Study Desk

"And if those days [of tribulation] had not been cut short, no human life would be saved; but for the sake of the elect (God's chosen ones) those days will be shortened.

"For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God's chosen ones).

"For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming [in glory] of the Son of Man [everyone will see Him clearly].

so you, too, when you see all these things [taking place], know for certain that He is near, right at the door.

"For the coming of the Son of Man (the Messiah) will be just like the days of Noah.

"For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the [very] day when Noah entered the ark,

"At that time two men will be in the field; one will be taken [for judgment] and one will be left.

"Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken [for judgment] and one will be left.

"So be alert [give strict attention, be cautious and active in faith], for you do not know which day [whether near or far] your Lord is coming.

"But if that servant is evil and says in his heart, 'My master is taking his time [he will not return for a long while],'

"For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them,

"But the wise replied, 'No, otherwise there will not be enough for us and for you, too; go instead to the dealers and buy oil for yourselves.'

"Later the others also came, and said, 'Lord, Lord, open [the door] for us.'

"Therefore, be on the alert [be prepared and ready], for you do not know the day nor the hour [when the Son of Man will come].

"For it is just like a man who was about to take a journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his possessions.

"For to everyone who has [and values his blessings and gifts from God, and has used them wisely], more will be given, and [he will be richly supplied so that] he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have [because he has ignored or disregarded his blessings and gifts from God], even what he does have will be taken away.

"All the nations will be gathered before Him [for judgment]; and He will separate them from one another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats;

"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God, appointed to eternal salvation], inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;

"The King will answer and say to them, 'I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.'