Matthew 24:36-41 – Like the Days of Noah: One Taken, One Left Explained

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Description: In this message from the Matthew 24 series on the Olivet Discourse, Jesus states that no one knows the day or hour—not even the angels of heaven nor the Son, but the Father alone. Bryan explains that the members of the Trinity, though equally God, have distinct roles. The Father sets the exact time of the wedding feast by His own authority, as seen in Acts 1:6-7. The Son’s role was to prepare a place for His bride and return to receive her, according to John 14:2-3.
Jesus voluntarily restricted His knowledge and power in the incarnation. Though omnipotent and omniscient, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7), and grew in wisdom as a child (Luke 2:52). This is presented as good news: just as He chooses not to know certain things, He chooses to remember our sins and lawless deeds no more (Hebrews 10:17).
All prior signs in Matthew 24 showed the events would be near and recognizable to that generation. Those paying attention, like John, knew they were in the last hour (1 John 2:18). For those ignoring the signs and prophets, like in Noah’s day, judgment would come suddenly and unexpectedly.
Jesus compares His coming to the days of Noah. Life continued normally—eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage—until Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and took them all away. Bryan stresses that Noah’s flood was global: all flesh perished, the waters covered the high mountains under all the heavens, and the ark landed on Mount Ararat over 16,000 feet high. Only Noah’s family remained. The ark pictures Christ, through whom the remnant is saved (1 Peter 3:20-21).
The “sons of God” are identified as those with the Spirit and faith who intermarried with the ungodly, leading to hearts set on evil continually. God preserved a remnant through covenant, as with Noah and later Phinehas, who received a covenant of peace within the old covenant for his zeal (Numbers 25). Isaiah 54 describes a covenant of peace and remnant realities fulfilled in the new covenant bride, the church.
In Jesus’ generation, ordinary life continued until the judgment that ended the old covenant. They did not understand their latter end (Deuteronomy 32:28-29) until it was too late, just as scoffers would not believe the work God was accomplishing (Acts 13:41, quoting Habakkuk). Flood language throughout the prophets—Isaiah 8, 28, Ezekiel 13, and Daniel 9:26 (“its end will come with a flood”)—describes divine judgment on covenant breakers. Yet the remnant would pass through waters and fire without being overwhelmed (Isaiah 43:2).
The statement “one will be taken and one will be left” refers to judgment, not rapture. Those taken are judged and destroyed; those left are spared. The parallel in Luke 17:34-37 confirms this: where the body is, vultures gather. This was an ancient judgment coming upon that generation.
The challenge is to build on Christ the rock (Luke 6:47-48) so the flood of judgment cannot shake us, and to diligently give God the fruit of justice and righteousness.

Uploaded By: schuttemeier

Uploaded On: October 24, 2026, 11:25 PM