Matthew 24:36

Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”

This verse is often taken out of context, misinterpreted, and applied to the wrong coming.

The context of Matt. 24 is the signs of tribulation and the second coming. Jesus tells them the birth pains that will precede His coming [vv. 4-29], with the sign of the Son of Man in heaven [v. 30]. So “That day” refers to v. 30, the second coming.

The general time period of his second coming will be known but not the precise day and hour [24:42, 44, 50; 25:13]. We can know the days but not the day.

v. 36b: “no, not the angels in heaven, but my Father only.”

God has chosen not to reveal to angels the exact day and hour of his second coming.

Not even the Son knew when Jesus spoke these words and neither anytime in his earthly ministry. Though fully God and man, Jesus voluntarily restricted the use of certain divine attributes when he became flesh.

Phil. 2:6, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” MacArthur says in his commentary…

“Made Himself of no reputation. “ This is more clearly translated "emptied Himself." This refers to the doctrine of Christ's self-emptying in His incarnation. This was a self-renunciation, not an emptying Himself of deity nor an exchange of deity for humanity Jesus did, however, renounce or set aside His privileges in several areas:

(1) heavenly glory—while on earth He gave up the glory of a face-to-face relationship with God and the continuous outward display and personal enjoyment of that glory;
(2) independent authority—during His incarnation Christ completely submitted Himself to the will of His Father;
(3) divine prerogatives—He set aside the voluntary display of His divine attributes and submitted Himself to the Spirit's direction;
(4) eternal riches—while on earth Christ was poor and owned very little; and
(5) a favorable relationship with God—He felt the Father's wrath for human sin while on the cross.

During Christ’s time on earth he did not know the precise day and time He would return to earth at his second coming. The Father alone knew.
Jesus regained full knowledge after the resurrection as implied in Scripture.

Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

Acts 1:7, “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”

Note that after his resurrection, Jesus did not mention his lack of knowledge of that day and hour as he did in Matt. 24:36.

A second view is that Jesus is speaking from human knowledge not divine omniscience.

Why Did Judas Betray Jesus?

1. Though one of the twelve, Judas was not a believer [Acts 1:25; John 6:64; 17:12].

2. Judas never called Jesus “Messiah” or “Lord.” He called him “Rabbi.”

3. Judas is always mentioned last in the lists of the apostles in the gospels.

4. The only recorded dialogue between Jesus and Judas is words of rebuke.

5. Judas was consumed with greed.

6. He may have tried to force Jesus to overthrown Rome and set up his kingdom.

7. Though predicted, Judas was responsible for his choice.

Hebrews 13:8

Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."

The verse is often used by Charismatics, Pentecostals, and the Word Faith movement to defend miracles and healings today. They say that Jesus is the same today as he was then and the faith healers and new revelation are for today. If anyone questions this, they question the person and work of Christ.

Is this what this verse really teaches? Let the Scripture speak!

The context is closing relationships among believers. In v.7 the writer remind the Hebrews of faithful leaders within the church. Faithful leaders are to rule, speak the Word of God and establish a faithful pattern of faith for others to follow.

In v. 9 he warns the Hebrews of not being carried away by false teachings contrary to God's Word.

So what does v. 8 mean in this context? Jesus is our ultimate example of faith. He was faithful while on earth [yesterday] and now as our High Priest [today]. He has secured our salvation forever. He is the same faithful Jesus in esssence and character.

Though human leaders have much to offer, we must keep our eyes on Christ, our ultimate leader. Unlike any human leaders, he will never change. Christ has been and will be the same forever. In a changing world we can trust our unchanging Lord.

Rev. 1:4 calls Him, "Which is, and which was, and which is to come."

Revelation 3:20

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and sup with him, and he with me."

This verse is often used to say that Christ is knocking on the individual's heart and if anyone will open their hearts door, Jesus will come in [salvation]. Problem is, we can't open a dead heart.

Is this the right interpretation? Let's find out as we let the Scripture speak.

Context is King:

Christ is writing to the seventh church of Revelation, the Laodicean church. Seven historical and contemporary churches. That is, they actually exsited in that time and have a prevailing trait of churches today.

The Laodiceans church was the church that thought they had everything they needed and did not need Christ [v. 17].

In otherwords, Christ is on the outside looking in and seeking to get into the church. This not an appeal to the lost, but the professing church.

This Laodicean church is the professing liberal church of our day that functions without the head of the church and the Holy Spirit. They have left the Doctrine of Christ and have become a worldly church without Christ at the center.

I personally believe the faithful church at Philadelphia [3:7-13] is the rapture church. Laodicea is the liberal church left behind. This faithful church is the one who is raptured and taken out before the seven year period of tribulation [3:10].