76. Taken, Left

[Pastor Ralph]

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

[hanks]

1. What two things do the "days of Noah" have in common with the "days of Lot"? What point is Jesus making by comparing His coming to those events? (17:26-30). 
The two things both events have in common are the suddenness of the coming destruction and the majority of people living a life of complacency neglecting spiritual matters – careless and totally unprepared. Jesus is warning us against false security. He was comparing His coming to the coming of the flood in Noah’s day, and to the coming of judgment on Sodom. People in Noah’s day were not prepared for the Flood, and therefore they were completely destroyed (Gen 6:1-22) - warning that people who live with no thought or time for God will similarly not be ready. In the same way the indifferent and materialistic people of Sodom were not prepared for God’s judgment (Gen 19:1-38). They were living in sin, oblivious to God, resulting in their destruction. 
 

[hanks]

2. At His coming is Jesus going to bring peace or punishment? 
Both, Jesus will bring peace or punishment depending on our relationship with Him. It will be a time of separation, believers from unbelievers. In short, there will be the Final Judgment (Matt 25:31-46), and believers will be with Jesus and enjoy a time of peace and prosperity. To the unbelievers Jesus will say, “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt 25:41). They will receive punishment and spend eternity in hell. 
 

[hanks]

3. Jesus warns those on the roof or in the field not to go back to get their possessions. Why? What does this have to do with Lot's wife? (17:31-32) 
Jesus warns us that His coming will happen so suddenly that there will be no time to salvage earthly possessions. Meaning that now is not the time to worry about earthly interests, but rather to surrender wholeheartedly to Him, our Saviour. Look what happened to Lot’s wife who placed earthly values above heaven, and material things above spiritual. She was told to “Flee for your lives! Don't look back … “(Gen 19:17a); “But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (Gen 19:26). 
 

[hanks]

4. What does "trying to keep one's life" have to do with turning to get one's possessions? What is the paradox here that trying to save one's life results in losing it? Explain. (17:31-33) 
Turning to get one’s possessions indicates that our focus is on our earthly things and not one spiritual things. With Jesus’ coming our possessions and earthly matters are of no importance at all, as believers we are going to be with our Saviour and unbelievers will be go to hell. If we only care for “trying to keep our life”, that is our physical safety, and not caring for our soul, we will lose it – our soul that is. On the other hand, if we lose our life during this period of Jesus’ coming because of our faithfulness to the Lord, we will actually preserve it for all eternity. 
 

[hanks]

5. Jesus tells of people in close physical proximity to each other, and warns that one will be taken and the other left. What does this teach us about the nature of Jesus' coming? Where will they be taken? What happens to those who are left? (17:34-35) 
Physical proximity or nearness to each other will neither save nor **** anyone. When this day arrives, every opportunity to be saved will be gone forever. The door will be shut to those who failed to take advantage of the opportunity to be saved (Matt 25:10). What happens during the night is depicted in (17:34), and what takes place during the day is depicted in (17:35). This is very logical, for if Jesus arrives in the air above a place where it is night, it will be day on the other side of the globe; and vice versa. Briefly, those taken will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. To be with Him forever. (1Thess 4:17). Those left behind are left to their doom. The angels will round up all causes of sin and all evildoers and throw them into the furnace of fire, where they will weep and gnash their teeth (Matt 13:40-42). 
 

[hanks]

6. What does Jesus' parable of the gathering vultures teach us about His location when He comes? (17:37) 
The disciples had asked our Lord where this judgment would occur, and He answered that wherever there are dead bodies, there the vultures will be gathered. The vultures symbolise future judgments and dead bodies are represented by evil, any form of unbelief or rebellion against God, no matter where it is found. Vultures are scavengers, and will feed on the corpses of those killed in the judgments associated with the second coming. Those who fail to heed the warnings of imminent judgment and reject our Lord will be caught in that judgment. 
 

[Irmela]

1. What two things do the "days of Noah" have in common with the "days of Lot"? What point is Jesus making by comparing his coming to those events? (17:26-30).

People were going about their daily tasks/business as usual as if nothing was going to happen. 

Destruction from God occurred suddenly. People were not ready. Warnings had not been heeded. (They had seen the ark being built, for many years. They noticed righteous Lot. Abram had saved them when the other kings had captured them. They saw a different lifestyle. Yet wickedness continued). 

Jesus coming will be the same. Some will not heed the warnings and will perish in spite of. 

[Irmela]

2. At his coming is Jesus going to bring peace or punishment?

In these passages we read that life will be, pretty much, as we are used to it. 

Some will be ready and for them there will be "peace". 

For those who are not ready there will certainly be no peace. Terrible destruction and punishment awaits them. 

Hanks reply says it all. 

[Irmela]

3.Jesus warns those on the roof or in the field not to go back to get their possessions. Why? What does this have to do with Lot's wife? (17:31-32)

There will be no time or sense to collect earthly possessions. It will not be like a normal disaster where you start again after everything is over (be it flood, earthquake, whirlwind, tzunami etc.) Your possessions will not be of any use then. (Earthly possessions must not be your treasure, as mentioned in Lk 12: 21. Your treasure must be in Heaven Lk 12 : 33 & 34) Your possessions will be a snare to you if you are 'bound' to them.

You need to be ready for the Lord's return. 

Lot's wife was bound by her earthly possessions. She turned back to look and disaster overcame her. She could have escaped the disaster had she obediantly not looked back. 

[Irmela]

4. What does "trying to keep one's life" have to do with turning to get one's possessions? What is the paradox here that trying to save one's life results in losing it? Explain. (17:31-33)

On that day earthly possessions will not help us at all (staying in the house as if you will be safe there) If that is what our lives are entwined around we will lose our lives BUT if we lose our lives and they are actually free and cling to Jesus, then we will save our lives for all eternity. 

 

[Irmela]

5. Jesus tells of people in close physical proximity to each other, and warns that one will be taken and the other left. What does this teach us about the nature of Jesus' coming? Where will they be taken? What happens to those who are left? (17:34-35)

Jesus' coming will be sudden. It is each one that must be ready. I cannot cling to the next one and pull them with me or vice versa. Each individual has to be ready themselves.. Those ready will be taken to be with Christ. Those left will be doomed for all eternity. 

I can only cry LORD OPEN THEIR EYES AND EARS. AND SOFTEN THEIR HEARTS. 

[Irmela]

6. What does Jesus' parable of the gathering vultures teach us about his location when he comes? (17:37)

As the vultures are seen from far, so will Jesus' presence be seen from a distance. So it is not necessary to pinpoint to a location. 

[Old Jerry]

What two things do the "days of Noah" have in common with the "days of Lot"? What point is Jesus making by comparing his coming to those events? (17:26-30).

 

A. Everything was going on as normal and then destruction came and everything was wiped out. Jesus was telling us that the same thing will happen when he returns.

 

At his coming is Jesus going to bring peace or punishment?

 

A. I don’t think he will bring either peace or punishment he will destroy everything. To those who go with him will have peace and those that are left behind will be punished.

 

Jesus warns those on the roof or in the field not to go back to get their possessions. Why? What does this have to do with Lot's wife? (17:31-32)

 

A. If we go back that means we treasure our material things more than we do him. Lot’s wife looked back because she was more concerned about her possessions then being saved and was turned in to a pillar of salt.

 

What does "trying to keep one's life" have to do with turning to get one's possessions? What is the paradox here that trying to save one's life results in losing it? Explain. (17:31-33)

 

A. Some people’s lives are tied up in their possessions. Therefore their possessions mean more to them than God. If they go back to get their possessions they will lose their lives but if you believe in Jesus you will be given eternal life.

 

Jesus tells of people in close physical proximity to each other, and warns that one will be taken and the other left. What does this teach us about the nature of Jesus' coming? Where will they be taken? What happens to those who are left? (17:34-35)

 

A. This tells us that one will be saved and the other will not. I think that they will be taken to heaven. The one that are left will be destroyed with the old earth.

 

What does Jesus' parable of the gathering vultures teach us about his location when he comes? (17:37)

 

A. I think is telling us that it will broadcasted all over the world when he returns.

 

 

[Katy]

Q1. In both Noah’s day and in Lot’s day people were going about their lives with no idea that God’s destruction and punishment was about to happen to them. They had no thought of God and how He wanted them to live their lives. Jesus then said than when He comes back it will be the same, as in the days of Noah and Lot. There will be no warning it will happen suddenly and unexpectedly! It will be too late for repentance.

Q2.Jesus will bring both peace and punishment. Those who have faithfully followed Jesus will have peace and be in the presence of God. Those who have rejected Jesus and ignored Him will face judgement and punishment.

Q3.Lots wife was so unhappy leaving her home that she hesitated, and disobeyed the angel and turned back to look at her home town and she turned into a pillar of salt. She was so near being delivered from destruction but was held fast by “things of this world “, and that caused her destruction. We are warned by Jesus that when He returns we must not spend time turning back to grab earthly possessions or we may be lost. We must be ready for the return of the Son of God. 
Q4.By turning to collect our possessions we are trying to hold onto our lives here on earth instead of looking forward eagerly to the return of the Son of God, and being focused on being ready for His return. So if we try to hold onto our lives here on earth, we may loose our eternal life. 
Q5.Jesus return will come suddenly, nobody knows when it will happen but everyone will know when it happens . Those that are taken will be with the Lord, those not taken will face judgement and punishment.

Q6. When there is a dead or dying animal in a hot country it is obvious from afar because of the circling vultures. However when Jesus comes we will all know because we have been told in Scripture ‘For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ‘Matthew 24 v27.
 

[haar]

1.    What two things do the "days of Noah" have in common with the "days of Lot"? What point is Jesus making by comparing his coming to those events? (17:26-30).

One, each of the events happened when no one was expecting it thus going about their normal business and thus many were taken unprepared;

And the second is, there was loss of lives and property.

2.    At his coming is Jesus going to bring peace or punishment?

Both. Peace and reward for the righteous and judgment and punishment for unrighteous.  

3.    Jesus warns those on the roof or in the field not to go back to get their possessions. Why? What does this have to do with Lot's wife? (17:31-32)

Because it would be too late to save any worldly goods and the resultant consequence of losing self in the effort as it happened to Lot’s wife.

4.    What does "trying to keep one's life" have to do with turning to get one's possessions? What is the paradox here that trying to save one's life results in losing it? Explain. (17:31-33)

They are both frantic efforts too late to save one’s life or property.

5.    Jesus tells of people in close physical proximity to each other, and warns that one will be taken and the other left. What does this teach us about the nature of Jesus' coming? Where will they be taken? What happens to those who are left? (17:34-35)

Jesus coming will be unannounced and thus not everyone will be ready, hence two may be together but one will be taken while the other is left.

I think the righteous will be taken to heaven.

6.    What does Jesus' parable of the gathering vultures teach us about his location when he comes? (17:37)

The gathering vultures indicate where a dead animal is located. At Jesus coming, the lightening accompanied by the lightening that ushers  His coming will be indicators of His coming.

[Godswriter]

What two things do the "days of Noah" have in common with the "days of Lot"? What point is Jesus making by comparing his coming to those events? (17:26-30).

Both of them have in common the fact that there was judgment on the places and people involved. Their destruction was the other thing in common. When He comes, He will destroy the enemies of the believers and destroy this world and the current heaven and create a new heaven and earth as well.

At his coming is Jesus going to bring peace or punishment?

I believe He will bring judgment because He will judge the unsaved for not choosing Him. Peace will be for those who know Him.

Jesus warns those on the roof or in the field not to go back to get their possessions. Why? What does this have to do with Lot's wife? (17:31-32)

When we choose to love our possessions and not love Christ more. We are selling ourselves short. Lot's wife loved not her own life enough to not look back at Sodom and Gomorrah. In doing so, she became a pillar of salt. 

What does "trying to keep one's life" have to do with turning to get one's possessions? What is the paradox here that trying to save one's life results in losing it? Explain. (17:31-33)

It means that we love our possessions too much to see that through losing them we keep our lives and have eternal salvation. 

Jesus tells of people in close physical proximity to each other, and warns that one will be taken and the other left. What does this teach us about the nature of Jesus' coming? Where will they be taken? What happens to those who are left? (17:34-35) The ones taken will be taken into heaven by HIm and the others left will remain on earth. 

What does Jesus' parable of the gathering vultures teach us about his location when he comes? (17:37)

He will come through the air and gather us up into heaven. 

[kreilly]

What two things do the "days of Noah" have in common with the "days of Lot"? What point is Jesus making by comparing his coming to those events? (17:26-30).

People were not expecting either of these events to happen.  They were going about their lives as usual.  Jesus has said it will be the same way at His coming.  The day of redemption is now, when we need to repent and place our faith in Him.  The day of destruction is coming, when that will no longer be an option.  There were no second chances for those in Lot's and Noah's time.  Jesus does not indicate there will be any second chances given at HIs return. 

Jesus warns those on the roof or in the field not to go back to get their possessions. Why? What does this have to do with Lot's wife? (17:31-32)What does "trying to keep one's life" have to do with turning to get one's possessions? What is the paradox here that trying to save one's life results in losing it? Explain. (17:31-33)

Jesus said we cannot serve two masters, either we will love the one and hate the other or vice versa.  If we cling to our possessions/earthly life in that day, it shows who our true master is (not Jesus).  Therefore, we will be lost, if we do not put Jesus first in our lives. 

 

[George L]

1. What two things do the "days of Noah" have in common with the "days of Lot"? What point is Jesus making by comparing his coming to those events? (17:26-30).The end has been declaired, those who are righteous in their desires to walk in God’s ways eill have salvation.  The skepticle worldly will remain in the destruction.
2. At his coming is Jesus going to bring peace or punishment? Peace to ‘His’ people faithful to follow him, seek the lost for him. Punishment will come to the disobediant.
3. Jesus warns those on the roof or in the field not to go back to get their possessions. Why? What does this have to do with Lot's wife? (17:31-32) when heaven is calling head for our new home. Their is absolutly nothing of earth worth brining to the eternal life.
4. What does "trying to keep one's life" have to do with turning to get one's possessions? Having  self’s desires rather than God’s plan. What is the paradox here that trying to save one's life results in losing it? Explain. (17:31-33) You can preserve your self choices orcyou have already learned to allow Christ to live hisclife through you ministering the good news of the gospel rather than kiving for self.
5. Jesus tells of people in close physical proximity to each other, and warns that one will be taken and the other left. What does this teach us about the nature of Jesus' coming? Where will they be taken? What happens to those who are left? (17:34-35) It is our inner spiritual dedication to be one with God’s plan for us on earth rescuing his lost, stollen, deceived sheep that will select us to go on in the spirit of life. Life being with God. I believe they will experience total evil as only those who chose worldy ways are lect behind.
6. What does Jesus' parable of the gathering vultures teach us about his location when he comes? (17:37) The signs of his coming will be in the sky. They will have some period of warning as did the men of Sodom as Abraham saught them to turn from their intent. The vultures perhaps are the enemies spiritual parties who will begin to gather when God removes any restraint of righteousness.

[Karl23]

Luke 17:37 The disciples asked Where do those that are taken taken to? Jesus said the body (soma in the Greek a live body, see the the definition of this word in Strong's) are taken where the eagles gather and where do eagles generally gather? Up there in the clouds 10000 feet or more. The word taken is paralambano i.e to take to oneself, to join to ones self (see Strong's). This does not appear to be taken to judgement, but to remove, a separation and those left (aphiemi) to depart from such as divorce of a wife from the husband, this does not look like a word that would used of those belonging to God.

This verse appears very much like a reference to the rapture of God's people.