Matthew 24:40-41 and the Rapture

Introduction

• Common interpretation: This passage refers to the Rapture.
• Key detail often missed: Context of the passage when read carefully.

Context and Key Passages

Matthew 24:36

• Jesus says no one knows the day or the hour, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father.
• Question: What day is Jesus referring to?

Matthew 24:35

• Heaven and Earth will pass away, but Jesus’s words will not pass away.
• Seems to detail two events: one in verse 34 (historical) and one in verse 35 (future).

Matthew 24:37-39

• Comparison to the days of Noah.
  • In Noah's day, people were living normally until the flood came unexpectedly.
  • They were unaware (didn’t believe Noah) and were swept away by the flood.
• Similarity to Jesus’s second coming: People will be unaware and live normally until the event occurs.

Detailed Analysis

Matthew 24:40-41

• Two men in the field: one taken, one left.
• Traditional view: taken = believers (raptured), left = non-believers.
• Scriptural analysis: those taken in Noah's day were the wicked, not the saved.
  • Thus, “taken” likely refers to the wicked taken for judgment.
  • “Left” refers to the righteous who remain.

Analogy with the Parable of the Wicked Servant (Matthew 24:45-51)

• Faithful and wise servant is prepared and serving.
• Wicked servant is unaware and acts wickedly.
• Master returns unexpectedly and punishes the wicked servant, indicating unpreparedness leads to judgment.

Further Parallel Parables

• Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:10)
  • Ready virgins are taken into the feast; unprepared are left out.
• Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
  • Worthless servant cast into the outer darkness.
• Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
  • Sheep (the righteous) remain with God; goats (the wicked) are taken away into eternal punishment.

Conclusion: Reinterpreting Matthew 24:40-41

• The consistent biblical context in Matthew suggests:
  • “Taken” refers to the wicked being taken for judgment.
  • “Left” refers to the righteous remaining to inherit the new creation.
• This reframes the common rapture understanding.

Call to Action and Resources

• Emphasis on staying awake and being ready for Jesus’s return.
• Suggests Bible study programs and resources available at above reproach ministry.