Matthew 24:43-44

[43] But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. [44] Therefore be also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

What is the context of Matthew 24:43-44?

The Unknown Day and Hour of Messiah’s Return (Matthew 24:36-44 true)
No One Knows the Day or Hour (Matthew 24:36-44 true)
The Unknown Day and Hour (Matthew 24:36-44 true)
Be Ready for His Coming (Matthew 24:42-51 true)
No One Knows That Day and Hour (Matthew 24:36-51 true)
The Day and Hour Unknown .( AL .) .( AM .) (Matthew 24:36-51 true)
Jesus Speaks about the Future (Matthew 24:1-51 true)

What does Matthew 24:43-44 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Jesus concluded His instructions concerning the importance of vigilance in view of His return by giving a parable urging watchfulness.

The introductory "but" connects this illustration with the former one and identifies a contrast. Jesus is like a thief in only one respect, namely, that other people will not expect His coming. The point of this parable is that if a homeowner knows the general time when a thief will break in he will prepare accordingly. The signs of the times during the Tribulation that Jesus revealed ( Matthew 24:5-22) will enable believers to know the general time He will return. Consequently believers in the Tribulation should prepare themselves.

This concludes the emphasis on vigilance that marks the first part of Jesus" instructions to His disciples anticipating His return and the end of the present age.

"Jesus used Noah to warn that men will not know the day, and He used the picture of the burglar to warn that they will not know the hour." ^[1]