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Luke 21:34-36
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, andso that day come upon you unawares…

Matthew 24:42,44
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come…

Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

because the Son of Man
The title "Son of Man" is a messianic term that Jesus frequently uses for Himself, drawing fromDaniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. This title emphasizes both Jesus' humanity and His divine authority. In the Gospels, it is used to highlight His role in salvation history, His suffering, and His future return in glory. The use of this title would resonate with a Jewish audience familiar with the prophetic literature, reinforcing Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah.

will come at an hour you do not expect.
This phrase underscores the unpredictability of Jesus' second coming, a theme that is consistent throughout the New Testament. InMatthew 24:36, Jesus states that no one knows the day or hour of His return, not even the angels in heaven. This unpredictability serves as a warning against complacency and a call to constant vigilance. Historically, the early church lived with the expectation of Christ's imminent return, which influenced their conduct and mission. Theologically, this unpredictability is a test of faith and perseverance, encouraging believers to live righteously and remain steadfast in their hope, as seen in1 Thessalonians 5:2-6, where Paul describes the day of the Lord coming like a thief in the night.

Jesus shifts His gaze from the crowds to His own followers with the words, “You also.” The call is personal:

• Luke has just urged everyone to “be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35). Now He turns and says, “This isn’t only for them—it’s for you.”

•Matthew 24:44 echoes the same transition: “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” The emphasis is that every believer, not just leaders or saints of old, is included.

• Paul reminds us that “these things happened to them as examples…for us” (1 Corinthians 10:11), so we recognize Scripture’s warnings and promises are meant for our daily walk.

Readiness is not an optional extra; it’s commanded.

• Jesus pictures a servant inLuke 12:36–38 who waits up for his master—belt on, lights lit. That’s the kind of alertness He requires.

• Readiness involves:

– Active faith (John 3:36)

– Obedient living (James 1:22)

– Ongoing repentance (1 John 1:9)

– Eager expectation (Titus 2:13)

•Ephesians 6:14-17 calls us to keep the armor of God on at all times. Preparation is not a one-time act but a constant posture.

• In the parable of the ten virgins, those who failed to stay prepared missed the celebration (Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus ties readiness directly to entering His kingdom joy.

The title “Son of Man” points to Jesus’ authority and His fulfillment ofDaniel 7:13-14. His return is certain.

• Angels declared, “This same Jesus…will come back in the same way” (Acts 1:11).

• He comforts us: “I will come again and take you to Myself” (John 14:3).

• Scripture never treats the Second Coming as symbolic; it is a literal event anchoring our hope (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

•Revelation 22:12 records His promise: “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me.” Our readiness rests on the absolute assurance that He is indeed on His way.

The timing remains hidden to all but the Father.

• Jesus plainly says, “About that day or hour no one knows” (Mark 13:32-33).

• Paul compares the day to “a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2), stressing surprise.

• Peter reinforces the point: “The day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10).

• Because prediction is impossible, vigilance must be constant. Any lapse assumes foreknowledge we do not have. Genuine readiness means living each day as though this could be the moment.

Luke 12:40 urges every believer into a lifestyle of continual alertness. Jesus personalizes the call (“You also”), commands our preparedness (“must be ready”), grounds it in the certainty of His return (“the Son of Man will come”), and underscores the unpredictability of His arrival (“at an hour you do not expect”). Confidence in His promise fuels our vigilance, and vigilance keeps our hearts loyal, our lives holy, and our hopes fixed on the glorious appearing of our Lord.

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