We are considering the 'time' to which this parable related. 'Then' is how it begins and that points us back to the time that the Lord is speaking of in chapter 24.

In that chapter He is answering His disciples. "The disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Matt 24:3. (the word is 'age' - Eph 2:7, Col 1:26)"

The end of this age/His coming again are the topics.

Note the warning of deception that the Saviour gives! Verse 4 - first words of the Saviour. They were going to face deception about the time of His coming, verse 11.