Jesus Compared the End Times to The Days of Noah. What Did He Mean? (Matthew 24:37)
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“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:37)
In this Bible Study mapping of Matthew 24:37, we shall draw practical lessons and biblical wisdom on how to prepare for the perilous days ahead, just as Noah faithfully prepared for the flood. To do so, let us explore five key questions:
- What are prophetic parallels?
- What were the days of Noah like, and how are they similar to our world today?
- How was Noah different from the rest of the humanity of his time?
- What can we do to endure and overcome the challenges of the end times, as Noah did?
- Jesus compared the end times to the days of Noah. What did he mean?
#1 – What are Prophetic Parallels?
Prophetic parallels are passages in different parts of the Bible that describe the same event. One day, the disciples came to Jesus with a profound question: “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). The term “end” in this context refers to the Greek word eschatos, meaning the absolute conclusion of a period or age. For example, the eschatos of a year would be its very last day, December 31. This same word is used in 2 Timothy 3:1, where Paul warns of the “last days” being perilous times.
Instead of giving a straightforward answer, Jesus directed them to examine a prophetic parallel—the days of Noah —as a blueprint for understanding the signs of the end times (Matthew 24:37). A wise student of Scripture would therefore delve into the account of Noah to discern the patterns and lessons that the Bible has provided for our preparation. By studying the prophetic parallels, we gain insight into the spiritual and moral conditions of Noah’s time and how they mirror the challenges of our age.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Similarly, Ecclesiastes 3:15 declares that “Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before.” These passages highlight the cyclical nature of human history and God’s dealings with mankind.
The Bible also warns that God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Understanding the days of Noah equips believers with the wisdom needed to navigate similar challenges in the end times. It reveals how Noah found favor in God’s eyes amidst a corrupt generation and survived the judgment that followed.
#2 – What were the days of Noah like, and how are they similar to our world today?
The days of Noah, as described in Genesis 6, were a time of profound moral decay and spiritual rebellion. God, who is a God of order, has established spiritual laws to govern His creation. These laws, visible throughout the Bible, set boundaries and distinctions designed to maintain balance and reflect His divine nature. Therefore, these boundaries are not meant to restrict but to protect and guide us into His perfect will. However, during Noah’s time, many of these laws were grossly violated, such as:
The Law of Separation
The Law of Separation is first evident in creation itself. God, in His divine wisdom, brought order by setting boundaries—light was separated from darkness, water on the earth from water in the heavens, and humanity was made distinct from animals. These divisions were intentional, reflecting God’s means of creating harmony and ensuring the flourishing of creation.
However, in Genesis 6:2-3, we see a clear violation of this law: “The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.” God has two types of sons, human sons, the first being Adam (Luke 3:38), and angelic sons. In this verse, the phrase “sons of God” refers to angelic beings. Not all angels were designated as “sons of God” but only a select group with specific roles and authority. For example, most angelic sons of God had thrones as evident in the example of the fallen son of God Lucifer (Job 1:6; Isaiah 14:13)
These angelic beings of Genesis 6, tasked by God to aid humanity, violated their divine mandate. They abandoned their proper domain (as mentioned in Jude 1:6) and engaged in inappropriate relationships with human women, producing offspring that further corrupted the earth. This transgression not only breached the law of separation but also distorted the created order. Jesus Himself affirmed in Matthew 22:30 that angels are not given to marriage, underscoring that their actions in Noah’s time were unnatural and rebellious.
Today, we see parallels to this violation in the erosion of boundaries that God established, particularly in matters of sexuality and relationships. God’s original design was clear: one man and one woman united in the covenant of marriage (Genesis 2:24). Any deviation from this order, whether through same-sex relationships, extramarital affairs, or other forms of sexual immorality, reflects a rejection of God’s law. This distortion of God’s plan is a symptom of humanity’s ongoing rebellion, mirroring the moral decay of Noah’s time.
The violation of the law of separation extends beyond sexual matters. In modern society, there is a blurring of distinctions in many areas, such as gender identity, ethical standards, and even the sanctity of truth. The widespread advocacy for ideologies that reject God’s order demonstrates a society increasingly disconnected from His principles. Just as in Noah’s day, this disregard for God’s laws invites judgment and chaos, reminding us of the need to return to His divine standards.
The Law of Fellowship
God’s desire for fellowship with humanity is evident throughout the Bible, beginning with the creation account. In Genesis 3:8, we learn that God walked in the Garden of Eden during the cool of the day, seeking Adam and Eve. This paints a picture of a God who loves to dwell among His creation and desires intimacy with humankind. God’s actions here reveal that He is a visiting Spirit who takes pleasure in being close to those He created.
After the fall, two lines of humanity—those of Cain and Seth— began to exist on Earth. Seth’s lineage chose fellowship with God for it was noted for calling on the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:26). On the other hand, Cain chose to exist apart from God (Genesis 4:16), which means he chose not to have fellowship with God. Cain’s descendants built a civilization that operated independently of God, relying on self-sufficiency and often aligning with darkness. In Genesis 6:18 we see God’s mercy when he protected six generations of Cain from fully being consumed by the mistake of their forefather. Unfortunately, God’s patience is not infinite (2 Peter 3:9) and so a time came when the cup of their iniquity was full and He gave them over to their iniquity (Romans 1:24). From this point, Cain’s descendants began to build a city of Satan where everything God provided—marriage, work, music, and justice—was replaced with man-made alternatives. For example, in the place of:
- Holy marriage (Genesis 2:24), Lamech introduced polygamy (Genesis 4:19), opening the door to further complications in human relationships.
- Provision, Jabal introduced other self-support means like dwelling in tents, symbolizing the emergence of employment systems and mortgages (Genesis 4:20).
- Inner music played by the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 17:10), Jubal introduced external entertainment, replacing communion with God’s Spirit with outward performances meant to gratify human desires. (Genesis 4:21).
- For protection and security, Tubal-Cain came up with self-defense means through the creation of weapons (Genesis 4:22).
- God’s justice system, which had punished Cain for murdering Abel (Genesis 4:10), there arose the possibility of committing crimes without punishment. For example, Lamech’s boasted of having killed a young man without consequence (Genesis 4:23-24).
Even today, many, like Cain’s descendants, seek to exist outside of God’s covering. 2 Corinthians 6:14 reminds us that light and darkness cannot fellowship together. Also, Isaiah 8:19 warns against seeking guidance from evil spirits rather than God. The rebellion against the Spirit of God attracts spiritual destruction, much like the flood that came in Noah’s day. Fellowship with God requires walking in His Spirit, for attempting to dine at the table of both God and demons is impossible (1 Corinthians 10:21).
In Genesis 6:3, God’s lament was, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh.” Here, flesh symbolizes resistance to the Spirit and a life disconnected from divine fellowship. In Genesis 2:7, we see that God breathed His very breath—the Holy Spirit—into man, making him a living soul. This breath symbolizes life and communion with God. Without the Spirit of God, man is merely flesh, a state synonymous with spiritual death.
God still desires to draw near to us for He has promised that if we draw near to Him, He shall draw near to us (James 4:8). Unfortunately, fellowship with God is not automatic. God is Spirit (John 4:24) and can only be contacted through our spirit. That means, drawing near to God requires us to turn from fleshly living and embrace life in the Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, humanity descends into corruption and chaos because sin and carnality hinder fellowship with God, who is Holy (Leviticus 19:2).
The Law of Righteousness
God’s kingdom is built on two foundational pillars: righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14). Righteousness represents living in alignment with God’s moral standards, while justice ensures fairness and equity in all dealings. Whenever righteousness is consistently rejected or undermined, judgment becomes inevitable. The law of righteousness highlights the critical importance of aligning with God’s standards. In the days of Noah, the violations of the principle of righteousness were evident in two major ways:
Firstly, the birth of the Nephilim symbolized a genetic and moral mutation that disrupted God’s original design for humanity. The introduction of this hybrid species led to widespread wickedness, creating a society that was fundamentally incompatible with the righteousness of God. Genesis 6:5 states, “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”
The genetic corruption introduced by the Nephilim resulted in a society wholly given to sin and rebellion. Humanity became increasingly depraved, to the point that God declared, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh” (Genesis 6:3). Without the influence of God’s Spirit, humanity devolved further into lawlessness and immorality. This mirrors the principle in Proverbs 29:18, which states that without revelation or divine guidance, “people cast off restraint.”
Secondly, there was total blindness to the message of righteousness. Noah, described as “a preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5), faithfully proclaimed God’s message for 100 years while constructing the ark. However, his words fell on deaf ears. The people’s hearts were hardened, and their spiritual blindness—caused by their rebellion and partnership with evil—prevented them from responding to God’s call. As 2 Corinthians 4:4 explains, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel.”
The situation during Noah’s time reflects a broader spiritual principle articulated in Revelation 22:11: “Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” The genetic corruption through the Nephilim acted as a metaphorical “mark” that sealed their nature, making it impossible for them to repent or pursue righteousness.
Today, we witness similar dynamics in the moral and spiritual landscape. The Bible warns of a time when many will no longer tolerate sound doctrine or seek after God (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Just as in Noah’s days, people have become increasingly blind to the truth of the Gospel due to the influence of the “god of this age.” This hardening of hearts mirrors the warnings about the mark of the beast in Revelation 14:9-11, which signifies an irreversible alignment with rebellion against God.
Moreover, modern society’s widespread wickedness is evident in the normalization of sin and the rejection of God’s righteous standards. Isaiah 5:20 cautions against calling evil good and good evil, yet this reversal of values is prevalent today. The days of Noah serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting righteousness and God’s ultimate judgment on those who persist in sin.
In Noah’s time, widespread wickedness and spiritual blindness led to judgment in the form of the flood. In our time, the call to righteousness remains urgent, as God’s patience is not infinite (2 Peter 3:9). Just as Noah and his family were saved through obedience and faith, so too can we find refuge in Christ, who offers the righteousness of God to all who believe (Romans 3:22).
#3 – How was Noah different from the rest of the humanity of his time?
Noah’s Character
Genesis 6:9 describes Noah as “a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” In this verse, the Hebrew conjunction “and” (Kai) suggests that “just” and “perfect” are distinct qualities rather than synonyms. These two attributes offer a holistic view of Noah’s character, setting him apart from his contemporaries.
The term “just,” derived from the Hebrew word Sadiq, speaks to Noah’s righteousness and moral integrity. It implies that Noah lived a life in alignment with God’s standards, avoiding the sin and corruption that plagued the rest of humanity. His actions, thoughts, and decisions were upright, demonstrating a heart that sought to please God. This quality is echoed in other biblical figures like Job, who was described as blameless and upright (Job 1:1). Noah’s righteousness was a direct response to the moral depravity of his generation, illustrating that it is possible to live a godly life even in widespread evil.
The word “perfect” in this context does not refer to sinless perfection in a spiritual sense but to physical integrity. The Hebrew word Tamim conveys the idea of being “without blemish” or “uncontaminated.” This same term is used in Leviticus 1:3 to describe the requirement for sacrificial animals to be without physical defects. Many biblical scholars suggest that this description of Noah indicates that he remained free from the genetic corruption that had spread among humanity, possibly through interactions and unions that defied God’s design (Genesis 6:1-2). In a generation where the “sons of God” took human women, leading to a generation of Nephilim, Noah’s lineage was untainted.
By these two measures—his moral righteousness and his physical integrity—Noah was set apart as a man uniquely qualified to fulfill God’s purposes. This distinction underscores the importance of holiness in both the spiritual and physical realms. His example teaches us that true righteousness is not confined to one area of life but encompasses the entirety of our being. As believers, we are called to live lives that are above reproach, shining as lights in a dark and fallen world.
Noah’s Heritage
Noah’s ancestry reveals a spiritual heritage that aligned with God’s purposes. His great-grandfather, Enoch, was a man who walked closely with God. Enoch’s life was so pleasing to God that he was taken up to heaven without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5). Enoch also prophesied about God’s ultimate judgment, as recorded in Jude 1:14-15: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone.” His name, meaning “teacher,” signifies a life dedicated to revealing God’s truth.
Enoch’s son, Methuselah, whose name means “after this, there is judgment,” lived the longest recorded lifespan in the Bible (969 years, Genesis 5:27). His name was prophetic, as his death coincided with the onset of the flood, symbolizing God’s patience and the impending judgment. Methuselah’s life serves as a reminder of God’s long-suffering mercy before executing justice.
Lamech, Noah’s father, inherited this prophetic lineage. His name means “lamentation,” reflecting a generation burdened by the weight of sin and despair. Yet Lamech foresaw hope in Noah, naming him with a purpose: “He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed” (Genesis 5:29). This hope culminated in Noah, whose name means “rest,” symbolizing the divine rest and new beginnings that would come through the ark after the flood (Genesis 8:4).
Each name in Noah’s lineage carried a prophetic message, illustrating how God was actively involved in shaping their history. Enoch taught the ways of righteousness, Methuselah’s life extended God’s grace, and Lamech lamented humanity’s brokenness while looking forward to redemption. Noah inherited not just a name but a legacy of faith, obedience, and divine purpose.
Noah’s generation challenges us to consider the spiritual inheritance we are passing down to future generations. Just as the prophetic names of Noah’s forefathers carried divine messages, our lives, choices, and words can shape the spiritual trajectory of those who come after us. Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” This inheritance is not only material but also spiritual, reflecting a legacy of faith, prayer, and obedience to God.
Despite the overwhelming sinfulness of his generation, Noah’s life stood as a testament to the power of a godly heritage and personal devotion to God. His faithfulness paved the way for God’s plan to preserve humanity and renew the earth. As we reflect on Noah’s story, we are reminded of our responsibility to live in a way that honors God and leaves a lasting impact on future generations.
#4 – What can we do to endure and overcome the challenges of the end times, as Noah did?
Noah entered the Ark, and God Shut Him In
When Noah entered the ark (Genesis 7:16), it was not just a physical act of walking through a door; it was an act of faith, trust, and submission to God’s plan. Similarly, coming into Christ requires us to surrender our lives fully to Him, recognizing that our existence is not our own but belongs entirely to Him (Colossians 3:4; Acts 17:28). This surrender ensures that we are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), protected from the spiritual floods that seek to destroy.
This act signifies more than physical safety—it represents spiritual security in Christ, who is our ark of salvation. Just as Noah and his family were shielded from the flood, those who are in Christ are safeguarded from the ultimate destruction of sin and judgment. The perilous times we face today echo the days of Noah, as warned in 2 Timothy 3:1. To endure and overcome, we must ensure that our lives are securely anchored in Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life—the only door through which we can enter into eternal safety (John 14:6).
The ark had only one door (Genesis 6:16), symbolizing that there is only one way to salvation—through Jesus Christ. Just as the ark lifted Noah above the floodwaters of destruction, being in Christ elevates us above the turmoil of this world. Genesis 7:17 states, “The waters increased and lifted the ark high above the earth.” What caused destruction for others became the very means of elevation for those inside the ark. This is a powerful reminder that while challenges and trials may come, those who remain in Christ will find strength and victory even in the midst of adversity.
However, this protection requires intentionality. The pressures of this world often tempt us to rely on our own strength, make compromises, or pursue worldly solutions. These efforts lead to spiritual downfall, as they draw us away from the ark of safety. In Christ, we are called to abide (John 15:4-5). Without Him, we can do nothing, but with Him, we are equipped to navigate even the most destructive waters.
The shutting of the door by God (Genesis 7:16) also speaks to His sovereignty. It is a vivid illustration of divine security—only God could open or close that door. Once inside the ark, Noah and his family were under God’s complete protection. Similarly, once we are in Christ, nothing can separate us from His love or snatch us from His hand (Romans 8:38-39; John 10:28-29).
As we face the challenges of the end times, let us take refuge in Christ, our eternal ark. He is our only assurance of safety, our anchor in the storm, and our hope for eternal life. By remaining in Him, we are not only shielded from destruction but also lifted above the trials of this world, secure in the promise of His salvation.
Noah Had the Capacity to Hear God and Receive Instructions
Noah’s ability to hear God and obey His instructions was a cornerstone of his survival during the flood. Genesis 6:13 reveals that God communicated directly with Noah, giving him precise details on how to construct the ark. Despite not being shown the full magnitude of the impending judgment, Noah faithfully adhered to every instruction. This teaches us the importance of attuning our spiritual ears to hear God’s voice clearly, especially in times of crisis.
God’s instructions to Noah were detailed and deliberate, demonstrating that divine guidance often requires both faith and obedience. The ark’s design, with its specific dimensions and single door (Genesis 6:16), highlights how meticulous God’s plans are. Just as Noah followed these divine specifics without deviation, we too must obey God’s word completely. Partial obedience or neglecting divine instructions can lead to disastrous outcomes, much like an improperly constructed ark would have sunk under the weight of the floodwaters.
Hebrews 11:7 confirms Noah’s faith and responsiveness to God’s warnings. The term “warned” in this verse comes from the Greek word chrematizo, implying a divine consultation or directive, akin to a business transaction where terms are clearly defined. This consultation with God led Noah to act with urgency and reverence. The “fear” referenced in the same verse is not a paralyzing terror but an urgent, reverential response (eulabeia), prompting immediate and decisive action.
The voice of God is critical in turbulent times. Just as Noah relied on God’s guidance to navigate the unknown, we too must cultivate the capacity to hear Him. Prayer is vital in this process—asking God to sanctify our ears to hear His voice and our hearts to discern His will. Scripture confirms that God’s guidance comes with His backing of grace and favor (2 Corinthians 9:8). Without divine instruction, we risk veering off course toward destruction.
Noah Had Faith
Noah’s faith is a central element in his survival through the end times, as it enabled him to endure the trials of his time and complete the task God had set before him. The Bible makes it clear that Noah’s righteousness did not bring immediate results. He preached for over 100 years, warning the people of the coming flood, yet no one believed him. His faith, however, kept him steadfast in the face of ridicule and doubt.
Faith in God is not always rewarded with immediate success, and this is one of the key lessons from Noah’s life. Hebrews 6:12 encourages believers to “be followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Righteousness requires patience, and faith is not just about quick actions or instant outcomes. In fact, Noah’s story exemplifies the principle that faith plus patience equals righteousness. He trusted in God’s promises despite the delay in seeing the results.
In Hebrews 10:23, we are reminded to “hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering.” The term “profession” here implies that faith is not just a belief or something we claim in moments of need, but something we live out daily, just like a doctor practices medicine or a teacher imparts knowledge. For Christians, faith should be considered their profession. We are called to live by faith (Hebrews 10:38), and the strength of our faith directly impacts the quality of our lives. A weak faith leads to a weak life, while a robust and unwavering faith leads to victory over challenges, just as Noah experienced.
Noah’s story also illustrates that the trials of faith often involve long periods of waiting. In a world where everything is expected to happen quickly, people tend to forget that sometimes God’s promises take time to be fulfilled. Just like Noah, we must endure the waiting period with patience and unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness. This patience, combined with faith, prepares us for the challenges of the end times. Just as Noah’s faith preserved him through the flood, our faith in Christ will help us overcome the trials of the coming days.
In the end, the challenge is not whether we will face difficulties, but whether we will have the faith to endure through them. Noah’s faith in God’s word and promise kept him obedient and focused, and that faith saved him and his family. It is this kind of faith that will help us endure the challenges of the end times, holding firm to God’s promises until the very end.
#5 – Jesus compared the end times to the days of Noah. What did he mean?
In the last days or the end time, the battle between good and evil is a constant reality that we cannot escape. It is not confined to a particular place, such as the gates of the church or a sacred shrine. Just like Mordecai, who was sitting at the gate when Satan came against him through Haman, we must realize that no matter where we are, the enemy will always seek to challenge us. Satan is not limited by physical locations or circumstances; as long as we are alive and have a soul, we are inherently enemies of his kingdom. This is a truth we must accept if we are to understand the nature of spiritual warfare.
So, how can we survive this battle? The answer lies in living a life of integrity, holiness, and steadfastness, just as Noah and his generation did. The Bible describes Noah as a man who was blameless and upright in his generation (Genesis 6:9). God calls us to be a people who stand firm in holiness, people who can withstand the attacks of the enemy because there is nothing in our lives that gives the enemy a foothold. When Jesus spoke in John 14:30, He declared, “I will not speak much with you, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.” Jesus’ life was a perfect example of a life lived blameless before God, untouched by the enemy’s accusations. Similarly, the Apostle Paul testified in Acts 20:33-34, saying, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel,” affirming his integrity in the face of opposition. Samuel, too, stood before the people and asked, “Whose ox have I taken?” (1 Samuel 12:3). These men did not boast in their righteousness, but they were proud of their fight to maintain their integrity, showing us that grace is not a license for weakness, but a call to strength and courage.
God desires to raise a generation of believers who are upright and steadfast in their commitment to holiness and purity. A generation so devoted to righteousness that the enemy finds no accusation against them, just as the prince of this world had nothing against Jesus. When we stand in our integrity and remain faithful to God’s Word, we align ourselves with the strength and power of the Holy Spirit, which is the only way to withstand the enemy’s attacks. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” This is the key to victory—depending not on our own strength or human logic, but on the mighty power of the Holy Spirit.
In the midst of all the noise and distractions of this world, grace becomes the currency that silences the enemy. We are called to live in this grace—not in weakness or fear, but in the strength that comes from God alone. When we walk uprightly before God, we can be confident that, like the men of faith who came before us, we are fighting the good fight of faith, relying on God’s strength and grace to see us through.
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