Gina Johnson
Don't let him find you sleeping is a phrase from the Bible, attributed to Jesus in Mark 13:36. It is a warning to Christians to be vigilant and prepared for Jesus' return, which will come without warning. The phrase uses the imagery of servants being left to do the tasks assigned to them by their master, who will return unexpectedly. If the servants are found sleeping, or neglecting their duties, they will be unfit for service and will miss out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tone | Warning |
| Theme | Spiritual vigilance, preparedness, and Jesus' second coming |
| Imagery | Servants left to do the task assigned to them by their master |
| Message | Be prepared for Jesus' return at any moment and watch for his coming |
What You'll Learn
Jesus will return when least expected
"Don't let him find you sleeping" is a biblical phrase from Mark 13:36, where Jesus warns his followers to be vigilant and prepared for his unexpected return. This idea is further reinforced in Matthew 24:44, which states, "You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
The element of surprise in Jesus' return serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it humbles human pride, as no one can predict or control the timing of his coming. Secondly, it catches Satan off-guard, emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and vigilance. Finally, it heightens the joy and fulfillment of prayers and righteous desires when Jesus unexpectedly fulfills them.
Jesus' return is often shrouded in mystery, and Christians are urged to maintain a constant state of preparedness. This involves living each day as if he might appear at any moment, fulfilling the tasks he has set for his followers. These tasks include reading God's word, praying, meeting with other Christians, living a godly life, and sharing the hope and joy found in knowing Jesus with others.
In conclusion, the phrase "don't let him find you sleeping" is a powerful reminder for Christians to stay vigilant and prepared for Jesus' return, which will happen when least expected. By living according to his teachings and staying faithful to our Christian duties, we can ensure that we are ready to welcome him whenever he comes.
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Be prepared for his return
"Be prepared for his return" is a central message in Mark 13:34-37, where Jesus warns his followers to stay vigilant and prepared for his second coming, which will happen at an unknown time. Here are some ways to be prepared for his return:
Understand the urgency and seriousness of being prepared
Jesus' return is often described as sudden, unexpected, and unpredictable. The imagery used in Mark 13:35-37 compares his return to a homeowner returning at an unexpected hour, such as in the evening, at midnight, at cockcrow, or at dawn. This underscores the urgency of being prepared at all times.
Stay spiritually awake and alert
Jesus warns his followers not to be caught "sleeping," which is used metaphorically to represent spiritual complacency or unpreparedness. Being spiritually awake involves actively living out one's faith and fulfilling the tasks that Jesus has left for his followers.
Fulfill the Great Commission
One of the primary tasks that Jesus has left for his followers is to make disciples of all nations, often referred to as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16). This involves sharing the gospel and building up other Christians.
Live a godly life
Jesus calls his followers to live for God in every moment. This includes reading God's word, praying, and living a life that reflects one's knowledge of Jesus and the hope and joy that comes from knowing him.
Be vigilant and watchful
Jesus instructs his followers to "keep watch" and "stay at your post," indicating a need to be vigilant and spiritually alert. This watchfulness is not just about personal preparedness but also about being aware of the signs of the times and the fulfillment of prophecies.
In summary, being prepared for Jesus' return involves a combination of spiritual vigilance, faithfulness in carrying out his commandments, and a sense of urgency due to the unpredictability of his second coming.
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Do the tasks Jesus would want you to do
"Don't let him find you sleeping" is a warning from Jesus to his followers to be prepared for his return and to continue carrying out the tasks he has assigned to them. This message is conveyed in Mark 13:34-37, where Jesus uses the imagery of a master who leaves his servants in charge of specific duties while he is away, with instructions to keep watch for his unexpected return.
So, what are the tasks that Jesus would want you to do, and how can you ensure you are ready for his return?
Firstly, it is important to understand that Jesus calls on his followers to spread his teachings and make disciples of all nations. This is often referred to as "The Great Commission" (Matthew 28:16). It involves actively sharing the gospel and building up other Christians through encouragement and support. This task is not just for a select few but is a responsibility given to all believers.
Secondly, Jesus wants his followers to live a godly life, reflecting his teachings in their daily actions. This means living a life that is pleasing to God, obeying his commandments, and striving to be more like Christ. It also involves spending time in God's word, praying, and meeting with other Christians to encourage and strengthen one another.
Thirdly, Jesus wants his followers to be prepared for his return at any moment. This means being vigilant and spiritually awake, not caught off guard or unprepared. Jesus' return is likened to a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2), emphasizing the need to always be ready.
Lastly, Jesus wants his followers to share the hope and joy they have found in knowing him with others. This involves actively telling others about the good news of salvation and how they too can have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is a call to be bold in one's faith and to shine the light of Christ in a dark world.
In conclusion, doing the tasks that Jesus would want you to do involves actively sharing the gospel, living a godly life, being prepared for his return, and telling others about the hope found in him. By doing these things, you will not be found "sleeping" but will be ready to welcome Jesus when he comes again.
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Live a godly life
The Bible offers several insights into how to live a godly life. In Mark 13:36, Jesus says, "Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning." This is a warning to be prepared for his return and to watch for his coming. So, what does it mean to live a godly life and be prepared for Jesus' return?
Firstly, living a godly life is about surrendering your life to God and His will. It is not about perfection or living without sin, but rather about dedicating yourself to God in everything you do. This includes developing a strong prayer life, as prayer is what keeps us connected to God and helps us navigate sinful situations. Along with prayer, meditation on the Word of God, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and forgiveness are also key habits of a godly life.
Additionally, living a godly life is about following Christ's example of ministering to people in need with love and kindness. It is about putting your knowledge and faith into action, just as Jesus did. This involves being faithful to your calling and doing good works, which are evidence of genuine faith. By following Christ's example, we make Him known to the world and share His values. Our commitment to godliness is reflected in our words, lifestyle, relationships, attitude, faith, and purity.
Furthermore, living a godly life is not about denying the pleasures of life but rather about celebrating and giving thanks for the gifts God has given us. The Apostle Paul reminds us that "everything God created is good. Nothing is to be rejected—if it is received with thanksgiving!" So, instead of pursuing the simplest lifestyle or denying pleasure to become more godly, we should embrace and give thanks for the joys of life, including marriage and food.
Lastly, living a godly life is about striving towards sanctification and growing in spiritual strength. God has given us everything we need to live a godly life through His Spirit and salvation. It is our job to use these tools and follow His Spirit to grow in godliness. This includes diligently following the Holy Spirit's guidance to overcome sinful desires and choosing to act in obedience to God's Word.
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Tell others about the joy of knowing Jesus
In Mark 13:34-36, Jesus warns his followers to always be vigilant and prepared for his return. He uses the imagery of a master who leaves his servants in charge of specific tasks while he is away, and upon his return, he expects them to be awake and working diligently. This parable serves as a reminder for Christians to stay alert and fulfill their duties of making disciples of all nations and living for God in every moment.
Jesus' message in Mark 13:36 is a call to action for Christians to actively spread the good news of the Gospel and share the joy of knowing Jesus with others. It is not enough to simply believe and wait passively for his return. Christians are called to be doers of God's word, and this includes sharing their faith and the hope that comes with it.
The joy of knowing Jesus is a central theme in the Christian faith, and it is a privilege to be able to share this joy with others. As Christians, we have been given the incredible gift of salvation and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We have the assurance of eternal life and the comfort of God's presence in our daily lives. Sharing this joy with others can bring hope, peace, and purpose to their lives as well.
However, sharing our faith can be intimidating and challenging at times. It requires courage, vulnerability, and a deep understanding of our own faith. It is important to remember that we are not alone in this task. God promises to be with us always, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold witnesses for Christ. By relying on God's strength and leading, we can confidently share the joy of knowing Jesus with others.
Additionally, we can find encouragement and support within the body of Christ. Meeting with other Christians, studying God's word together, and praying for one another can help us stay focused on our mission of spreading the Gospel. As we share our own experiences of God's faithfulness and the joy we have found in Jesus, we can inspire and motivate one another to do the same.
In conclusion, Jesus' warning in Mark 13:36 is a reminder for Christians to be actively sharing the joy of knowing Him with others. It is a call to action to fulfill the Great Commission and spread the hope and love of Christ to a world that desperately needs it. By relying on God's strength and the support of our fellow believers, we can boldly tell others about the life-changing joy found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Frequently asked questions
This is a warning from Jesus to be prepared for his return. He is telling his followers to watch for his coming and be ready because they do not know when he will return.
This means doing the things that Jesus would want us to do, rather than simply doing what we want to do. It means making disciples of the nations and living for God at every moment.
This passage is part of Jesus' teachings about his second coming. He uses the imagery of a man going on a long trip, who leaves his servants with instructions and tells the gatekeeper to watch for his return.
