WHO WILL BE “TAKEN ALONG”?

15-16. How does Matthew 24:40, 41 highlight the need for anointed ones to be watchful?

¹⁵ Before relating the three parables, Jesus described a final judgment of the anointed that would reveal who was approved. He spoke of two men working in a field and of two women working at a hand mill. In each case, the two appear to be doing the same work, but Jesus said that one would be “taken along and the other abandoned.” (Read Matthew 24:40, 41.) He then urged his followers: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matt. 24:42) Jesus said something similar after relating the parable of the virgins. (Matt. 25:13) Are these comments connected? It appears so. Only genuine, faithful anointed ones will be “taken along,” received by Jesus into the heavenly Kingdom.​—John 14:3.

¹⁶ Prove yourself watchful. Any anointed ones who do not remain spiritually alert will not be gathered with the “chosen ones.” (Matt. 24:31) By extension, all of God’s people, regardless of their hope, should view Jesus’ words as a warning to keep on the watch and remain faithful.

¹⁹ We also reviewed two parables that provide warnings for the anointed. In Jesus’ parable of the discreet and the foolish virgins, five of them proved to be wise. They were prepared and vigilant, ready to wait for the bridegroom as long as needed. But the foolish virgins were unprepared. So the bridegroom refused to allow them into his marriage feast. We too must be prepared to wait for however long it takes until Jesus brings an end to this system of things. Also, in Jesus’ parable of the talents, we considered the two faithful slaves who were industrious and diligent. They worked hard in behalf of their master and earned his approval. However, the sluggish slave was rejected. The lesson? We must keep busy in Jehovah’s service right up to the end. Finally, we considered how anointed ones must remain watchful in order to be “taken along” by Jesus to their heavenly reward. With great anticipation, such ones look forward to “being gathered together” to Jesus in heaven. After the war of Armageddon, they will share as Jesus’ bride in the marriage of the Lamb.​—2 Thess. 2:1; Rev. 19:9.