"Keep Watch": What Does Jesus Teach About Being Ready for His Return?

Abstract This theological research article examines Christian readiness for Christ’s return in Matthew 24–25, drawing on a broader bibliographic and exegetical investigation of Jesus’ eschatological discourse. Rather than reducing the discourse to a prophetic timetable or treating it solely as an ethical program, the study explores how the expectation of the Son of Man’s coming shapes the disciples’ conduct in the present. The analysis considers five interconnected textual units: the exhortation to watchfulness amid uncertainty (Matthew 24:36–44), the faithful and wise servant (Matthew 24:45–51), the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), and the judgment scene (Matthew 25:31–46). The article proposes four complementary dimensions of Christian readiness: watchfulness, faithfulness, perseverance, and responsibility. These dimensions constitute an interpretive synthesis of the selected passages rather than a formal sequence established by Matthew. Particular attention is given to exegetical limitations, including the meaning of the bridegroom’s delay, the distinction between entrusted resources and modern notions of personal talents, the identity of the “least of these brothers,” and the relationship between actions and salvation. The study concludes that Christian readiness is not primarily a matter of predicting the timing of Christ’s return, but of living faithfully and responsibly while awaiting it, without diminishing the eschatological expectation or the significance of judgment. Research Context This article summarizes selected findings from the Portuguese-language monograph Vigiai, Pois: A Prontidão Cristã Diante da Volta de Cristo em Mateus 24–25. The English rendering of the monograph’s title is provided for reference and does not indicate the existence of a published English edition. Institutional Initiative InfoChoice Research Commons (IRC) is an emerging interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration initiative within InfoChoice. Researchers and institutions interested in scholarly exchange, collaborative investigations, or future joint projects are welcome to make contact. IRC: [email protected]: https://infochoice.com.brAuthor: Marconi Fábio Vieira