That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. Luke 17:34
The Bible verse you’ve mentioned, Luke 17:34, carries profound symbolism and has been the subject of much contemplation and interpretation throughout Christian history. In this verse, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the unexpected nature of his return, drawing a vivid analogy to the days of Noah and Lot. The specific phrase you’re focusing on is, “That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left.” Let’s unpack the layers of meaning embedded within this verse.
Two People Asleep: The imagery of two people asleep in one bed captures a moment of ordinary, everyday life. Sleep often symbolizes a state of unawareness or spiritual lethargy. In this context, it speaks to the state of humanity as a whole, going about its daily routines, often unaware of the impending return of Christ. The act of sleeping can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual apathy or a lack of readiness for the coming of the kingdom of God.
This image of two people in one bed harkens back to several Old Testament and New Testament stories that involve two individuals in contrasting positions. For instance, in the Old Testament, we find the stories of Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, or Rachel and Leah, where two people are juxtaposed, often highlighting themes of righteousness and wickedness, chosen and rejected, or faithful and unfaithful.
Literary References: The notion of sudden separation, where one is taken and the other left, echoes other teachings of Jesus regarding the kingdom of heaven. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), five were wise and prepared with enough oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom arrived unexpectedly, only those who were ready entered the wedding feast. The same idea of readiness and preparedness is emphasized here in Luke 17:34.
Furthermore, the theme of sudden separation is also found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus describes the final judgment, saying, “Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left” (Matthew 24:41). These parallel passages emphasize the idea that when Christ returns, there will be a clear division between those who are prepared and those who are not.
Interpretation: Interpreting this verse, some theologians emphasize the idea of the “elect” or the chosen ones who will be taken into the kingdom of God. This interpretation suggests that those who are spiritually awake, prepared, and faithful will be welcomed into the kingdom, while those who are spiritually asleep or unprepared will be left behind.
Another interpretation considers the historical context of Jesus’ words. During his ministry, Jesus often warned the people of Israel about the impending judgment that would come upon the nation if they did not repent and turn to God. The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD serves as a historical fulfillment of these warnings, where those who heeded Jesus’ words and fled the city were spared from the devastation.
Application Today: For modern-day readers, this verse serves as a call to spiritual readiness and vigilance. It prompts us to examine our own lives and ask whether we are spiritually awake, prepared for the return of Christ, or if we are caught up in the distractions and cares of this world.
In conclusion, Luke 17:34 with its image of two people asleep in one bed is a poignant reminder of the unexpected nature of Christ’s return and the need for readiness. It draws upon rich literary and biblical themes of sudden separation, the wise and the foolish, and the call to spiritual alertness. As we reflect on this verse, we are invited to consider our own spiritual state and the urgency of being prepared for the coming kingdom of God.
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