Matthew 24:41Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The destruction mentioned could also reflect events at the end of time, when fear and dread will envelop humanity, prompting them to ready themselves, as instructed in the scripture: “Let your loins be girded” (Luke 12:35). Alternatively, this can symbolize the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, neither of whom will find liberation. The reference to the miller indicates the global scene.

The imagery of individuals in the village emphasizes the stark realities of existence: one is taken and one remains, as seen in the passage, “two grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left” (Matt. 24:41). The figures standing on high refer to those in positions of honor—judges, rulers, and leaders. Among them, there are both just and unjust judges; the righteous will be delivered from affliction, while the unrighteous will be left behind. Likewise, those in the fields represent the common folk—laborers of humble origins, both celebrated and obscure, with some righteous and others wicked. The righteous will face trials, whereas the unrighteous will remain to endure punishment.

The laborers signify the multitude of women, particularly those who have endured hardships, demonstrating their various moral standings. Within this group are both righteous and unrighteous individuals, such as Job and Lazarus being righteous, contrasted with Cain and Gehazi displaying wickedness. Thus, the phrase “There shall be two on the bed” (Luke 17:34) underscores their vulnerability. The righteous may perish, while the unrighteous are forsaken.

The fate of the righteous is articulated by Paul, who explains that those who abide in the Lord will be lifted up into the clouds and will remain with the Lord forever (1 Thess. 4:17). As for the unrighteous, angels will gather the elect from all corners of the earth (Matt. 24:31), while the wicked will face unquenchable fire (Matt. 3:12). It is crucial not to misunderstand this enduring fire of torment as one kindled by mere wood, despite what some may think. Reflect on Sodom and the furnace devoid of fuel. Consider the transformation of Lot’s wife and the severity of divine discipline. While Lot and his daughters were spared from destruction, his wife could not evade the fiery judgment. Each person was assigned their fate according to divine justice.

This principle holds true in the final judgment: the righteous may face trials like Lot, while the unrighteous will be left behind, akin to his wife. Upon reflecting on the scripture, “There shall be two in the village...

Luke presents a parallel account, stating, "There shall be two on the bed: one shall be taken, and the other shall be left behind; there shall be two grinding together: one shall be taken, and the other shall be left," illustrating the serene existence of those at rest and the trials faced by those engaged in labor. This message is conveyed through different expressions at various times: first in Luke's description, followed by Matthew's. The field symbolizes the world, capturing what is saved and disregarding what is condemned. It is essential to recognize that both the rich and the poor, as well as servants and masters, can be chosen or rejected. Christ has made it clear that not every wealthy individual is lost, nor is every poor individual guaranteed salvation. Thus, He warns, "Watch ye therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord cometh," refraining from specifying the exact day, so that His followers remain perpetually vigilant and prepared.

The harvesters symbolize the relentless cycle of existence, characterized by continual activity amidst disorder—just as the millstones incessantly turn. We ourselves are in a constant state of transformation, with various images arising within us; yet we are grinding through them, and indeed, some are taken while others remain, as is clearly evident. From the time of Adam until now, some are taken by death while others stay behind. At the end of days, it will happen that some will pass from this life, while others will remain, and in an instant, they will be transformed into incorruption. As the esteemed Apostle proclaimed, ‘I tell you this mystery, we shall not all die, but we shall all be indivisibly changed in a moment, at the last trumpet’s sound.’ Thus, those who die now are, in a sense, carried away by the millstones, while the rest remain. All are summoned by the trumpet of God, including all who have fallen asleep throughout the ages. The faithful and true Lord will preside as judge, rewarding each person according to their works. As the divine Apostle stated, ‘For patience, good works...’

As you seek to grasp the idea associated with the prior statement, reflected in the saying, "There shall be two grinding in one millstone, one shall be consumed, and one shall be forsaken," perceive the millstone as a metaphor for the trials of this earthly existence, which relentlessly flows by us, transforming everything with the haste of a millstone. The two millstones represent the variations of life within one and the same undertaking or office: whether it pertains to ascetic practice, purity, self-control, sacred love, or faith. Many engage in these pursuits, yet not all do so with identical motives: some strive for virtue in anticipation of heavenly reward, while others display virtue for mere appearance. The latter gain their reward in the commendations of this world and remain bound to the millstone, whereas the former are truly consumed.

Even if one is both a servant and laborer, immersed in the endeavors of worldly life, symbolized by the millstone, the worthy among them will be taken, while the unworthy will be left. The Lord exhorts us to remain vigilant and pray, for the hour of His return is unknown. Be mindful of yourselves so that you do not become encumbered by unnecessary concerns or allow your hearts to be weighed down with excess and the anxieties of life, which might catch you off guard. This event will seize everyone on earth like a net. Remain watchful and pray continuously, so that you may be able to escape the looming trials and stand before the Son of Man. In the Gospel of Luke, the Lord states: in that night, there will be two in one bed: one will be taken, and the other will be left (Luke 17:34). St. Chrysostom remarks that through these words, the Lord signifies that His coming will be at night: 'see,' says the saint, 'how intimately Jesus Christ understands the details of His ultimate return.'

Moreover, the Lord emphasizes the certainty of His prophecy, declaring that heaven and earth could perish rather than fail to see His words come to pass. While He has broadly outlined the initiation of the fulfillment of these prophecies, He continues by proclaiming, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." He warns that this final day and hour will arrive unexpectedly, akin to how the flood caught Noah's generation off guard, or how an enemy attack surprises laborers, with one taken and the other left behind.

This gathering will occur with such swiftness and immediacy that, for instance, if two individuals are working in a field, when one is taken as one of the chosen, the other—left behind—will be left in shock by the suddenness of the event, unable to comprehend what has transpired. Similarly, the woman who remains at the millstone will be filled with astonishment when her companion is taken away.

This imperative for spiritual vigilance is a universal command for all Christians throughout the ages until the end of time: “I say unto you, I say unto all, watch.” This is the authoritative word of the Lord. Be cautious, so that when your hearts are burdened with excess, intoxication, and worldly troubles, that day does not unexpectedly catch you off guard, like a trap set for everyone on the earth. Therefore, remain watchful and pray at all times, so that you may escape all that is to come and stand before the Son of Man. The Lord imparted crucial knowledge to guide them toward prudence and prevent them from being swept away by the tide of heedless indulgence. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the return of the Son of Man: people were eating, drinking, marrying, and living carelessly until the day Noah entered the ark, oblivious until the flood came and removed them all; similarly, the coming of the Son of Man will unfold. In that time, there will be two individuals in the field: one will be taken away, and the other will remain; two women grinding grain: one will be taken, and the other will remain. The Lord had cautioned His followers earlier about the abruptness of His coming for judgment, making them aware of the time both of day and of destiny. This time, in reiterating His prediction, He emphasized the importance of being ever-watchful. “Watch ye, for ye know not what hour your Lord will come.” To elucidate the critical need for vigilance in anticipation of His return and to outline the grave consequences of neglecting the salvation of one's soul, the Lord recalled His previous teaching about the servants who await their master's return.