Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 17:31

"In that day, he that shall be on the housetop, and his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away: and let him that is in the field likewise not return back." — Luke 17:31 (ASV)

The sudden coming of the Son of Man leaves no time even for a quick gathering of possessions from one’s home. This theme of imminency blends into a call for decision between eternal values and present possessions. Lot’s wife, reluctant to leave her old life, looked back to Sodom (Genesis 19:26). This leads to the saying in v.33 regarding discipleship (Matthew 10:39), used here with a very concrete application.

The solemn words “I tell you” (v.34) introduce a warning that the return of the Lord reveals ultimate destinies. Even those closely associated (in bed and at work) are separated, one taken into fellowship with God, the other abandoned to judgment. The two illustrations reflect activities selected to show that the Son of Man could come at any time, day or night.