Matthew24:42

Why did the disciples need to be alert and keep watching? Jesus could have said it another way. “You have been interested all along in seeing the Messiah figure show up in all his power and glory. I have been trying to tell you that some of your assumptions have been wrong. I will show up on the scene and will show my power, but it will not be as you expect. Therefore, you will need to stay alert to what is really going on or you will miss it.” Why do those of us in the modern era need to stay alert? I can picture Jesus saying to us, “I will show up someday to punish and reward, so be sure you are in the group that will be rewarded. The way you can be sure is to follow what I have told you in my Word. Don’t make it up on your own. Follow my Word diligently and precisely.”

This is the simpler word for “come,” but both of them are used in this passage with much the same intent and force. Both verbs translated “come” can mean, among other things, “visit upon someone a reward or punishment.” The more specific one includes in its definition that the person coming is a person of great authority. The more common and simple term used here does not indicate who is coming, but we know from context that the reason for His coming is the same – to punish and reward. The point is obvious, live in such a way that you will be rewarded not punished. The only way to do that is to follow God’s Word carefully.