There are some very interesting parables/statements given by Jesus Christ regarding the end of the age. In Matthew there are three parables in a row which insinuate that it will be a long time before Christ returns. They also underline the unexpected nature of his coming:
"48 But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; 50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, 51 and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Mt. 24:48-51 (NASB)
"5 Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep." Mt. 25:5 (NASB)
"19 “Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them." Mt. 25:19 (NASB)
In two of these parables Christ underlines the unexpected nature of the return. He also says this:
"37 For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be." Mt. 24:37-39 (NASB)
"44 For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." Mt. 24:44 (NASB)
It is interesting that we are warned over and over again of the unexpected nature of the coming of Christ. He seems to make this a point in his parables. Here's another example:
"35 Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’”" Mk. 13:35-37 (NASB)
Interesting. Thoughts?
"48 But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; 50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, 51 and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Mt. 24:48-51 (NASB)
"5 Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep." Mt. 25:5 (NASB)
"19 “Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them." Mt. 25:19 (NASB)
In two of these parables Christ underlines the unexpected nature of the return. He also says this:
"37 For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be." Mt. 24:37-39 (NASB)
"44 For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." Mt. 24:44 (NASB)
It is interesting that we are warned over and over again of the unexpected nature of the coming of Christ. He seems to make this a point in his parables. Here's another example:
"35 Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’”" Mk. 13:35-37 (NASB)
Interesting. Thoughts?