Luke 17:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If you consider the duration and distant reward, I can demonstrate how beneficial it will be, and I will attempt to persuade you that your excuses are futile based on the realities of life. In our current existence, we often prepare many things we never utilize; when questioned about this, you find solace in your labors through your children and grandchildren. In your later years, you may construct grand homes that you might not see completed; you may plant trees whose fruit will not come for many years—trees that may bear fruit only after a century. You acquire properties and inheritances that will be yours after a significant delay; and you tend to numerous matters that remain unused. Are these efforts for your own benefit, or for your future generations?

In this passage, the Lord emphasizes the abruptness and unpredictability of His return. Just as the flood unexpectedly struck Noah, resulting in widespread destruction, so too will His second coming arrive. Through the illustrations of those who lived before the flood and the residents of Sodom before their demise, it is suggested that the arrival of the Antichrist will see a surge in immoral indulgence among humanity. People will succumb to debauchery and engage in sinful pleasures, echoing the Apostle's assertion that 'in the last days... men will be... more focused on pleasure than on God' (2 Tim. 3:1-2, 4). It is unsurprising that wickedness will thrive under the reign of the deceiver, who embodies the essence of all sin.

To illustrate His sudden return, which will catch everyone by surprise and signify the end of times, He refers to the days of Noah and Lot. People were consumed with eating, drinking, marrying, and engaging in daily commerce, while the floodwaters fell upon some and others were consumed by fire and brimstone. What does this convey? It emphasizes the necessity for us to remain alert and prepared to stand before the judgment of God. As Paul reminds us, we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, where each person will receive their consequences based on their actions in the body, whether righteous or wicked.

Just as in the days of Noah and Lot, where those indulging in pleasure and leading careless lives faced destruction—some met their end by floodwaters, while others were consumed by fire and brimstone descending from the heavens—similarly, at the return of Christ, those who continue to live engrossed in pleasure and devoid of concern will be met with destruction. Sulfur serves as a potent fuel for flames.

In a manner both similar yet even more severe, the Lord warns those who indulge excessively. To the present-day gluttonous individuals, He states, "It shall come upon you," warning that this day will arrive unexpectedly. What day is this? It is a day that serves as but a glimpse, a mere foretaste, reflected in the terrifying events of Sodom—a day that does not just target a select few opulent cities, but rather threatens the entire world. It will leave "men fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming on the world" (Luke 21:26), during which "the Lord will come with His holy angels in darkness to carry out judgment upon all and to reveal every wicked deed, for which they acted wickedly" (Jude 1:14-15).

Simultaneously, He communicated to His disciples about His manifestation in the judgment of the disobedient, which would occur following His rejection by His own generation. These will be challenging times for Christ's followers, during which they will long for the days spent in the presence of the Son of Man to return. They will be distressed by misleading claims, saying, “Here is Christ” or “There is Christ.” However, in that moment, He will reveal Himself on earth in a manner distinct from His current presence. He will come as lightning, not in a physical form, but through the decree of heaven, appearing as lightning from one end of the sky to the other—wherever the unfaithful are dispersed and judgment awaits them.

Numerous statements recorded by Luke are echoed in the significant prophetic discourse of Christ regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and the culmination of the age, which He delivered to His apostles shortly before enduring His Passion. It is likely that Jesus addressed this theme on more than one occasion, repeating certain statements. Furthermore, the evangelists may have enriched the accounts with additional sayings He conveyed at different times and in varying contexts.

The exact timing of this event, including the day and hour, is known only to my Father; not even the angels in heaven possess this knowledge. People will continue to live thoughtlessly, just as they did in the days of Noah. They will engage in eating, drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage, unaware that the end is approaching. In Noah's time, they were oblivious to the impending destruction until Noah entered the ark and the flood swept them away. Similarly, at the arrival of the Son of Man, many will be unprepared to reckon with God for their lives. Therefore, be vigilant, so that your hearts are not burdened by indulgence, drunkenness, and the worries of this world, lest that day come upon you unexpectedly. It will arrive like a trap for all who dwell on the entire earth (Luke 21:34-35).

That day will arrive unexpectedly and while it will serve as a time of reward for all devoted servants, it will similarly be a moment of judgment for those who are lacking in purpose and unprepared for this significant occasion. To reinforce the message of vigilance and faithfulness in their hearts, and to strongly caution them against the perils of an inattentive life and the dimming of the lamp of readiness, He shared with them two parables: the ‘ten virgins’ and the ‘talents’ (Matthew 25), which are impactful in their simplicity and rich in spiritual insight.

In the same manner as during the days of Lot, there are parallels to be drawn with the times of Noah. The destruction narrated in Genesis chapter 19 illustrates how the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah faced devastation immediately after the righteous Lot and his household departed. The residents of these cities were engaged in their daily routines, living without worry or awareness of the impending judgment they would soon encounter, which struck them unexpectedly.