Sunday: The Fig Tree — Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33
In Scripture, the fig tree is used as an example of Biblical truths. Here Jesus used the fig tree to once again touch on the theme of His Second Coming, comparing the time to a fig tree in the spring. The branches of the tree are “tender;” (Matthew 24:32 & Mark 13:28) that is, “full of life.” The leaves are budding and growing. This parabolic analogy describes the time of Jesus’ return as being a time when the Church is full of life and growing. Jesus is pointing out that just as the disciples would know that Summer is near when they see the signs of Spring appearing, they can know that the return of the Son of Man is near when they “see these things happening” (Luke 21:31).
Monday: Watch & Pray — Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-36
Jesus repeatedly warned His disciples to be watchful and stay alert. There would be signs and hints, but because no one knows the actual day or time when Jesus will return, we must always be ready and prepared. He cautioned them not to be worried or anxious, and not to engage in worldly vices. But He advised them to be diligent and vigilant, continuing in steadfast commitment to the things of God. Additionally, He emphasized the importance of putting priority on prayer; knowing that prayer is our lifeline to God.
Tuesday: As in the Days of Noah — Matthew 24:37-39
For approximately 100 years Noah and his family were building an ark and warning the community of a massive flood that would soon come and destroy the world. No one believed him. The years dragged on and no flood came. It was difficult for them to believe in something that had never happened before, and that they had never seen. Their lives were so consumed with the cares of the world that they had no heart or mind for the things of God. Jesus taught that people in the last days before His return will conduct themselves just like they did when Noah was warning them.
Wednesday: One Taken, the Other Left — Matthew 24:40-42
In the days of Noah, God preserved His people and destroyed the unrighteous. Noah and his family remained on the earth and were protected by God in an ark that withstood the violence of the flood. The unrighteous, on the other hand, were swept off the face of the earth by the flood God brought. Jesus compared the events that occurred in Noah’s day to the events that will occur when the Son of Man returns.
Thursday: The Goodman of the House — Matthew 24:43-44
If you knew that a thief would enter your home this evening, wouldn’t you prepare for it? This was the question Jesus posed to His disciples. He knows that any man would guard his home and make sure that his family was safe. Likewise, Christians are to be prepared for the return of Jesus, as if it were to happen any moment. We are to be just as diligent and earnest in following His commands as we would be to fend off any robbers.
Friday: The Faithful Servant — Matthew 24:45-47
The faithful servant is one who is ready and watching for the return of Jesus. It is a person who puts effort into serving God by being fervent in prayer and consistent in fasting; it is a person who dedicates time witnessing God’s grace and mercy to those who might need it; it is a person who is committed to a local church and to ministering to the needs of others. In other words, this servant is one who is faithfully committed to Jesus, in all circumstances.
Saturday: The Unfaithful Servant — Matthew 24:48-51
The parable of the unfaithful servant is an example of the cost of procrastination. The servant doesn’t think that Jesus is returning any time soon, so he selfishly occupies his time with worldly pleasures thinking that he can quickly straighten out when he sees that the Master is returning. But because no one knows when that will be, the unfaithful servant will be caught in his evildoings.