Advent Season · Year A
First Sunday of Advent
4th Sunday before Christmas · November 30, 2025
Overview & Insights
“Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)
In the latter part of chapter 24 and the first parable in chapter 25, Jesus’ teachings turn from the signs portending the temple’s imminent destruction (24:4–35) to his reappearing (his parousia at the end of the age [see 24:3]), which will occur without warning (24:36–51). The overriding discipleship theme of this section is the importance of being prepared or “watchful” (since there will be no warning signs for Jesus’ return). This theme is heard particularly in the two brief parables in 24:42–51 and the parable of the ten virgins in chapter 25. The final two parables of chapter 25 (which cap all of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew) will highlight the way to be prepared: faithful and merciful living.
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Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 24:36-44 Working Preacher
Argues that opening Advent with the Second Coming reminds the church that Jesus' first advent's work is not yet complete, situating the text in Matthew's two-age apocalyptic framework.
Matthew 24:36-44 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed homiletical treatment of the passage as the lead text for the start of the church year, focused on preaching the call to readiness rather than end-times speculation.
First Sunday of Advent, Cycle A Loyola Press (Sunday Connection)
Catholic family-catechesis take on Matthew 24:37-44, framing Advent as preparing hearts for both the Nativity and Christ's return in glory.
No One Knows, Advent 1 (A) The Episcopal Church (Sermons That Work)
Official Episcopal preaching resource on the 'no one knows the day or hour' theme, giving the Anglican homiletical voice on the text.
Matthew 24 Commentary Enduring Word (David Guzik)
Verse-by-verse evangelical walkthrough of the Olivet Discourse, including the days-of-Noah comparison and the thief-in-the-night warning in vv. 36-44.
Matthew 24 Commentary Precept Austin
Compiles multiple conservative scholarly commentaries (Cranfield-style detail) on the Olivet Discourse, including the readiness sayings closing the chapter.
Background & Word Study
Like a Flood; Or a Thief; Or Both Left Behind and Loving It (D. Mark Davis)
Greek-text working translation and notes on vv. 36-44, pushing back on 'Left Behind' rapture readings of the flood and thief imagery.
Matthew 24:36-44 - The Necessity of Watchfulness Enter the Bible
Explains that Jesus redirects the disciples from speculating about timing to staying awake and ready, since only the Father knows the hour.
Gospel of Matthew Summary (Matthew 14-28) BibleProject
Animated overview covering the second half of Matthew, including how the Olivet Discourse's call to watchfulness fits the book's design.
Sermons & Reflections
Questions preachers ask
Why does Advent open with the second coming rather than the first?
Matthew sets the season’s clock before it sets the scene. The church waits for a Lord who has already come and is coming still, so Advent begins with the end: no one knows the day, and the only fit posture is wakefulness.
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