As It Was in the Days of Noah

 

“As It Was in the Days of Noah”

Text: Matthew 24:37–39; Genesis 6:1–8

Jesus, in His prophetic teaching about the end times, made a startling comparison. In Matthew 24:37–39, He said:

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Jesus pointed His disciples—and us—to a time in history that should catch our attention: the days of Noah. To understand this warning, we must look at Genesis 6:1–8 and examine the moral conditions of Noah’s day, the parallels with our time, and the call to be ready for His return.

The Moral Conditions That Led to the Flood (Genesis 6:1–8)

1. Rampant Wickedness (Genesis 6:5):

   “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.”

   Humanity had become morally bankrupt. Evil wasn’t occasional—it was constant and consuming. Sin was not just in actions, but in thoughts and intentions.

2. Corruption and Violence (Genesis 6:11):

   “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence.”

   Society had reached a place where justice was eroded, and violence—whether personal, social, or systemic—was the norm.

3. Spiritual Apostasy:

   “Then the LORD said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with humans forever…’” (v. 3)

   People ignored God’s Spirit. There was resistance to God’s prompting, a refusal to repent, and a growing rebellion against divine authority.

4. Moral Blurring (Genesis 6:2):

   “The sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.”

   This passage has various interpretations, but at its core is the idea of ungodly unions—a mixing of righteousness with unrighteousness, of divine boundaries being crossed, and holiness being compromised.

Parallels to Our World Today

Jesus said the last days would mirror those times. Let’s consider how:

1. Moral Decline:
   Just like in Noah’s day, modern society is witnessing an erosion of moral foundations. The line between right and wrong is blurred. Perversity is often celebrated as freedom, and righteousness is mocked.

2. Spiritual Apathy:
   People live as though God does not exist or will not intervene. Church attendance declines, the authority of Scripture is questioned, and the call to holiness is drowned out by the noise of materialism and self-indulgence.

3. Violence and Injustice:
   From war zones to city streets, from homes to governments, violence and corruption plague humanity. News headlines are filled with bloodshed, division, and injustice.

4. Life as Usual:
   Notice that Jesus highlighted how people were “eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage.” These aren’t sinful in themselves, but they point to complacency—a world going about its business, unaware of the coming judgment.

The Message for Us Today

1. God’s Patience Has Limits (Genesis 6:3):
   Though God is merciful, there is a time when judgment comes. The flood didn’t come without warning. Noah preached for over a hundred years—but only eight souls entered the ark.

2. The Call to Watchfulness (Matthew 24:42):
   Jesus followed His warning with this charge:

   “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

   We are not to be passive, but alert—watching, praying, and walking in holiness.

3. Build Your Ark:
   Noah responded to God’s word by preparing an ark for the saving of his family (Hebrews 11:7). For us today, Jesus is our Ark. We must enter into a relationship with Him, abiding in Him by faith, and helping others to do the same.

4. Preach Righteousness:
   Noah is called a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). We too are called to live and proclaim God’s truth in a dark world—not with judgmentalism, but with love and urgency.

What about Us?

The story of Noah is not a children’s tale about animals and rainbows—it is a solemn warning from the mouth of Jesus Himself. The conditions that led to the flood are being mirrored in our own generation. As it was then, people live with indifference to God, immersed in self and sin.

But just as there was an ark of safety in Noah’s day, there is an ark today—and His name is Jesus Christ. Let us be found in Him, walking faithfully, watching soberly, and witnessing boldly.

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” (1 Peter 4:7)

Will you be ready when the Son of Man comes? Amen.

More: Lesson 10 - Upon Whom the Ends Have Come