Luke 17:28 – “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus compares the time leading up to His return with the days of Lot. Just like in the days of Noah, the people in Lot’s time were living normal lives—eating, drinking, conducting business, planting crops, and constructing buildings. There’s nothing inherently sinful about these activities, but the problem was that the people were so absorbed in their daily routines that they ignored the warnings of God’s coming judgment.
Jesus’ point is that people will be caught off guard when He returns, just like the people in Sodom were caught off guard by the destruction that came upon them. They weren’t paying attention to the spiritual reality around them. They were focused on their own comfort, pleasure, and success, blind to the moral decay of their society and the judgment that was about to fall. This verse warns us that living without regard for God’s truth is dangerous.
Historical Context
The story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis 19. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were known for their wickedness and sin, including sexual immorality, violence, and lack of compassion (Genesis 18:20-21, Ezekiel 16:49-50). Despite the warnings given to Lot and his family by angels sent by God, most of the people of Sodom carried on with their lives as if nothing bad would happen.
Even when the angels told Lot to leave the city because God’s judgment was imminent, many of the people mocked or ignored the warning. Just as the flood came suddenly in Noah’s time, fire and sulfur rained down on Sodom suddenly, destroying the city and all who refused to listen to God’s warnings.
Jesus uses this example to show that His return will be similar. People will be living their normal lives, oblivious to the spiritual danger they are in, until judgment comes unexpectedly.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches the importance of spiritual awareness and readiness. One of the key lessons is that judgment can come at any time, and those who are not prepared will face the consequences. The people of Lot’s time were not necessarily condemned for their daily activities (eating, drinking, working) but for their sinful hearts and their failure to recognize God’s warnings.
Theologically, this verse shows that living for worldly things without considering eternal consequences is dangerous. When people prioritize their own pleasure, success, and comfort over their relationship with God, they are spiritually blind. Just like the people of Sodom, many today are focused on temporary things while ignoring their need for repentance and salvation.
This verse also points to God’s justice. Although God is patient and gives people time to repent, there will come a time when His judgment is final. The destruction of Sodom is a sobering reminder that God takes sin seriously and will not tolerate it forever. However, His warnings and the example of Lot’s rescue also demonstrate His mercy for those who trust in Him.
Literary Analysis
Jesus’ reference to Lot follows the same pattern as His reference to Noah in the previous verses. Both stories involve people living ordinary lives while being blind to the warnings of coming judgment. The mention of everyday activities like eating, drinking, buying, and building creates a picture of normalcy, which makes the suddenness of the judgment even more striking.
The structure of this verse contributes to the overall theme of readiness in Luke 17. Jesus is building a case for spiritual vigilance, showing that judgment doesn’t always come with clear signs or warnings—it can come when people least expect it. The ordinary nature of the activities listed emphasizes that it’s not what people are doing, but their lack of spiritual awareness, that leads to their downfall.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 19:12-13 – “The two men said to Lot, ‘Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that He has sent us to destroy it.'”
- Ezekiel 16:49-50 – “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.”
- Matthew 24:37-39 – “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark.”
- 2 Peter 2:6-7 – “If He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless…”
- Luke 17:32 – “Remember Lot’s wife!” (A warning to not look back or be attached to the things of this world.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse serves as a reminder to remain spiritually awake and alert. The world is full of distractions—work, family, entertainment, and responsibilities—that can consume our attention and cause us to lose focus on God. Jesus warns that His return will come suddenly, and we must not let the routines of life lull us into spiritual complacency.
This verse also challenges Christians to evaluate their priorities. Are we living for things that will pass away, like wealth, success, and pleasure? Or are we living for things that will last forever, like our relationship with God and the mission of sharing His gospel? Just as the people of Sodom were destroyed because they ignored God’s warnings, those who reject Christ will face judgment.
Additionally, this verse encourages believers to share the truth of the gospel with others. Just as Lot was warned to get his family out of the city before it was destroyed, Christians are called to warn others about the reality of God’s judgment and the salvation available through Jesus.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His warnings and His provision of salvation. In both the story of Noah and the story of Lot, God gave warnings before judgment came. He didn’t want people to perish, but they ignored His warnings. Similarly, God is giving people today the chance to repent and be saved through Jesus Christ. His love is patient, but it is also just.
God’s love is also demonstrated in the way He rescued Lot and his family from Sodom. Even in the midst of judgment, God’s mercy was extended to those who trusted Him. This points to His desire to save people, not destroy them. Through Jesus, He offers salvation to all who turn to Him in faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate source of salvation, just as the ark saved Noah and the angels saved Lot. His death and resurrection provide the way for us to be rescued from the judgment that is coming. When Jesus returns, those who have placed their faith in Him will be saved, while those who have rejected Him will face judgment.
The reference to the sudden destruction of Sodom points to the final judgment that will accompany Jesus’ return. Just as the people of Sodom were destroyed because of their sin, those who reject Christ will face eternal separation from God. But just as Lot was saved, those who trust in Jesus will be rescued and given eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about the dangers of being too focused on everyday activities and worldly concerns?
- Are there areas in your life where you have become spiritually complacent? How can you refocus on God?
- How does the story of Lot challenge you to take God’s warnings seriously?
- What practical steps can you take to prioritize eternal things over temporary things in your daily life?
- How can you share the message of salvation with those who may be unaware of the coming judgment?
This verse reminds believers that life can seem normal right up until the moment judgment comes. By staying spiritually alert, trusting in God’s promises, and sharing His message with others, we can be ready for the day when Jesus returns. Just as Lot was rescued from Sodom, those who trust in Christ will be saved from the judgment to come.