Jesus connected the deep truths of His kingdom to commonplace images so those listening to Him at the time and all of us through the ages could relate. If you have ever had anything stolen or know someone whose home was broken into, you know what Jesus is saying here. No one ever has an idea of when a robber might come. But if a person had known, great measures would have been taken beforehand to prevent it.
That is sort of how it is with us who know Jesus’ promise that He will indeed come again. If we believe He is telling the truth, we will not be indifferent; we will take care and be prepared! He has told us that He will come to judge all evil—to separate the sheep from the goats—and to take His precious ones home with Him (see Matthew 25:31-46). His words carry great urgency.
But we also have great assurance from the hope of salvation. God did not appoint you to suffer His wrath; He appointed His own Son to take that wrath for you so you might live in peace and joy with Him, both for this life and the next.