Signs Without Schedules: A Lesson in Readiness

In Matthew 24, Jesus offers a sweeping vision of what’s to come: wars, disasters, persecution, and deception. The disciples had asked Him, “What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3, NLT). Rather than giving a straightforward timeline, His response seems designed to shift the focus. “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42, NLT).

Warning Signs With No Countdown Clock

This creates a tension in the chapter: on one hand, there are clear descriptions of what to look for; on the other, there’s an insistence that no one—not even the angels—knows the exact timing. Jesus even says, “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day” (Matthew 24:37, NLT), suggesting that life will be moving along as usual. People will be eating, drinking, marrying, and working, unaware that anything monumental is about to happen.

This interplay between warning signs and unpredictability feels deeply human. We crave certainty, especially about the future, and Matthew 24 reads like a chapter meant to unsettle that craving. Even as Jesus lists events that might seem like obvious indicators, He reminds His followers not to assume they’ll be able to pinpoint the moment. Instead, the emphasis is on readiness.

Readiness Without Fear

What does readiness mean in a secular sense? For one, it highlights a universal reality: much of life is outside of our control, and major changes often arrive without much warning. Whether or not someone is religious, this perspective rings true. Global crises, personal tragedies, and societal shifts rarely come with a clear schedule. The challenge is how to live with a mindset of preparedness without falling into fear or obsession.

Jesus’ call to “keep watch” (Matthew 24:42, NLT) seems less about standing guard every hour and more about cultivating awareness. In modern life, this could translate to staying alert to the world’s complexities, maintaining perspective, and preparing emotionally and practically for uncertainty. It’s not a command to predict the future but a reminder of its unpredictability.

Decoding the Signs (Or Not)

This chapter also raises questions about the way humans interpret signs. If wars, disasters, and upheavals are always present in some form, how do we discern when something is truly different? Matthew 24 doesn’t resolve that tension—it acknowledges that even with all the signs, the final moment will be unexpected. That paradox invites reflection: perhaps preparedness is less about decoding patterns and more about how we choose to live now.

Ultimately, Matthew 24 offers a perspective that blends realism and mystery. Life’s most significant events rarely come with advance notice, and this chapter seems to encourage a posture of readiness—not rooted in fear, but in a recognition of life’s unpredictability. Whether read from a religious or secular lens, that message feels relevant: pay attention, stay grounded, and live with the understanding that change can arrive at any time.