Olivet Discourse: No One Knows the Day or Hour (Ep 98)

Welcome and Introduction

---

Jason: Thank you for listening and welcome to the podcast. I'm your host, Jason McConnell. As we continue our journey through the Olivet Discourse, we're going to jump into a truth that should challenge and inspire us in the best possible ways. I'm talking about Matthew 24, 36, where Jesus says, But about the day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father.

Now these words remind us of the divine mystery surrounding the exact timing of Christ's return. But more than that, they serve as a clarion call to readiness and vigilance. Think about it for a moment. If you knew the exact day or hour of an important event, like a job interview, a wedding, or even a visit from a close friend, how would that change the way you prepare?

Now imagine being told not to expect a heads up, but to always be ready. That's the challenge Jesus places before us. When he says that no one, not even he, knows the hour of his return. And we're going to explore what it means to be prepared for Christ's return. And together we'll unpack the scripture where Jesus warns us of the unexpected nature of his coming and provides a roadmap for living in readiness.

We'll also reflect on the dangers of distraction and complacency and how to cultivate a heart that stays awake and alert. So grab your Bible and let's consider Jesus's call to live with eternal perspective and faithful anticipation.

Challenges of Christian Fatherhood

---

Jason: If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you probably know that I'm a dad.

I have a daughter. She's 14 as of this episode. And being a parent, I mean, it's tough. If you're a parent, you get it. I will say that there are unique challenges for moms versus dads, and one of these dad challenges is finding the right support. Part of that is because we, meaning men, we don't want to ask for support.

We don't want to ask for help, just like we don't want to ask for directions. We're terrible. We're bad like that. But there are three main challenges we face as fathers in this world. And especially Christian fathers. Now the first challenge is that we often feel like we are failures. Either completely or somewhat.

Or maybe mostly. Whether it's bills, discipline, supporting the family, whatever it is. We fall short of our own expectations and standards. Not anybody else's, our own. Number two is that we often struggle to lead our families and be intentional. Now, this is an important part of being a Christian man. I think we want to do things right, but we're not sure whether We're being successful or not.

We want to set a proper example for our children. We want to be a loving husband to our wives, but we're not always sure what that looks like. And the third struggle is that we often struggle to with training and disciplining our kids. How many of you grew up with just wait till your dad gets home? It sucks being the disciplinarian.

Plus, we're living in a world filled with expectations, entitlements, technology, cultural pressures, and so much more that didn't even exist when I was young. We have no basis of comparison, so how do we train our children to be responsible and respectable with things like Discord and Roblox? How do we discipline them when they're not?

I used to get sent to my room, but now the bedroom is a safe haven of video games, streaming media, and whatever else they want. And I mention this because God is their ultimate father, and I can't even imagine how tough his job is. But here's the difference. We struggle to know if we're doing things right or not.

God does not. He knows if he's doing things right and he never does things wrong. He knows exactly what we need, exactly when we need it, and he executes on his plan. And if we're smart, If we're smart, we'll defer to His will. But there are some things that God the Father won't tell us and didn't tell His own Son.

And that leads us into our episode today.

Exploring the Olivet Discourse

---

Jason: Nobody knows when all of this stuff we're talking about is going to happen. And that's, that's what we're talking about from the Olivet Discourse today. Let's start by turning to the words of Jesus in Mark 13 verses 32 and 33. But about that day, or hour, no one knows.

Not even the angels in heaven, or the sun, but only the Father. Be on guard, be alert. You do not know when that time will come. So here Jesus unveils an extraordinary truth. The timing of his return is known only to the Father. Even the angels, those heavenly beings who stand in God's presence, are left in the dark.

And perhaps more surprising of all, Jesus himself tells us he does not know The day or the hour and this raises an important theological question Why would Jesus the Son of God not know this? Isn't he fully divine? Well to understand this we must Remember that during his time on earth Jesus willingly chose to limit his divine knowledge in certain areas as part of his incarnation Philippians 2 verse 7 reminds us that he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness.

In this mystery of his humanity, Jesus demonstrates complete submission to the Father's will. This act of submission speaks volumes about humility and trust. Jesus didn't demand to know all the details of his Father's plan. Instead, he trusted fully. And God performing his perfect timing, modeling for us the kind of faith and surrender that we are called to emulate.

Let's consider another verse, Deuteronomy 29, 29, I know I'm digging deep into the Old Testament here, but this teaches us the secret things belong to the Lord, our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of the slaw. Amen. Amen. Now, there are some aspects of God's plan that will always remain hidden beyond humanity's comprehension.

And that's okay, because God has revealed everything we need to know to live faithfully. This truth challenges our human tendency to want control. We like to plan ahead, to predict outcomes, to know that something's coming next and what's coming next. Don't believe me turn on the weather channel, but Jesus's words remind us that faithful They are being faithful is not about having all the answers It's about trusting in the one who does in Acts 1 verse 7 Jesus reiterates this point after his resurrection saying to his disciples It's not for you to know the time or dates the father has set by his own authority The disciples like us like many of us Wanted clarity about God's timing, but Jesus redirects them away from speculation towards action, towards living faithfully in the present.

Now, this teaches us an important lesson about God's sovereignty. The Father alone holds the authority over time and history. He orchestrates his plan with perfect wisdom and love, and his timing is never arbitrary. This is a call for us to trust in God's character, even when we don't understand his timing.

Maybe, maybe especially when we don't understand his timing. So how should we respond to this mystery?

Theological Insights on Readiness

---

Jason: Would you believe that? Jesus gives us the answer. He teaches us to be on guard, be alert. I just read it. This isn't a passive waiting. It's an act of vigilance, a daily readiness rooted in faith. We're not called to guess the date of his return or be consumed by fear of the unknown.

We're called to live each day with purpose, trusting that God's timing is perfect. This passage is a reminder that our faith journey is not about having all the answers. It's about trusting the one who does. I said it again, I know. As we consider the mystery of the day and the hour, let's inspire, let's let it inspire us to a deeper humility, a greater trust, and more fervent commitment to living for Christ.

So understand that Jesus teaching on readiness is both a call and a challenge. That seems to be a theme in the Olivet Discourse. It's got a dual purpose here. He compels his followers to live with vigilance, not in fear, but with a heart tuned to his purpose and his promise of return. And we'll begin by reading Matthew 24 verses 42 through 44.

Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your lord will come. But understand this, if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you must be ready. Because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

So this vivid metaphor of a thief in the night underscores the unpredictability of Jesus return. If we knew the precise moment, readiness would be easy. But in the uncertainty, we find the challenges to live every moment as if it could be the one when Christ appears. In Mark 13 verses 34 through 36, Jesus deepens this teaching by comparing himself to a man going away on a journey.

It reads, It's like a man going away. He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each of their assigned tasks, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back, whether in the evening or at midnight or when the rooster crows at or at dawn.

This imagery highlights not just watchfulness, but faithfulness. The servants in this parable, they're entrusted with responsibilities. Readiness, therefore, isn't just about waiting, it's about working diligently, fulfilling the tasks that God has given us.

Practical Steps for Spiritual Readiness

---

Jason: But how do we stay ready in the practical sense?

Well, scripture gives us a roadmap. The first thing is prayer. Prayer is foundational. It aligns our heart with God's will and keeps us, keeps us spiritually alert. If In Luke 21, 36, Jesus says be always on the watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.

I mean, prayer is not just a duty, it's a lifeline, a means of staying connected to God in the midst of life's distractions. Second one is studying scripture. Knowing God's word equips us to discern His voice. First Thessalonians 5 verse 2 through 6 reminds us of the importance of staying spiritually awake.

For you know very well the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying peace and safety, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labored pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness so that this day shouldn't surprise you like a thief.

You are all children of the light and children of the day. So by immersing ourselves in scripture, we live as children of the light, ready and aware. The next thing is living faithfully. Readiness also means living out your faith in tangible ways. Revelation 16, 15 captures this very vividly. Look, I come like a thief.

Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed. Living clothed in righteousness involves walking in integrity, loving others, and living faithfully. and pursuing holiness. Now, one of the clearest examples of readiness is found in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 verses 1 through 13.

Five were wise and prepared, bringing extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom finally arrived, only the prepared virgins were able to enter the wedding feast. And this parable illustrates the importance of spiritual readiness. It's not enough to have started the journey of faith, we must remain prepared to finish it.

The wise virgin's extra oil represents the ongoing spiritual disciplines, prayer, study, and faithful living that sustain us in anticipation of Christ's return. I'm sure we'll touch on this parable a lot more in an upcoming series that Laura and I will be doing, a little bit of a teaser there, but in practical terms, readiness means living with a sense of purpose each day.

Begin your day with prayer, dedicating it to God. Carve out time for scripture study, allowing God's word to shape your actions and attitudes, and actively look for ways to serve others reflecting Christ's love in your interactions. Living this way transforms readiness from duty into a lifestyle, a joyful anticipation of Christ's return.

And as we wait, we are called to be faithful servants like those in Mark 13, working diligently for the task we've been given. Look, readiness is not about perfection, but persistence. Jesus call to be ready is a reminder to keep our hearts open, our hands active, and our eyes fixed on him. By doing so, we live not just in expectation of his return, but in the fullness of his presence here and now.

Warnings Against Complacency

---

Jason: Complacency is one of the greatest dangers Jesus warns against when he speaks of his return. It's a subtle but powerful force, easy to slip into and difficult to recognize in ourselves, yet. Jesus is clear about the consequences of being spiritually inattentive. In Matthew 24, 37 39, Jesus compares the days leading up to his return to the time of Noah.

As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. And they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.

That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. What's interesting here is that, not that the people were engaged in sinful activities, But that they were consumed with everyday life. Eating, drinking, and marrying are not inherently wrong. They are parts of the human experience, but in their focus on worldly concerns, the people of Noah's time dismissed the warnings of God.

They were caught off guard when judgment came. This is a warning for us all as well. The routine of daily life, the, the busyness, the distractions, the pursuit of comforts, it can easily dull our spiritual alertness. When we prioritize the temporary over the eternal, we risk missing the greater reality of Christ's imminent return.

Mark 13 verses 35 and 36 reinforces this call to vigilance. Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back. Whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn, if he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. That's a little bit more from our previous reading of it.

And here Jesus uses the image of the house owner returning unexpectedly to emphasize the need for constant readiness. Falling asleep in this context is a metaphor for spiritually being complacent, losing focus on the things that God, of God, because we are distracted by the cares of this world. In 2 Peter 3 verses 3 through 7, we find a sobering reminder about those who scoff at this idea of Christ's return.

Above all, you must understand that in the last days, scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation, but they deliberately forget that long ago, by God's word, the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.

By these waters, also, the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. Now, this passage highlights a dangerous mindset. Dismissing God's warnings because of apparent delays in His promises.

Those who scoff at the idea of judgment or Christ's return are blind to the lessons of history, specifically the flood during Noah's time. Just as God fulfilled his promise of judgment, then he will do so Again, Proverbs 6 verses 9 through 11 echoes the warning against complacency. How long will you lie there, you sluggard?

When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come on you like a thief, and scarcity like an armed man. Wow, this passage, I mean, it primarily addresses laziness. The principle applies spiritually. Complacency can rob us of readiness.

Leaving us unprepared for Christ's return and the life of purpose that God calls us to live right now. So how do we guard against complacency? And the answer lies in cultivating an eternal perspective. Instead of being consumed by the temporary, we are called to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal promises of God.

Prioritize spiritual growth. Make time for prayer, scripture study, and worship. These disciplines anchor our hearts in God's truth and remind us of what truly matters. Serve with purpose. Engage in acts of kindness and service. By loving others, we demonstrate the transformative power of gospel and fulfill God's calling on our lives.

And finally, stay accountable. Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage vigilance and spiritual growth. Community helps us stay focused and resist the pull of complacency. Living in an eternal perspective requires intentionality, but it's worth the effort. When we focus on Christ and his promises, we find joy, we find hope, we find purpose in every moment.

Let's heed Jesus's warning against complacency and choose to live each day with a sense of expectancy, knowing that his return will come like a thief in the night.

Final Reflections and Encouragement

---

Jason: So, as I bring this episode in for a landing, let's take a moment to reflect on the central message of Jesus's teaching. Readiness. Vigilance.

Unwavering trust in God's perfect timing. The return of Christ is not just a future event, It's a present call to live with purpose, faith, and hope. The unpredictability of the day and hour is not meant to fill us with fear, but to inspire a life of faithful anticipation. It is a call to focus not on the when, but on the how, how we live each day in light of the promises of His return.

In Hebrews 10 verses 37 through 38, we find a powerful reminder of the hope and assurance believers have. For, in just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay, and, but my righteous one will live by faith, and I will take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. This passage reinforces the truth that Christ will come, and it will challenge us to live by faith, not shrinking back, but pressing forward in our spiritual walk.

His return is a certainty. And it carries a profound promise. The fulfillment of God's plan for redemption and restoration. As you reflect on today's discussion, I encourage you to examine your own heart and life. Are there areas where worldly distractions or complacency have crept in? What steps can you take to redeem your relationship with Christ and live in readiness for his return?

Here's some suggestions, some places to start. Recommit to daily prayer and scripture reading. Make these practices non negotiable in your life, allowing God to shape your heart and mind. Seek community. Surround yourself with others who share your desire and grow in faith together, and together you can encourage one another to stay vigilant.

And then finally, live with purpose. Find ways to serve, love, and witness to others embodying the hope and light of Christ. Look, for believers, the return of Christ is not an event to dread, but a promise to eagerly anticipate. It signifies the accumulation of God's perfect plan and the beginning of an eternal, glorious relationship with him.

This is a common theme across all of these episodes that I've done for the Olivet Discourse. It is a common theme across Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Let us stay ready, vigilant, and rooted in the hope that Jesus offers. Live each day with the assurance that He is faithful to His promises, and that His return will bring everlasting joy to those who are prepared to meet Him.

I want to thank you for joining me in this episode. May the peace of Christ guard your heart and minds as we continue on this journey of faith together. Until next time, keep loving your neighbors, dive into God's Word daily, and may the Lord bless you and keep you and fill you with His peace. Take care and God bless, and I'll see you in the next one.

Share Episode

Shownotes

Transcripts

Follow

Links

Chapters

Video

More from YouTube