Luke 17:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.

NIV: For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.

NASB: For just like the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day.

CSB: For as the lightning flashes from horizon to horizon and lights up the sky, so the Son of Man will be in his day.

NLT: For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man comes.

KJV: For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

NKJV: For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day.

The Pharisees have asked Jesus when the kingdom of God will come. Jesus replies that the kingdom of God isn't what they think—it's not a war that drives the Romans out and returns Israel to independent prosperity. The inauguration of God's kingdom on earth began with Jesus' birth and is in their midst as a quiet movement comprised of Jesus' teachings and miracles (Luke 17:20–21).

Now, Jesus talks to His disciples about what the fulfillment of God's kingdom will look like when He returns. The entire world will know; it will not be subtle. People will not need to personally spread the word that the Messiah has come (Luke 17:23). He will not hide in the wilderness or an inner room (Matthew 24:26). Anyone claiming Jesus has returned in some subtle or mysterious way will be wrong. His return will be as obvious as lightning illuminating the entire sky. "The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken" (Matthew 24:29).

First, however, the Messiah will be rejected. This generation of religious leaders—those speaking to Jesus in person during His earthly life—will reject and kill their own savior (Luke 17:25). Years will go by while Jesus' followers hope for His return (Luke 17:22). Then He will come, suddenly, when no one expects it (Luke 17:26–30).

Matthew 24:27 records Jesus giving a similar description during the Passion Week. It's not certain if Luke's account here happened earlier in Jesus' ministry or if he placed Jesus' words in Matthew 24 in this section and put the rest in chapter 21.

Luke 17:22–37 may create confusion for two reasons. The first is where to place the events in relation to the end times. Are they before the rapture or at the end of the tribulation? The second complication is the placement of Jesus' teaching. Did He deliver this message while traveling through Galilee and Samaria, or outside of Jerusalem during the final week prior to His crucifixion? Ultimately, neither question is as important as the clear message: Jesus' return will be unmistakable, and those who are not ready will suffer greatly. This passage covers similar material to Matthew 24 and Mark 13.

In his gospel, Luke has often arranged events by theme rather than by strict time order. That seems likely here with a series of teachings about living as Christ followers and ambassadors of God. Christians ought to be careful not to poison the faith of others. Faith is powerful. God's servants should not demand extravagant treatment in return. After healing ten lepers—only one of whom offers thanks—Jesus discusses the state of the world at His future second coming.

Luke 17 continues Jesus' teaching about how to live as citizens and ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Luke 15 describes God's love for the lost. Chapter 16 teaches earthly blessings are far inferior to heavenly rewards. Here, He exhorts His followers to lead well, serve humbly, give thanks, and watch for His second coming. In Luke 18, Jesus gives a series of comparisons to show how we are to approach God—as He approaches Jerusalem and the cross.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.