Originally Posted by tcalbrecht

I take the position that there is a break in the action at Matt 24 from v 34 to 36. The earlier verses in Matthew 24 are very specific about the times and the seasons and were intended by Christ to warn His followers of the coming days of vengeance that would fall upon apostate Israel. But I see a change in verse 36ff.

"then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes." (vv. 16-18)

Unlike the temporal judgment that would come upon Israel, the second coming would come quite suddenly and without warning. There would be no time to flee to the mountains, or make any preparations. Those in the field will not even have time to come in.

"Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming." (v. 42)