Noah, Lot, Jesus, and the Progress of Redemption

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV

During small group several weeks ago we came upon Luke 17:20–35. The conversation revolved around what the Pharisees expected, how we ought to be awaiting Christ’s return, and what characterizes faithful followers in their waiting. An additional question came to my mind: what is the canonical function of Jesus bringing Noah and Lot into this teaching?

Intertextuality is a popular topic in biblical studies. The main idea is this: The scriptural canon is a coherent, cohesive, and interconnected collection of diverse books that contain theological, historical, and literary properties. Being interconnected, there are similar scenes, references to and between different books, expansions on theological explanation, and progress in the redemption narrative.

So, how do Noah, Lot, and Jesus fit into this context?

The focus of Jesus’s teaching in Luke 17:20–35 points to the suddenness of Christ’s return. The people of Noah’s day did not know the day and the time. The people of Lot’s day didn’t either. So, too, shall we not know the day and the time when Christ will return.

That seems pretty straightforward. Is there really anything additional that should be discussed?

I believe there is—there is a distinction and expansion in God’s judgment, wrath, and mercy in Luke 17 as opposed to Noah’s and Lot’s circumstances. In what way? Scope.

In the days of Noah and Lot, God’s judgment came swiftly and surely upon the earth, just as it will be in Christ’s return. God saw the wickedness of the earth, judged it, and continued in His plan of restoring His creation.

However, in Christ’s second coming we will see the grand, complete, and conclusive restoration of God’s creation. In this restoration, we shall see two realities:

(1) those found within Christ shall live eternally, worshipping Yahweh and

(2) those found outside of Christ shall live eternally in just punishment.

Since the point of Luke 17:20–35 is rather straightforward, it might seem unimportant to consider the canonical function of Jesus bringing Noah and Lot into the teaching.

I’d argue that this is a worthy consideration because the canonical context amplifies Jesus’s teaching. Jesus invoking the Noah and Lot narratives to teach about His second coming doesn’t mean God will display His justice, wrath, and mercy in an identical way when Christ returns. The similarities between these events help us create connections between these passages, but the differences point us toward the magnificent progression of God’s redemptive plan.

There is an expansion and distinction in God’s judgment, wrath, and mercy in Luke 17 as opposed to Noah’s and Lot’s circumstances. In what way? Scope.

Other scriptural writers expound upon the narratives of Noah and Lot too, bringing them to an eschatological end. That is, they bring to mind past experiences and note how they point forward to a distinct, coming reality. For example, Peter in 2 Peter 2:5–6 exhorts his readers against false teachers in light of God’s saving of the righteous and judgment upon the unrighteous.

What should the church be doing in the meantime? How should Luke 17:20–35 within the canon influence our present actions?

We as the church should be active in proclaiming the gospel, serving others, and honoring God as we await His triumphant return. It is an active waiting rather than a passive one. Eschatological hope must motivate present action.

Why should the church be doing this? Because Christ’s return will be sudden. We do not know the day or time. Moreover, the subsequent judgment of God will be eternal. God’s restoration of His creation will be complete, perfect, and lacking in nothing.

Christian, be confident in your expectancy of Christ’s return and your union with Him (1 John 4:17). As you await Christ’s return, take heed to His words and be doers of His word, not hearers only (James 1:22).

Want to read more? Click here to check out the previous article on “What If We Didn’t Have Genesis?”

Interested in giving me some fuel for writing without a paid subscription? Click below!