What Did Jesus Say About Enoch?
Enoch is a significant figure in the Bible, known for his extraordinary faith and close relationship with God. While the Old Testament provides limited information about him, there are references to Enoch in the New Testament as well, including the words of Jesus himself. In this article, we will explore what Jesus said about Enoch and delve into 12 common questions and answers regarding this intriguing biblical character.
1. Who was Enoch?
Enoch was the great-grandfather of Noah and the son of Jared. He lived for 365 years, and the Bible describes him as a man who walked with God (Genesis 5:22).
2. What did Jesus say about Enoch?
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus refers to Enoch while speaking about the coming judgment: “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17:26-30).
3. Why did Jesus mention Enoch?
Jesus used the example of the days of Noah and Lot to illustrate that people will be caught unaware when he returns. By mentioning Enoch, he emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for the coming judgment.
4. What can we learn from Enoch’s life?
Enoch’s life encourages us to pursue a close relationship with God and to walk in faith. His example teaches us that it is possible to live a life that pleases God in the midst of a corrupt world.
5. Did Enoch experience physical death?
No, Enoch did not experience physical death. Genesis 5:24 states, “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more because God took him away.” Enoch’s faith pleased God to the extent that he was spared from death and taken directly into God’s presence.
6. How did Enoch walk with God?
Walking with God implies a close and intimate relationship. Enoch’s life was characterized by righteousness and obedience, which allowed him to have a deep connection with God.
7. What is the significance of Enoch’s translation?
Enoch’s translation, or being taken directly into God’s presence without experiencing physical death, serves as a foreshadowing of the future resurrection of believers. It provides hope and assurance that those who walk faithfully with God will ultimately be in his presence.
8. Why did God choose to take Enoch?
God chose to take Enoch because of his faithfulness and righteousness. Enoch’s life pleased God, and he was rewarded by being spared from physical death.
9. Did Enoch’s translation occur during the flood?
No, Enoch’s translation occurred before the flood. The Bible states that Enoch walked with God and was taken away, and then it goes on to describe the events leading up to the flood.
10. Are there any other references to Enoch in the New Testament?
Yes, the book of Jude also mentions Enoch. Jude 1:14-15 quotes from the Book of Enoch, an ancient Jewish text attributed to Enoch. This reference highlights the authenticity and significance of Enoch’s life.
11. What can we learn from Jesus’ mention of Enoch?
Jesus’ mention of Enoch reminds us of the importance of being spiritually prepared for his return. We should not be engrossed in worldly pleasures but rather focus on cultivating a deep and meaningful relationship with God.
12. How can we apply Enoch’s example in our lives?
We can apply Enoch’s example by seeking to walk with God daily, living a life of faith, righteousness, and obedience. By doing so, we can experience a closer relationship with God and find assurance in the hope of eternal life.
In conclusion, Jesus’ mention of Enoch highlights the significance of this faithful man in biblical history. Enoch’s life serves as an inspiration and a challenge for believers today to walk with God, pursue righteousness, and be prepared for the coming judgment. By following Enoch’s example, we can live a life that pleases God and experience the hope of eternal life in his presence.