365D 278.24

46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.365D 278.25

47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.365D 278.26

48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying ^{[j]NU omits his coming} his coming,’365D 278.27

49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,365D 278.28

50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,365D 278.29

51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.365D 278.30