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Matthew 24:36 (BSB)
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” — Matthew 24:36
Imagine standing in a crowd, buzzing with excitement and curiosity, eager to know when the big event will happen. Then, you’re told that even the brightest angels and the Son don’t have a clue – only the Father knows! It’s like a secret that only one person holds. There’s a sense of mystery here, a reminder that some things are beyond our understanding. You can feel the weight of that truth; it invites you to trust in something bigger than yourself, to lean into the unknown and embrace the journey ahead.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus' closest followers. He wanted to share the teachings of Jesus with others, especially those who were curious about who Jesus was and what He stood for. Matthew’s unique perspective as a former tax collector gives this verse a special weight – he understands the importance of knowing the truth and respecting the mystery of God’s timing. His goal was to connect the dots, showing how Jesus fulfilled prophecies and revealing the depth of His teachings.
When Matthew wrote this, the world was a mix of Roman rule and Jewish tradition, filled with anticipation for a Messiah. People were grappling with oppression and longing for hope. It was a time when many were trying to predict the future based on signs and prophecies. Understanding this context helps you see why Jesus emphasized that no one, not even Him, knew the exact timing – it was a call to focus on faith rather than fear, and to trust in God’s plan amidst uncertainty.
This verse matters for you today because it reminds you that not everything is in your control. In a world that often pushes for answers and certainty, this is a powerful invitation to embrace the unknown. It encourages you to live with purpose and readiness, knowing that the future holds mysteries that are not yours to solve. It’s a call to trust, to find peace in uncertainty, and to focus on what truly matters in your life right now.
This week, take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you feel anxious about the future. Instead of trying to control those situations, practice trust. You could write down your worries and, beside each one, write a statement of trust in God’s plan. Maybe even share your feelings with a friend, allowing them to support you as you let go of the need to know everything. It’s about finding peace in the journey and living in the moment!
This moment is part of a bigger conversation where Jesus is teaching about future events and the end times. Leading up to this verse, He’s been warning people about the signs of the times, urging them to stay alert and ready. It’s a tense, dramatic buildup, filled with urgency and a call to be prepared. This verse fits right in as a pivotal moment, emphasizing that while we can anticipate signs, the exact timing is a mystery. It’s like the climax of a suspenseful story where the hero needs to stay vigilant without knowing when the showdown will happen.
How does knowing that only God knows the timing of events in your life change the way you approach uncertainty today?
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