Big Idea: Jesus predicts his return (parousia), which will usher in the end of the age and the final judgment, and warns that, because the time of his return is unexpected, his followers should be always ready for his return.

Understanding the Text

In the latter part of chapter 24 and the first parable in chapter 25, Jesus’ teachings turn from the signs portending the temple’s imminent destruction (24:4–35) to his reappearing (his parousia at the end of the age [see 24:3]), which will occur without warning (24:36–51). The overriding discipleship theme of this section is the importance of being prepared or “watchful” (since there will be no warning signs for Jesus’ return). This theme is heard particularly in the two brief parables in 24:42–51 and the parable of the ten virgins in chapter …