That post on Israel and that Rabbi “talking to the Messiah” is nothing but false and everything we are told to watch out for so I am revved up! Be zealous therefore and repent! For the time is at hand!
SIGNS THAT WILL CHARACTERIZE THE AGE (24:4-14)
Jesus presents a list of signs that will characterize the age before the His coming.
Matt. 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “See that no one leads you astray.
And Jesus answered and said to them, “See that no one leads you astray. He begins by warning them not to be deceived by premature claims of His coming. He tells them to “take heed” (see Hebrews 3:12). This warning about being mislead occurs three times in this discourse (4,11,24). Previously He had warned His followers to look out for those prophets who work signs in His name (7:15,22). The point of this discourse is to guard against deception and terror—not to gratify curiosity.
Jesus will now outline the course of the present age leading up to the events of His return (4-14). Some commentators believe that He is merely giving signs that precede the fall of Jerusalem.
Matt. 24:5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will deceive many.
For many The first omen is that there will be false Messiahs. He predicts there will be many.
Matthew 24 319 Presumably they will not all come at once but rather over a long period of time.
Josephus inform us that this was the chief reason the people went to war against Rome (War of the Jews 6.54).
will come in my name, This means they will either come using the name of Jesus or that they will come assuming the Messianic office of Jesus.
saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ They will claim to be the genuine Messiah—the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Josephus tells us that there were many false Messiah’s in the first century (War of the Jews 2.259-63; 6.285-88; Antiquities 20. 97-98).
Scripture also testifies about such people: Theudas and Judas the Galilean (Acts 5:36,37) as well as the Egyptian who started a revolt (Acts 21:38).
The goal of the different Messianic movements was independence from the Romans. The leaders of these movements, having that aim in mind, came in the name of Christ whether or not they actually claimed His title.
and they will deceive many. As there will be many false Messiahs, so shall there be many people who follow them. For example, in A.D. 135 a man named Bar Kokhba claimed to be the Messiah and led a rebellion against Rome. His rebellion caused the expulsion of all remaining Jews from the Holy Land.
Jesus wanted His disciples to stay out of this rebellion against Rome. Though the majority of the people would be involved, this was not the fight of Christians. We have a different mandate from the Lord.
Matt. 24:6 For you are about to hear of wars and reports of wars; but see that you are not alarmed, for it must take place, but the end is not yet.
Note on a variant reading: Instead of it is necessary to take place, some manuscripts read all things must take place or these things must take place or all these things must take place.
For you are about to hear of wars and reports of wars; Wars will occur as well as reports of them. This refers to actual war and wars that are threatened, wars both near and remote. The reference probably refers to wars in the Holy Land.
but see that you are not alarmed, This will not signal the end. Wars in the Holy Land or threats of war do not signal the end. Therefore do not be terrified or scared out of your wits.
for it must take place, These things are necessary before the end.
but the end is not yet. Commentators differ as to what “end” Jesus has in mind. Is it the destruction of the temple or the end of the age? If it refers to His Second Coming, it is important to note that the course of this present age will be characterized by wars and reports of war. Mankind will not rid himself of war until the coming of the Messiah.
Matt. 24:7 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Note on a variant reading: After earthquakes some manuscripts read and pestilence.
For nation will rise up against nation, War will not end until the Prince of Peace comes. This brings the issue of war beyond the Holy Land. Some see this referring to civil war among the Jews that lead to the destruction of the temple.
and kingdom against kingdom, Kingdoms are nations that are ruled by hereditary leaders.
and there will be famines Though Jesus was able to miraculously feed both Jews and Gentiles while He was here on earth, lack of food will prevail in some cases until He returns. These famines are probably not to be associated with the wars since they are linked with earthquakes.
and earthquakes in various places. Not only will there be wars, other terrible evens will occur such as famines and earthquakes. Wars are man-made disasters while earthquake and famine are natural disasters. Still the end is not yet.
Matt. 24:8 All these things are the beginning of birth pangs.
All these things are the beginning of birth pangs. This is a Biblical way of describing distress. Some believe that this is Rabbinical idea that birth pangs will be associated the Messiah. The point is, when these things occur, the believers should not be alarmed, these events do not signal the end.
Matt. 24:9 Then they will deliver you over into tribulation, and they will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations because of me.
Then This is not to be taken in the sense of chronological sequence here or in verse 10. It is during this period of trouble that these things will happen.
they will deliver you over into tribulation, This is the third sign—persecution of the believers. The apostles are to have their own tribulation (the same Greek word as 24:21 yet here without the word great). Those who follow Jesus are not promised an easy road. “The disciples were not to be mere spectators of the tragedy of the Jewish nation destroying itself. They were to be active the while, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, propagating the new faith” (Bruce , p. 290).
and they will kill you, Martyrdom for Christ is something that will continue until He returns. Luke qualifies the statement “some of you” (Luke 21:16).
and you will be hated For the idea of disciples of Jesus being hated see John 16:2.
by all the nations because of me. The disciples of Jesus should expect persecution to continue and to
increase before He returns. Hatred will come from all the nations, not merely the Jews.
Matt. 24:10 And then many will be offended, and will betray one another, and will hate one another,
And then many will be offended, This refers to so-called disciples of Jesus. The Greek word translated “stumble” is skandalizo where we get our English work “scandal.” They will be “made to stumble” or possibly “stumble themselves.” The ones who are not genuine believers will be stumbled and stumble others.
and will betray one another, and will hate one another, Because of the persecution, many of the so- called believers will actually turn on the genuine believers (see parable of the seed hitting the rocky places
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13:21).
Matt. 24:11 and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.
and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. As there will be many false Messiahs, so shall there be many false prophets. In this context the false prophets arise among the Christian community. They are given false presentations of the faith.
Matt. 24:12 And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold.
And because of the increase of lawlessness, The false prophets will encourage the people to be lawless. This is the sort of thing that we read about in Revelation 2 in the church of Thyatira. Jezebel was encouraging the people to practice lawlessness in the name of Christian freedom.
the love of many will grow cold. There will be a lack of love among the believers. Jesus said the world will know that we are His disciples by the love we have one for another (John 13:34,35). Paul told Timothy that in the last days people would love themselves more than they loved God (2 Timothy 3:2). “One of the sad features of a degenerate time is that even the good lose their fervor (Bruce, p. 291).
Matt. 24:13 But the one who endures until the end will be saved.
But the one who endures Love and endurance are two of the great virtues of the Christian. Endurance
is an important theme with respect to future events (Daniel 12:12-13).
until the end will be saved. The context here is endurance in the face of tribulation and persecution and the promise of ultimate salvation is to those who endure.
Matt. 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached into all the world as a testimony unto all the nations, and then the end will come.
And this gospel of the kingdom This is the good news about the kingdom.
will be preached into all the world as a testimony unto all the nations, Before Christ can return, there must be a period of universal evangelism. That is not to say that the return of Christ is contingent upon our reaching every person on the earth (see Revelation 14:6) as though believers have the power to speed up or delay His coming. It means the gospel will be spread worldwide without any geographical or racial distinction. Though Paul had not yet reached Spain when he wrote Romans (Romans 10:18) he could say that his missionary work had gone out throughout all the earth.
and then the end will come. The unavoidable time of tribulation and persecution will have several effects: the commitment of many will grow cold; others will fall away and betray those whom they formerly stood with; and sin will increase. At the same time, however the period before the end will be marked by the proclamation of the good news that Jesus had been announcing in His ministry.
All the sufferings in verses 5-12 were experienced in the years prior to A.D. 70 and the fall of Jerusalem, and in varying degrees they have been signs experienced by the church down to the present time. These signs have characterized the age in which we live.
He wishes to impress on the disciples that the end will not be for a good while, therefore he
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emphasizes the among of preaching that can be done (Bruce p. 291).
THE SPECIFIC SIGN: THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION (24:15)
Jesus now gives them the one sign that will indicate the nearness of the end.
Matt. 24:15 Therefore, when you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place, the one reading let him understand,
Therefore, when This refers to what He has mentioned concerning the end. He has shown us what is not the sign of the end, now He will answer the disciple’s question regarding the specific sign to look for.
you see the abomination of desolation, This is the sign of the end—the abomination of desolation. We could translate this in a variety of ways: “the abomination that causes desolation” “the horror which consists of desolation”
Bruce makes an important point with respect to the meaning of this phrase:
It must point to some broad, easily recognizable fact, which His followers could at once see and regard as a signal for flight; a fact not merely shocking religious feeling but threatening life (Bruce, p. 292).
As to the exact meaning of this phrase there have been many different suggestions:
1. The Roman army coming into the holy land. Once they came into the land all would know about it. The desolation is that which they would inevitably bring.
2. The attempt to put the statue of Caligula in the temple.
3. A technical phrase for the desecration of the temple which will be accomplished by the future
Antichrist.
which was spoken by the prophet Daniel, Note that Jesus referred to Daniel as a prophet and the Pharisees hypocrites! This phrase is found in Daniel 9:27; 10:31; and 12:11. Mark, when describing this event, does not refer to Daniel.
standing in the holy place, This is a very specific reference. Those who believe this passage refers to the fall of Jerusalem understand the holy place to be the holy land or the banners of the Roman army that came into the temple when it was destroyed. The problem with the latter view is that by the time the Roman armies reached the temple, everyone was dead. It was much too late to flee. Scripture gives no specific example of the holy land referring to the “holy place.” It seems clear from Scripture that the holy place is a reference to the temple.
the one reading let him understand, These are probably the words of Matthew, rather than Jesus. The reader could refer to those Jews who read it and understand its meaning without divulging it to the Romans. A second possibility is that it refers to the reader of the Book of Daniel. More likely it refers to the person who is publicly reading the Scripture. The books of the New Testament were to be read publicly 1 Timothy 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:27; Colossians 4:16; Revelation 1:3). In this case the reader
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would give an explanation to the people what was meant.
In 168 B.C. Antiochus Epiphanes in an attempt to wipe out Judaism set up an image in the Holy of Holies. The exact same phrase was used of his act in 1 Maccabees 1:54; cf. too 2 Maccabees 8:17). Matthew refers to the statement of Daniel the prophet referring to this event (9:27;11:31; 12:11). Therefore we are to look for the desecration of the temple as the sign that will mark the end of the age.
Therefore there is the necessity for the temple to be rebuilt and for sacrifices to be offered before this event can take place. 2 Thessalonians 2:2-4 gives us further information with respect to this event. The final Antichrist, will stand in the Holy of Holies in the temple in Jerusalem and claim to be God. He will remove any image that may have been their (the Ark of the Covenant?) and will replace it with an image of himself. He will cause the sacrifices to stop. This desecration of the temple will be the sign that begins the last three and one half years of the seventieth week of Daniel, or the Great Tribulation.
THE COMMAND TO LEAVE (24:16-20)
The people are instructed to leave when they see this event. Matt. 24:16 then let the ones in Judea flee unto the mountains.
then let the ones in Judea The reference to Judea suggests a Jewish setting. Judea spoke of those in Jerusalem and in its general vicinity.
flee unto the mountains. This event will trigger the great tribulation period. A time of terrible suffering is about to come. The mountains would be those outside of Judea, east of the Jordan.
The church historian Eusebius, Against Heresies, iii., 5, 3 tells us that many Jews did indeed flee the destruction of Jerusalem by going to Pella.
Matt. 24:17 And let no one upon the housetop, come down to take the things out of his house.
And let no one upon the housetop, The house tops in those days were flat.
come down to take the things out of his house. The urgency of leaving is stressed (cf. Genesis 19:17). Flight should be immediate. People could actually leave the city by jumping from one housetop to the next. This may have been Jesus’ meaning. It is also possible that He was referring to the outside staircases that led up to the flat rooftops—one could go down from the top of the house without entering inside.
Matt. 24:18 And let no one in the field return to get his cloak.
And let no one in the field return to get his cloak. No time to retrieve possessions or clothing. A person usually slept in their cloak (outer garment) and wore it on cold mornings when working in the field. Once the day grew warmer they left it on the edge of the field. Jesus says there will be no time to get that cloak once the tribulation begins.
Matt. 24:19 Woe to the ones pregnant and to the ones nursing in those days!
Woe to the ones pregnant and to the ones nursing in those days! Pregnancy and nursing would impede quick travel. It would make the journey particularly difficult for these women. Since these cannot
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be avoided, the women are to be pitied. If this verse refers to the final Great Tribulation, rather than merely the fall of Jerusalem, then we learn that babies will be born during this time. In many ways, life will go on as usual until the Lord comes.
Matt. 24:20 And pray that your flight will not occur in winter or on the Sabbath.
And pray that your flight will not occur in winter In this context, winter means traveling in bad
weather with cold nights.
or on the Sabbath. Since travel was limited on the Sabbath, fle eing on the Sabbath would make it obvious that you were leaving. For example, animals could not be secured for travel on the Sabbath. The illustration is very Jewish.
THE GREAT TRIBULATION (24:21-28)
Jesus will now speak of an unprecedented time of trouble.
Matt. 24:21 For then there will be great tribulation, as such has not occurred from the beginning of the world until the present nor ever will be.
For then there will be great tribulation This is the reason for the urgency of the flight—Great Tribula tion.
as such has not occurred from the beginning of the world With all the sufferings that humanity has experienced, none will be like this period of time.
until the present Nothing before has matched this horrific situation.
nor ever will be. To emphasize the horror of the situation we are told that no suffering before or after
will ever been compared to it. This has been understood in three different ways:
(1) Hyperbolic language referring to the destruction of Jerusalem and the horrible suffering that followed.
(2) The literal judgment that will happen at the end of the age.
(3) The destruction of Jerusalem is used as a type or foreshadowing of the last judgment.
Matt. 24:22 And unless those days are shortened, no flesh will be saved, but because of the elect, those days will be shortened.
And unless those days are shortened, The time must be cut short.
no flesh will be saved, If God did not intervene, no one would be preserved. Saved refers to physical
safety.
but because of the elect, The elect is used elsewhere only in vss. 24,31 and 22:14. The reference could be either to Christians or to Israel as the elect or chosen people. The context of this passage as well as
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other references to the elect (see Romans 11:28) tend to favor the vie w that He is referring to Israel. The elect are those Jews who are selected for deliverance in the time of the Great Tribulation.
The apocryphal Book of Enoch begins: “The words of the blessing of Enoch, wherewith he blessed the elect and righteous who will be living in the day or tribulation wen all the wicked and godless are removed.”
those days will be shortened. Something has to intervene to stop the onslaught. Shortened is literally “cut off.” The tribulation will not go on indefinitely but will be stopped by God to keep the Jews from being annihilated and the world from destroying itself.
Matt. 24:23 Then if any one says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There he is.’ Do not believe him.
Then if any one says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ These are erroneous reports of Christ’s coming. Someone claims to know His exact location.
or, ‘There he is.’ He is coming from some where.
Do not believe him. The warning not to believe in Messianic claims despite the great sufferings they are enduring including the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Jesus says do not even begin to believe these claims.
Matt. 24:24 For false Christ’s and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders so that to deceive, if possible, even the elect ones.
For false Christ’s Pseudo Christ’s will come on the scene. Jesus words have proven to be true as many false Christ’s have appeared and have led many astray.
and false prophets will appear False prophets are most likely those who proclaim that others are the Messiah. Bruce writes, “The demand would create the supply, men offering themselves as Saviors . . . with prophets preaching smooth things and assuring a despairing people of the deliverance at the last hour” (Bruce, p. 293). We find a similar example before the destruction of the first temple when Hananiah, the false prophet, was rebuked by Jeremiah for saying God would not destroy the temple.
and perform great signs and wonders The exact nature of the signs and wonders is not expressed. Are they true miracles or are they deceiving signs that claim to be miracles? Does Satan have the power to work miracles?
so that to deceive, The purpose is to deceive the chosen ones. See Deuteronomy 13:1 for God warning His people not merely to blindly follow those who offer signs.
if possible, The phrase suggests that it is not possible. Because they are in the care of their Father (cf. 10:29-31) it is not within their power to accomplish their purpose.
even the elect ones. Therefore the elect will not ultimately be deceived.
Interpreters who seek for exact historical fulfillments point to Simon son of Gioras and John of Giscala:
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the former the Messiah in the desert of Tekoah, gathering a confiding multitude about him; the latter the Messiah in the secret places, taking possession of the interior part of the temple with its belongings in the final struggle (Bruce, p. 294).
Matt. 24:25 Behold, I have told you before hand.
Behold, This is emphatic. Note well!
I have told you before hand. We have been warned therefore there is no excuse for being ignorant on this matter. The principle is clear: Believers are not to go after someone who claims to represent Christ merely because that person claims to have some miracle-working power. According to Jesus, false prophets will come on the scene attempting to deceive the elect. This remains true until our day.
Matt. 24:26 If, therefore, they say to you, ‘Behold, he is in the desert,’ do not go out, or, “Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it
If, therefore, they say to you, ‘Behold, he is in the desert,’ do not go out, The desert would have been a likely place for the Messiah since it was where Moses, Israel’s first deliverer, came from. At the time of Jesus it was generally believed by the Jews that the Messiah would come from the desert. This is why we find all the excitement over John the Baptist when he was baptizing in the desert. It is also the reason they asked him if he were the Christ.
or, “Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. He is neither out publicly in the desert nor privately in the secret chambers. Both expressions point to non-visibility. “The false prophets bid the people to put their faith in a Messiah not in evidence” (Bruce, p. 294).
Matt. 24:27 For just as the lightning comes out from the east and flashes to the west, in this manner will the coming of the Son of Man be.
For just as the lightning comes out from the east and flashes to the west, In contrast to the false prophets, Messiah’s coming will be visible to all.
in this manner will the coming of the Son of Man be. His coming will be as unmistakable as lightning—self evident (see Revelation 1:7).
Matt. 24:28 Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather together.
Where the corpse is, the re the vultures will gather together. Vultures gathering around those who have been killed is used in Scripture as an image of judgment (Luke 17:37, Ezekiel 39:17-20, Revelation 19:11-21). This has caused some to feel that this difficult statement of Jesus has to do with judgment.
It seems, however, that this is a proverbial truth. Though some take this to refer to judgment, there is no reference to judgment in the immediate context. More likely, it speaks of the unmistakable character of His coming. As surely as you know that the vulture are there when an animal dies, so surely you will not be able to miss the Second Coming.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST (24:29-31)
Jesus now describes His literal Second Coming.
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Matt. 24:29 And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heaven will be shaken.
And immediately after the tribulation of those days, Two major possibilities as to what “immediately after” means. The time after the destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem or a yet future experience of great suffering just prior to the Second Coming. The context seems to point to the Second Coming.
Those that believe this tribulation refers to only the fall of Jerusalem have given various explanations as to how it concludes with Jesus’ return.
1. Jesus skips from the fall of Jerusalem to the next significant prophetic event—His return.
2. The entire period from the destruction of the temple until the Second Coming is the tribulation
period.
3. The tribulation and the fall of Jerusalem prefigures and blends in to the final tribulation period.
4. The tribulation begins with events around the fall of Jerusalem (A.D. 66-70) but the conclusion is
postponed until the time of the end.
5. The return spoken of in the following verses is used symbolically for the fall of Jerusalem and not His Second Coming. Jesus would therefore come spiritually in A.D. 70.
the sun will be darkened, This is the prophetic language of the Old Testament (Isaiah 13:9; 34:4; Joel 3:15).
and the moon will not give its light; It is debated how literal we are to understand these words.
and the stars will fall from the sky, If taken literally this seems to be a collapse of the physical
universe.
and the powers of the heaven will be shaken. Haggai (2:6) spoke of this type of shaking. Whether these things will literally happen or not, it points to great heavenly signs that will occur before Christ comes.
Matt. 24:30 And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and they will see the sign of the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.
And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, The Son of Man is Jesus’ reference to Himself. What exactly is the sign of the Son of Man is not directly stated. “The question what is this sign has greatly perplexed commentators who make . . . confessions of ignorance (Bruce, p. 295).
The sign of the Son of Man could simply refer to Jesus. This phrase could be translated “the sign which is the Son of Man.” (a genitive of apposition in Greek).
and then all the tribes of the earth This refers to everyone on the earth, not just the Jews.
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will mourn Will they mourn because they recognize Him coming as their Judge? Or is it because they recognize Him as their Savior, the One they rejected?
and they will see His coming will be visible.
the sign of the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of the sky, Revelation 1:7 tells us that He will
return with clouds and that every eye will see Him.
with power and great glory. This is the Second Coming of Christ.
Matt. 24:31 And he will send his angels with a great trumpet, and they will gather together his elect from the four winds, from the ends of heaven until the ends of the earth.
Note on a variant reading: Instead of with a great trumpet some manuscripts read with the sound of a great trumpet.
And he will send his angels The angels are the messengers that will gather the elect. This is not the rapture of the church where the Lord Himself gathers His church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
with a great trumpet, Many have attributed this trumpet to the one in 1 Corinthians 15 “the last trumpet.” However, the subject of 1 Corinthians 15 is the church, here it is Israel.
and they will gather together his elect This is not the rapture of the church but the gathering together of Israel. In this context the elect refers to Israel, not the New Testament church. Unless this distinction is recognized much confusion will occur.
from the four winds, The four winds speak of every direction.
from the ends of heaven This is similar to phrases in Deuteronomy 30:4; and Psalm 19:7.
until the ends of the earth. At that time the dispersed remnant of Israel will be gathered from the four corners of the earth.
THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE (24:32-35)
Jesus illustrates this with the parable of the fig tree.
Matt. 24:32 Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
Now learn the parable from the fig tree: The parable of the fig tree seems to be a simple parable from nature. The kind of tree chosen will teach us a lesson about His return.
when its branch has already become tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. When the fig tree begins to sprout leaves, one knows that summer is near. Tender branches and young leaves are a sure sign of summer. In the same way, when certain events take place, one may know that the end is near. Just as the sprouting of the fig tree indicates summer is near but not yet present, so the coming of the Son of Man is near but not yet present when these events take place.
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The fig tree is often viewed as representative of Israel. When Israel begins to show signs of national life then you know the end is near. The problem with this view is:
(1) Identifying Israel with the fig tree. There is no specific Old Testament reference that identifies Israel with the fig tree.
(2) The parallel passage in Luke when it says “Behold the fig tree and all the trees.”
Matt. 24:33 In the same manner even you, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right
at the doors.
In the same manner even you, As is true with the fig true so shall it be true of Jesus’ coming.
when you see all these things, What are these things? Are they the signs in 4-14 or 15-21 or is it the signs associated with the Second Coming itself?
you know that it is near, right at the doors. When these things come to pass, then you can know that the end is at hand.
Matt. 24:34 For truly I say to you, that this generation will not pass until all these things be fulfilled.
For truly I say to you, that this generation will not pass What did Jesus mean by the phrase “this generation?” The problem can be simply stated: the generation that was alive when Jesus spoke these words have all passed away, yet events described did not take place. How then do we understand what He meant? As for the interpretation of the meaning of “this generation” there are the following possibilities.
1. Liberal theologians, as well as some others, have understood that Jesus expected to return before the Fall of Jerusalem. He believed that His coming again in power would be within a generation. This view would have Him making an incorrect statement. Since He admitted that He did not know the time of His coming, this erroneous statement can be attributed to the self-imposed limitation of His knowledge.
The problems of holding a view like this are enormous.
First, this is not the only possible way in which we can interpret His statement. As we will observe, there are a variety of different ways we can understand His statement.
Second, it involves a misunderstanding of what Jesus meant when He said that neither the Son knew the day or the hour (vs. 36). If the limitation of Jesus’ knowledge is understood as referring to the general time of his return rather that the actual day and time of His return, then why would He contradict himself with the analogy of the budding fig tree?
Third, by other statements in Matthew’s gospel, we see that Jesus indicated that He planned to be away for a long period of time before coming again.
2. The generation that heard His words would see the fall of Jerusalem. This would make this statement and entire the Olivet discourse refer only to the fall of Jerusalem. His coming therefore would not be a literal coming when Jerusalem fell but rather He would come figuratively in power with the destruction of the city. The problem with this view is that many verses in this discourse have to do with His Second Coming, not merely the Fall of Jerusalem.
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3. The generation refers to generation alive at the time of His Second coming. Those who saw the signs of the end (i.e. the abomination of desolation) would also be alive when He returned. In other words, it would be a short period of time from the abomination of desolation until the Second Coming.
4. The term refers to the people of God (Israel) will not pass from the scene until all these things be fulfilled. This generation therefore would mean “this race.” It would be another indication that the Jews, as a nation, would continue to exist until Christ comes despite the great persecution and tribulation which they are about to receive.
5. This expression in Matthew clearly alludes to a sinful generation, one ripe for judgment (12:39, 45; 16:4; 23: 36). If this is what Jesus is referring to, then it could fit either the fall of Jerusalem or the end of the age or be referring to both.
6. In the Old Testament, the term refers to a believing group of people.
7. The generation refers to the generation that sees Israel return to their land after a long period of
exile. This goes hand in hand with understanding that the parable of the fig tree refer to the regathering of the nation Israel to a modern state. The generation that sees that happen will be the generation that witnesses the return of Christ.
8. There is also the possibility that this prediction is capable of multiple fulfillment. Therefore Jesus had both the fall of Jerusalem (happening within a generation) and the events prior to His Second Coming. His generation would see the fall of Jerusalem. In like manner, the events will be similar when He comes again.
until all these things be fulfilled. All these things must have the same meaning as the previous verse. All the events around either the fall of Jerusalem or His Second Coming.
Matt. 24:35 The heaven and the earth will pass away, but my words will never ever pass away.
The heaven and the earth will pass away, but my words will never ever pass away. This is the strongest way in which someone could make a solemn statement in Greek. We could translate it, “There is no way ever, ever, ever, for My words to pass away.” The words which He has referred to are the not merely the words in this context, but His words as a whole. His message will never pass away.
This is quite a claim! Can you imagine the possibility of this coming to pass given the time, place, and circumstances in which Jesus made the statement, yet it has come to pass.
THE COMMAND TO BE READY (24:36-44)
Jesus now instructs His disciples to be prepared for His coming. In doing so He gives us three illustrations. In the first parable (the days of Noah, 37-41) His coming is totally unexpected. In the second parable (the good and evil slaves, 45-51) His coming is sooner than expected. In the parable about the 10 virgins (25:1- 13) His coming is later than expected.
Matt. 24:36 But as for that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Note on a variant reading: Some manuscripts do not have the phrase neither the Son.
Matthew 24 331
But as for that day and hour, This refers to the exact time of His coming. It is not referring to the general time period but rather the specific day and hour.
no one knows, There is no human being who knows.
not even the angels of heaven, Though the angels are the ones who will gather the elect, they do not
know when He is coming.
nor the Son, In contrast to verse 33 of what can be known—namely, the signs that we are to look for prior to His coming, Jesus confesses that at this time, He does not know the precise day and the hour of His coming.
but only the Father. The explanation of His lack of knowledge is found in the kenosis doctrine of Philippians 2:6-8 where Christ emptied Himself of certain independent use of His divine attributes while here on earth. The time of the coming of the Son of Man is the Father’s alone (Acts 1:7). This is in keeping with the Old Testament idea “there will be one day, and that day is known to the Lord” (Zechariah 14:7 LXX). The signs of the end can be known with certainty, however the time of the end is unknown to everyone except the Father. What counts is the fact that the Son of Man will return.
Again we must stress the difference between the nature of Christ (as God) and His position when He was here on earth (as a man). In His humanity there was self-imposed limitations. After His resurrection and Ascension into heaven, those limitations have been removed. Revelation 1:1 tells us that He now knows these things.
Matt. 24:37 For just as in the days of Noah, so will it be with the coming of the Son of Man.
For just as in the days of Noah, The comparison now is to the time of Noah—not Noah himself.
so will it be with the coming of the Son of Man. There will be parallels between Noah’s days and the days before Jesus comes.
Matt. 24:38 For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered into the ark.
Note on a variant reading: Some manuscripts do not have those before the word days.
For as they were in those days before the flood, He will now list the parallels. Note again the parallel is not to Noah, but to those living in Noah’s day. Therefore the parallel is to those who are to be judged— not the ones saved.
eating and drinking, This does not necessarily have the idea of indulgence. Some have argued that the term translated eating actually refers to gluttony because the Greek word is often used of beasts eating. However since word also is used for humans eating (John 6:58; 13:18) no sinister idea should necessarily be seen. The main idea is that all things are going on as if nothing is going to happen.
marrying and giving in marriage, Men are the ones who marry, women are given in marriage. The people assume life will continue indefinitely.
until the day Noah entered into the ark. Business as usual until the flood hit. They did not believe the
Matthew 24 332 preaching of Noah, neither will they believe the preaching about the end.
Matt. 24:39 And they knew nothing until the flood came and took them all away, so will it be with the coming of the Son of Man.
And they knew nothing Again it is the unbelievers who are this illustration. They were not looking for this judgment to occur, rather they were ridiculing those who spoke about it.
until the flood came and took them all away, The people were not convinced until the flood came and removed them from the scene.
It seems that at least as far as humanity is concerned, the flood was universal—it took them all away. This and other biblical passages seem to teach that the flood in Noah’s day took away all but eight people —the remainder perishing in the flood.
so will it be with the coming of the Son of Man. As the people of Noah’s day were unaware of the impending doom, the same is true for the generation that will see the Second Coming of Christ. This emphasizes the suddenness of Christ’s coming.
Matt. 24:40 Then two men will be in the field, one will be taken and one will be left.
Then two men will be in the field, People will be working side by side when this judgment comes.
one will be taken and one will be left. As with the time of Noah, there will be a division of humanity. Just who will taken them is not stated—whether it be the angels or the Son of Man.
Matt. 24:41 Two women will be grinding at the mill, one will be taken and the other one left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill, We now have the illustration of two women working next to each other. The reference is to a handmill, which required two to work at it. Grinding took a considerable time and in that culture it was considered woman’s work.
one will be taken and the other one left. Another illustration of people working side by side where one goes and the other stays. Those who are taken can refer to those taken in judgment or those taken by the Son of Man when He comes with His angels. It seems better to refer to them to be taken in judgment because the comparison is with those unbelievers in Noah’s time who were judged, not those who went into the ark.
The application of these verses is made clear in the exhortation of the following verse.
Matt. 24:42 Therefore, be watching, because your Lord is coming at such a day that you do not know. Note on a variant reading: Instead of day some manuscripts read hour.
Therefore, Because of all these things He has told His disciples.
be watching, The importance of being ready at any time is now stressed. The followers of Christ should be in constant readiness. Watching includes an active dimension of righteous conduct.
Matthew 24 333
because your Lord is coming Notice it is “your Lord” who is coming. He is the Lord of all.
at such a day that you do not know. This means “of what sort of day,”—whether it be early or late.
Matt. 24:43 But know this thing: that if the owner of the house had known at what night watch the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
But know this thing: Here is one thing you should know.
that if the owner of the house Concerning the owner of the house Bruce notes, “[it] suggests the idea of a great man, but in reality is a poor peasant who is in view. He lives in a clay house which can be dug through (sun-dried bricks) . . . .Yet he is the master in his humble dwelling (Bruce, p. 298).
had known at what night watch The night was divided into various watches.
the thief was coming, It is the business of the thief to know when the people are not at home. He keeps
people in the dark with respect to the time of his coming.
he would have kept watch The problem with thieves is we do not know when they are coming or even if they are coming at all.
and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. A simply analogy is drawn between the coming of Christ and a man whose house is broken into. Since Christians cannot know the time of His coming we must constantly watch. As the thief comes unexpectedly, so will Christ.
Matt. 24:44 So, you also must be prepared, because the Son of Man will come in an hour when you do not expect.
So, you also must be prepared, In the same manner, as the precautions are made for the thief. because the Son of Man will come in an hour when you do not expect. The reason we are to be
ready is because He will come at an unexpected time.
THE PARABLE OF THE FAITHFUL AND UNFAITHFUL SERVANT (24:45-51)
Jesus illustrates the importance of vigilance with two parables.
Matt. 24:45 “Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom the master appoints over his household servants and gives them food in the proper time?
“Who then is the faithful and wise slave, Jesus now asks the question about the identity of this servant.
whom the master appoints over his household servants The master would appoint one of his slaves over his household.
and gives them food in the proper time? The faithful slave is one who rightly uses that which His Father has given him.
Matthew 24 334 Matt. 24:46 And blessed is that servant whom, when his master comes, he will find doing in this manner.
And blessed is that servant whom, when his master comes, The Lord will now tell us who is the blessed servant. He is the one not demoralized by the delay of the return of His master.
he will find doing in this manner. He is the one doing the will of God when our Lord comes despite the delay. Again, there is the inference in this parable of a long delay between Jesus’ first and second coming.
Matt. 24:47 For truly I say to you, that he will place him over all his possessions.
For truly I say to you, that he will place him over all his possessions. He will receive a reward for
his faithfulness. In the same manner, believers will be rewarded for their faithfulness (1 Corinthians 3).
Matt. 24:48 But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’
And if that evil slave This is not the same individual just spoken of but a man placed at the same post. The evil slave is not someone who was once good but who became evil as some have erroneously taught. The word translated “evil” simply means bad or corrupt.
says in his heart, This is an expression that means “says to himself.”
my master is delaying his coming, In this parable, the slave thinks the Lord is coming later than expected. In the previous illustration they did not believe the master was coming at all. He is now demoralized because his master has not returned. Bruce writes: “The delay had been so long that the unworthy servant goes on his bad way as if the master would never come at all (Bruce, p. 298).
Again, this emphasizes that the time between when the master had left and when he is returning is considerable.
Matt. 24:49 and he will begin to beat his fellow slaves, and eat and drink with the drunkards,
and he will begin to beat his fellow slaves, He takes advantage of the master’s delay by acting
irresponsibly.
and eat and drink with the drunkards, Rather than providing the needs for his fellow servants he violates his master’s command.
Matt. 24:50 the master of that slave will come in a day when he is not prepared, and in an hour which he does not know.
the master of that slave will come in a day when he is not prepared, This slave is not expecting his master to come so soon
and in an hour which he does not know. Matthew returns to the theme of the unexpected coming of the master. The time remains unknown and should be a motivation for godly living.
Matt. 24:51 And he will cut him into pieces and assign his part with the hypocrites, where there will be the crying and the grinding of teeth.
Matthew 24 335
And he will cut him into pieces This mean to cut into pieces with a saw—which was an actual form of punishment in ancient times. There is a question as to how literal we are to understand this. Bruce remarks on the literal understanding of the phrase, “But this can hardly be, especially as in the following clause the man is supposed to be still alive” (Bruce, p. 298). Some see it as a mere beating or thrashing with the whip.
and assign his part with the hypocrites, The hypocrites is where this hypocrite belongs. For Matthew there is no worse group than the hypocrites (cf. 6:2-18; 15:7; and especially ch. 23), and the wicked servant of this parable was, if anything, a hypocrite.
where there will be the crying The final destination for hypocrites will be the place of the judgment of the wicked.
and the grinding of teeth. Matthew has used this term before for judgment. SUMMARY TO CHAPTER 24
Jesus gives His last of five discourses—the one covering the events of His return. The background is His statement at the end of 23 with reference to the desolation of the temple. His disciples showed Him the temple and its magnificence, possibly thinking that the destruction He predicted was only symbolic. However as they would find out in the coming years, the destruction did actually occur.
The interpretation of this chapter is difficult because there are two events that are in view—the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple as well as the Second Coming of Christ. Just exactly which passages refer to which of these events has long been a source of contention among commentators. In our explanation of this chapter we have tried to fairly represent all views that Bible believers hold.
Three questions asked:
1. When will Jerusalem be destroyed? Answered in verses 1-3 and Luke 21:12-24.
2. What will be the sign of Your coming? Answered in verses 4-26, 37-39.
3. What will happen when You come? Answered in verses 24:27-31, 40-51; Mt. 25:1-46.
1. Deceptions (Mt. 24:4-5, 11, 24)
2. False Christs (Mt. 24:5, 23-26)
3. Wars and rumors of wars (Mt. 24:6-7)
4. Famines (Mt. 24:7; Rev. 6:5-6)
5. Pestilences (Mt. 24:7; Rev. 6:8)
6. Earthquakes (Mt. 24:7; Rev. 6:12-17)
7. Anti-semitism (Mt. 24:9; Mk. 13:9, 13)
8. Offenses (Mt. 24:10; cp. Mt. 18:1-10)
9. Betrayals (Mt. 24:9; Mk. 13:12)
10. Hatred (Mt. 24:10; 2Tim. 3:1-9)
11. False prophets (Mt. 24:11, 24; Rev. 13) 12. Lawlessness abounding (Mt. 24:12)
13. Love decreasing (Mt. 24:12-13; 2Tim. 3) 14. Increased missionary work (Mt. 24:14)
15. Abomination of desolation
(Mt. 24:15; Dan. 9:27; 2Th. 2:4; Rev. 13)
16. New Jewish nation in Judea
(Mt. 24:9, 15-26; Ezek. 37; Dan. 9:27)
17. New Jewish temple
(Mt. 24:15, 26; Rev. 11:1-2; Dan. 8:9-13;
Dan. 9:27; Dan. 11:45; 2Th. 2:4) 18. Great tribulation of 3 1/2 years
(Mt. 24:21; Dan. 12:1; Rev. 12:1 -- Rev. 19:21) 19. Martyrdoms (Mt. 24:9, 22; Dan. 8:24; Rev. 7:9-17;
Rev. 11:7; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 20:4-6) 20. Flight of Jews from Judea
(Mt. 24:16-21; Rev. 12:6, 14; Isa. 16:1-5; Ps. 60:4-8; Dan. 11:40-45; Ezek. 20:33-38; Hos. 2:14-16)
21. Increased satanic powers (Mt. 24:24; 2Th. 2:8-12; Rev. 13; Rev. 16:14; Rev. 19:20)
22. Surfeiting (Mt. 24:38; Lk. 17:28; Lk. 21:34) 23. Sex crimes (Mt. 24:38; Lk. 17:27)
Matthew 24 and 25 4 24. Procrastination and lethargy (Mt. 24:39)
(III) Signs of the Second Coming of Christ (A) 8 signs beginning Jewish sorrows
[Also Mk 13:8; Lk.21:8 and Rev – chapters 6-9]
Verses 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of
wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and
there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
The disciples did not understand the concept of Jesus’ “Advent” – His return to earth. Like the prophets of the Old Testament, they did not see this present Church Age in God’s prediction for the future. This concept was revealed to them later [Read Ephesians 2:13-14 and 3:1-6]. They realized that Jesus would pass from their midst and somehow escape from the hostility of the Roman rulers, however, they did not understand the concept of His leaving earth and returning again sometime in the future. They were asking, “Since this Temple is to be destroyed, when will it be? Since You are coming in judgment, how, and when, will it take place?”
Without an understand of this present Church Age, the disciples asked about the prophecy Jesus gave concerning the destruction of the Temple – and of the end of “the age.” They asked, “When will these things be? When will You return? When will be the consummation of this present age?”
Jesus spends the next verses answering these specific questions the disciples had asked about, and, even though the signs Jesus predicts concerns His coming in revelation of power and great glory – what Jesus said is still pertinent to us today.
Wars and Rumors of Wars
These verses (4 through 7) are a real eye-opener, Jesus said, “Many will make use of My name, but don’t be deceived by them and don't be troubled, the end is not yet!” Note that Jesus reveals the answer to their question about the destruction of Jerusalem, but, He tells them, “the end is not yet.”
Mt. 24:4-26 are unfulfilled – Mt. 24:27-51; Mt. 25:1-46 will be fulfilled at the second coming and in eternity. There are many warnings against being deceived
(Mt. 24:4-5, 11, 24; Lk. 21:8; 1Cor. 6:9; 1Cor. 15:33; Gal. 6:7; Eph. 5:6; 2Th. 2:3).
Jesus gives general information about what things would be like in the Last Days before the end of the world - or literally, in the Greek, at the “end of the age.” That phrase, “the end of the age,” has the connotation of the end of a distinct period of time, rather than the ultimate end of everything that exists. So what Jesus is talking about here is the end of the current “age,” or the period of human history in which we now live, that will “end,” with the Tribulation period.
Verse 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows
The first eight signs of Mt. 24:4-7 are the beginning, not the end of sorrows. The word translated, “sorrows” is from the Greek, “odin,” meaning, birth pangs (Gal. 4:19, 27; 1Th. 5:3; Rev. 12:2). This refers to the troubles of Israel in the tribulation (Mt. 24:15-21; Isa. 66:7-8; Jer. 30:4-7; Dan. 7:21; Dan. 8:9-14, 24; Dan. 9:27; Rev. 12).
Matthew 24 and 25 5 There are eight sings Jesus mentions that will talk place at the beginning of “Jewish
sorrow.” There are:
1. “Many will make use of My name” – verse 5
2. “They will deceive many” – verse 5
3. “There will be rumors of war” – verse 6
4. “Nation will go to war with nation” – verse 7
5. “Kingdom will fight against kingdom” – verse7
6. “There will be famines” – verse 7
7. “There will be pestilences – verse 7
8. “There will be earthquakes indifferent parts of the world” – verse 7
(B) 8 signs during the sorrows of Israel
[Also Mk 13:9]
Verses 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Then -- during birth pangs of Israel – Jews will be hated by the Gentiles. Verse 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
The word translated, “end,” from the Greek word “telos” means, “the actual end of anything” (Mt. 24:6, 14). The Greek word, “sunteleia,” meaning, “the joining of two ages” is not the Greek word that is used here in Mt.24:13 – as it is in Mt. 13:39, 40, 49; Mt. 24:3; Mt. 28:20 and Heb. 9:26. Here “telos” means the end of life or the age as it may be.
The Greek word that is translated, “saved” is, “sozo” – It is used 110 times in the New Testament” – to be saved from of sin (Mt. 1:21; Heb. 7:25), danger (Mt. 14:30; Mt. 27:42), spiritual conflict (Jn. 12:27; 1Tim. 4:16), sickness (Jas. 5:15), hell (Jn. 3:16-18; Mk. 16:16), and slavery (Jude 1:5).
Verse 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Note that Jesus refers to “the Gospel of the kingdom” – not the message of Church – “salvation.” Then - the “end” – not the rapture – but the end of this age – will come!
In verses 9-14 Jesus gives signs that will take place during the time of “Israel’s sorrow,” the Tribulation period. Jesus states, “THEN” these things will happen . . . ”
1. “They will be delivered to be afflicted” – verse 9
2. “They will be killed” – verse 9
3. “They will be hated of all nations for Christ’s sake” – verse 9
4. “Many will be offended” – [stumble, fall away – lose heart] – verse 10
5. “Many will betray one another” – verse 10
6. “Many will hate one another” – verse 10
7. “There will be many false prophets” – verse 11
8. “Iniquity will abound” – verse 12
“He who endures to the end will be saved” – verse 13
Matthew 24 and 25 6
“The Gospel of the kingdom [Note: Not the Gospel of salvation, but the Gospel of the kingdom] preached to all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end [not the Rapture – but the end of this age] come” – verse 14
(C) 17th sign: Abomination of Desolation – [Daniel 9:27] [Also Mk13:14]
Verse 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
“When” – marks the starting point of the middle of Daniel's 70th week when the Antichrist will break his 7-year covenant with Israel and enter Judea to take over Jerusalem as his capital and the Jewish temple as his capital building (Dan. 9:27; Dan. 11:40-45; Dan. 12:1, 7; 2Th. 2:4; Rev. 11:1-2; Rev. 12:1-17; Rev. 13:1-18). All this prophecy from Mt. 24:15 on must be fulfilled the last 3 1/2 years of this age.
“Abomination of desolation” refers to the Antichrist and his image in the Jewish temple at Jerusalem during the last 3 1/2 years of this age (Dan. 8:9-14; Dan. 9:27; Dan. 11:45; Dan. 12:1, 7, 11; Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 20:4-6).
Verse 15 speaks of the “abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet.” The “abomination of desolation” refers to the Antichrist and his image in the Jewish temple at Jerusalem during the last 3 1/2 years of this age (Daniel 8:9-14; 9:27; 11:45; 12:1, 7, 11; Revelation 13:1-18; 14:9-11; 20:4-6).
Jesus predicts the defeat of Israel during this period of time in verses 16-20
(D) 18th sign: defeat of Israel by Antichrist
[Also Mk 13:15]
Verse 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Then - when Antichrist enters Judea and takes over the temple (Dan. 9:27; Dan. 11:40-
45). Israel will have to flee from Judea.
The mountains refer to Edom and Moab which escape the Antichrist (Rev. 12:6, 14).
“Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains” - when Antichrist enters Judea and takes over the Temple (Daniel 9:27 and 11:40-45). Israel will have to flee from Judea. The “mountains” referred to is Edom and Moab, where Israel goes to escape the Antichrist, Revelation 12:6, 14.
Verses 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Referring to Israel fleeing from Judea without taking time for valuables, lest Antichrist’s armies overtake them.
Verse 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! It will be hard on women with children or those great with child to flee before the
swiftness of the invaders.
Verse 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day:
Matthew 24 and 25 7
Pray that the invasion will not take place in winter as it would be difficult to flee without preparation at this time; nor on the Sabbath, because orthodox Jews hold it unlawful to travel more than a mile on that day (Acts 1:12), so would be overtaken by the invaders.
(E) 19th sign: Great Tribulation
[Also Mk 13:19; Dan.12:1 and Rev, chapters 12-19]
Verse 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
“For then” - the great tribulation of the last 3 1/2 years of this age will begin (Dan. 9:27; Dan. 11:40-45; Dan. 12:1, 7, 11; Jer. 30:4-7; Rev. 7:14; Rev. 11:1 -- Rev. 19:21).
Verse 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
The Greek word that is translated, “shortened” means, “curtailed.” The persecution itself will be cut short (Rev. 11:1-3; Rev. 12:6, 14; Rev. 13:5; Dan. 12:7).
The “elect's sake” refers to Jews, not the Church because:
1. Jesus is answering a Jewish question (Mt. 24:3; Mt. 25:31-46; Acts 1:6) 2. False Messiahs primarily concern Israel (Mt. 24:5, 23-26)
3. Anti-semitism proves it (Mt. 24:9)
4. The travail of Israel (note, Mt. 24:8)
5. The abomination of desolation concerns Israel only (note, Mt. 24:15) 6. The Jewish temple (note, Mt. 24:15)
7. Flight of Israel (notes, Mt. 24:16)
8. The Sabbath is Jewish (note, Mt. 24:20)
9. The great tribulation (note, Mt. 24:21)
10. Jews are the only people to be gathered (note, Mt. 24:31)
11. The coming of Christ is to deliver Israel (Mt. 24:29-31; Mt. 25:31-46; Zech. 14) 12. Judgment of the nations is based on treatment of Israel (25:31-46)
13. The eagles eating carcasses was predicted to be at the time of Israel's deliverance
(Mt. 24:28; Ezek. 39:17-22; Lk. 17:34-37; Rev. 19:17-21) 14. The church will be raptured before the above events
(F) 6 signs during the Great Tribulation
[Also Mk 13:21]
Verse 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. “Then” – during the great tribulation days of Mt. 24:15-21.
Verse 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Satanic powers will be manifest in the Tribulation (2Th. 2:7-12; Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 16:13-16; Rev. 19:20; Dan. 8:24). The “elect” – Jewish elect (See note for verse 22).
Verses 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
Matthew 24 and 25 8
“Secret chambers” - Read Daniel 11:45; 2 Thessalonians 2:4 and Revelation, chapter 13. In verses 23 through 26 Jesus gives the signs that will take place during the Great
Tribulation, the last 3 and 1⁄2 years.
1. “Men will say, ‘Lo here is Christ’” – verse 23
2. “False christs will arise” – verse 24
3. “False prophets will arise” – verse 24
4. “There will be signs and wonders preformed to deceive many” – verse 24
5. “Some will say ‘Christ is in the desert, or some secret place’” – verse 26
Jesus tells of the manner of His coming, when He returns with His saints “in power and great glory,” at the end of the Tribulation period.
(4) The Manner and Time of the Second Coming Advent
[Also Mt. 25:31; Mk.13:24; Lk.17:33 and 21:25; 2 Th 1:7 and 2:8; Jude 14; Rev.1:7; 19:11; Dan. 7:13; Zech.14:1-5]
Verse 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Refers to the time of Christ’s revelation and the manner in which He will come.
Verse 28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
Where the dead bodies are slain at Armageddon the birds will be gathered together to eat them (Job 39:30; Ezek. 39:17-22; Lk. 17:34-37; Rev. 19:17-21). The rapture will have taken place years before this. Christ is not a dead carcass (as some teach) nor are the saints eagles to be caught up to such a carcass. This is not in the air, but on earth (Ezek. 39:17; Rev. 19:11-21).
Verse 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the
heavens shall be shaken:
“Immediately after the tribulation” – these things will take place! “Those days” refer to the Great tribulation – the last half of the Tribulation period “Sun darkened, moon not give light, stars fall from heaven, and powers of heavens shaken” - See Revelation 6:12.
Verse 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of
heaven with power and great glory.
“And then” – immediately after the tribulation the Son of man will return in power and great glory (Mt. 24:29-31; Mt. 25:31-46). All the tribes of the earth mourn, including the armies of all nations surrounding the city (Zech. 14:1-5; Rev. 1:7). Many will not see Christ until He is here reigning and the saints take over all parts of the earth – Then people will go up to Christ (Isa. 2:2-4; Isa. 52:7; Isa. 66:19-21; Zech. 8:23). They will see the Son of man coming with the natural eyes. This is not a spiritual coming (2Th. 1:7-10; Rev. 19:11-21; Zech. 14:1-5). Christ went away in clouds and He will return with clouds (Acts 1:9-11; Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 14:14, 16). He will come in power sufficient to defeat the armies of earth and Satan, all his fallen angels and
Matthew 24 and 25 9 demons in one day (Zech. 14; Rev. 19:11-21; Rev. 20:1-3; Jude 1:14; 2Th. 1:7-10; Isa. 24:21-23;
Joel 2). He will come in great glory – Mt. 25:31; 2Th. 1:7-10; 2Th. 2:8.
Verse 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather
together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Literal angels accompany Christ to earth (2Th. 1:7-10) to gather Israel (Dt. 30:4; Isa.
11:11-12) and separate the tares from the wheat (Mt. 13:38-50).
Trumpets always sounded at gatherings of Israel (Ex. 19:13-19; Lev. 25:9; 1Sam. 13:3; 2Sam. 2:28). This trumpet is predicted in Isa. 18:3; Isa. 27:13; Zech. 9:14. This is not the same as the seven trumpets of Rev. 8:2, 6 or the trumpets in connection with the resurrection of the righteous (1Th. 4:16; 1Cor. 15:51-58).
The “Elect” are Jewish (See notes for Mt. 24:22).
The “four winds” refers to the four directions of the earth (Isa. 11:11-12; Rev. 7:1-3; Rev.
20:8).
(5) Parable of the fig-tree
[Also Mk 13:38 and Lk 21:39]
Verse 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
“The parable of the fig tree” is the first of four parables in Mt. 24-25, illustrating the nearness of Christ’s return (Mt. 24:32-33).
The fig tree is universally interpreted to mean the Jewish nation, however, Jesus must of meant more than that for Luke adds, “and all the trees” (Luke 21:29). – “Putting forth its leaves” indicates that summer is near, “so likewise” the signs of verses 4-26 indicate the nearness of Christ's coming. So observe and understand the signs of the times, and compare them with the predictions of the word, as from thence to foresee what is at the door, that you may provide accordingly. The fig tree, “when its tender shoots appear and are breaking into leaf” [As the New English Bible translates verse 32] – its budding and blossoming signifies summer is in close proximity. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Don't pass over this verse too lightly! Notice first, Jesus warns His disciples lest they be led astray (verses 4-5). He speaks of future things dealing with matters of utmost importance, things of great peril. He tells them, “Don't wonder from the clear declaration of Scripture and arrive at some fanciful interpretation.”
Jesus began by saying, “Take heed” – in modern vernacular would be, “Watch out!”
Jesus prophesies, “What is the future for Israel?” in verses 5-35. He gives warnings for His followers in Matthew 24:36 to 25:30, as we will see. He also shows what the future for the Gentile nations will be – in Matthew 25:31-46.
Verse 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Jesus refers to His second coming – not the rapture! There are no signs of the rapture for it is itself one of the greatest signs of the second coming. There are no prophecies to be fulfilled before the rapture for it could have taken place any time in the past or can take place any time in
Matthew 24 and 25 10
the future without any sign or prophecy coming to pass (Tit. 2:13; Phil. 3:20-21). All signs of the coming of Christ point to the second coming – (Christ’s revelation in power and great glory) – and not the rapture. There will be at least seven years between the two events. The rapture is not the second coming, because Christ does not come to the earth at that time. He meets the saints in the air and takes them back to heaven (1Th. 2:19; 1Th. 3:13; Rev. 19:1-11). The saints stay in heaven with Him for these years and then return to the earth at the second coming (Zech. 14:5; Jude 1:14; Rev. 19:11-21).
(6) All signs of this prophecy will take place in one generation
[Also Mk 13:30 and Lk 21:32-33]
Verse 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
The statement, “this generation,” occurs 16 times in the New Testament and always of a particular span of life – and not of a race of people, as some teach (See Mt. 11:16; Mt. 12:41-42; Mt. 23:36; Mt. 24:34; Mk. 8:12; Mk. 13:30; Lk. 7:31; Lk. 11:30-32, 50-51; Lk. 17:25 & 21:32).
This verse refers to the last generation living on earth at the time all these things will be fulfilled. These things will be fulfilled in one generation only and not in several of them.
Verse 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
The words, “pass away,” are translated from the Greek word, “parerchomai,” meaning, “to change from one condition or state to another; pass away, as a person passes away in death, or as old things pass away at the new birth” (2Cor. 5:17). It never means annihilation, but a change only. The heavens and earth are eternal (Ps. 72:5-17; Ps. 89:3-37; Ps. 104:5; Eccl. 1:4) and cannot pass out of existence. They will be changed (Heb. 1:10-12; Heb. 12:25-28; Rom. 8:21-23), be renovated by fire (2Pet. 3:5-13), and be renewed (Rev. 21:1), but never pass out of existence. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will be changed, but My words will not be changed.”
The generation that witnesses the fulfillment of these signs “will not pass away, until all these things will be fulfilled!”
When will this happen?
(7) Exact date of Christ’s coming unknown
[Also Mk13:34 and Acts 1:7]
Verse 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Jesus taught that as a woman knows she must travail if she is with child but knows not the day or the hour, so it is with the sudden destruction. We may know the times and seasons of it, but not the day or the hour. Since the second coming of Christ brings this sudden destruction it means that men will not know the exact day or the hour of His coming. This will always be the case, as predicted by Christ in Mt. 24:36, 39, 42-51; Mt. 25:13. Jesus Christ and angels do not know the day or hour of the second coming (Mk. 13:32).
Therefore, it is folly for any one to make predictions and set dates for the return of Jesus Christ to earth, for the end of the times of the Gentiles, for the battle of Armageddon, or for the sudden destruction of 1Th. 5:3.
Matthew 24 and 25 11
(8) Christ’s coming will bring destruction to many wicked
[Also Lk 17:22; 1Th 5;1 and Jude 14]
What Will Christ’s Coming Be Like?
Verses 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in
marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Just as sin continued up to the very day Noah entered the ark, so sin will continue up to the day of the second coming of Christ. Hence, there is no room for a Millennium of righteousness before Christ's coming. In fact, Christ must come before the Millennium begins (Rev. 19:11 -- Rev. 20:10) and sin will continue in the Millennium (Isa. 65:20-25; Rev. 20:7-10; Eph. 1:10). The purpose of the Millennium is to put down all sin and rebellion (1Cor. 15:24-28).
The phrase, “took them all away,” is rendered “destroyed them all” in Luke 17:27, that is, the ones that needed to be destroyed, and saved Noah and family. So Christ will destroy some at His coming and leave some to replenish the earth in the Millennium (Zech. 14:16-21; Isa. 2:2-4; Isa. 66:19-21; Rev. 20).
(9) Armageddon: some destroyed and some left alive
[Also Lk 17:26; 21:34; Rev, chapters 19-21; Zech 14:16]
Verses 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
“Then,” refers to Christ’s Second Coming, not at the rapture, as many believe. (Mt. 24:29-31; Mt. 25:31-46). “Taken” like the flood “took them all away” or destroyed them (Mt. 24:39; Lk. 17:27). Did the flood rapture or destroy the people that it took away? So the second coming, when Christ’s come in power and great glory at the Revelation, will not rapture but destroy many at the battle of Armageddon to make the carcasses that will be eaten by the fowls of Mt. 24:28; Lk. 17:34-37; Ezek. 39:17-22; Rev. 19:17-21. (See notes for verse 28).
Some will be “left,” not destroyed, like Noah and his family were left and not destroyed. At Armageddon many will be left to continue living on earth when Christ reigns (Zech. 14:16- 21; Mt. 25:34, 46; Isa. 2:2-4; Isa. 66:19-21; Rev. 20:4-10).
Verse 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
In view of the coming of Christ suddenly when He is not expected, you that will be living on earth after the rapture and at the very coming of Christ, be watchful (Mt. 24:39-42). This refers to the literal visible coming to the earth with the raptured saints.
(10) Parable of the faithful servant
[Also Lk 12:35-38]
Verses 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Matthew 24 and 25 12
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall
find so doing.
This is the second parable of Matthew 24 and 25, illustrating readiness, and faithfulness,
in view of Christ’s coming.
The word, “blessed,” or “happy,” is used of people who have godly characteristics as: 1. Broken spirit (Mt. 5:3; Mt. 11:28-30; Ps. 51:17; Isa. 57:15; Isa. 66:2)
2. Penitent spirit (Mt. 5:4; Isa. 61:2; Jas. 4:9; 2Cor. 7:9-11)
3. Mild-tempered, gentle spirit (Mt. 5:5; Mt. 11:29; Ps. 37:11; 1Pet. 3:4)
4. Hungering, thirsting spirit for righteousness
(Mt. 5:6; Ps. 34:10; Ps. 42:1-3; Ps. 63:1; Ps. 84:2; Jn. 7:37-39)
5. Compassionate and merciful spirit (Mt. 5:7; Mt. 18:27; 1Pet. 3:8)
6. Pure spirit (Mt. 5:8; Phil. 4:8; 1Tim. 1:5; 1Tim. 3:9; 1Tim. 5:22; 1Pet. 1:22) 7. Spirit of wisdom and mediation (Mt. 5:9; Rom. 14:19; 1Cor. 13)
8. Longsuffering and forgiving spirit
(Mt. 5:10-12; Mt. 10:16-28; 1Cor. 13; 1Pet. 3:14-17; 1Pet. 4:3-19)
Verses 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come
in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Here is another description of eternal hell, not the grave (Mt. 13:42, 50; Rev. 9:2). Adjective used to describe the eternal retribution are: “wailing,” in Mt. 13:42 & 50; “weeping and gnashing of teeth” in Mt. 8:12; Mt. 22:13; Mt. 24:51; Mt. 25:30; Lk. 13:28 – all these passages of Scripture picture bitter remorse and pain.
Matthew 25 Explained
(11) The parable of the ten virgins
Verses 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
The “Then” of verse 1, refers to the second coming at the end of the tribulation when Christ comes with His saints (Mt. 25:3, 27-31, 33, 36, 39-51), not at the rapture when He comes for them. It is important to note the connecting adverbs of time from Mt. 25:15 to 28 – “when” of Mt 25:15 – “then” of Mt. 25:16 – “then” of Mt. 25:21 – and “then” of Mt. 25:23. These cover 3 1/2 years from the setting up of the abomination of desolation in the middle of Daniel's 70th week to the second coming at the end of this week. Then in Mt. 25:29 we have a new time element, the second coming itself, immediately after the tribulation of Mt. 25:15-28. Note the events connected with this by the same kind of adverb of time: “then” of Mt. 25:30, – “then” of Mt. 25:40 – and – “then” of Mt. 25:1.
The “Kingdom of heaven,” is not referring to the church – likened to ten virgins. This literally is, “kingdom from the heavens.” It is headed by Jesus Christ for the purpose of re-
Matthew 24 and 25 13
establishing the kingdom of God over this rebellious part of God's realm. Only found in Matthew because it is the gospel of Jehovah's King. It is a dispensational term and refers to Messiah's kingdom on earth. Offered by both John and Jesus (Mt. 3:2; Mt. 4:17; Mt. 10:7). Because it was rejected, it was postponed until Christ comes and set up the kingdom (Mt. 11:12, 20-24; Mt. 27:22-25; Lk. 19:11-27; Acts 1:6-7; Acts 3:19-26). It is now the realm of profession (Mt. 13:11-17, 30, 38-43, 47-50). The parables of the kingdom apply to this age. At the end Christ will come and set up a literal earthly kingdom forever (Mt. 25:31-46; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 19:11 -- Rev. 20:10; Zech. 14; Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44-45; Dan. 7:13-27; Lk. 1:32-33). During the first 1,000 years of His eternal reign He will put down all rebellion and rid the earth of all rebels. Then God will become "all in all" as before rebellion (Rev. 20:1-10; Rev. 21:1 -- Rev. 22:5; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10). Anything said of the kingdom of heaven can also be said of the kingdom of God, because the former is only the earthly dispensational aspect of the latter.
The “Kingdom of God” refers to the sovereignty of God. It is used 70 times and the “kingdom of heaven” 33 times
The third parable of Matthew 24 and 25 illustrate watchfulness in view of Christ’s coming. The ten virgins are ten young ladies who were friends of a certain girl that is married.
Verse 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Five were foolish, because they did not take extra oil in separate vessels to replenish their
supply in their lamps should the oil be used up.
Verse 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Five were wise, because they took extra oil in separate vessels besides what they had in
their lamps.
Verse 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. During the hours before midnight they all became sleepy and slept.
Verse 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
What is mean by, “midnight?” Jewish weddings were generally celebrated at night, starting at the rise of the evening star; but in this case there was some extra delay and the bridegroom and his friends arrived at midnight.
This was customary. Starting from the home of the bridegroom his friends began crying this and all along the route people would take up the joyous cry until it would get near enough to the home of the bride that it would wake up the sleeping ones. It was the duty of the ones chosen by the bride to welcome the bridegroom, therefore, the “cry go ye out to meet him.”
Verse 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
“Then” – when they heard the cry. They all arose to trim their lamps and get them in order. They all had lamps burning when they went to sleep, but the lamps of the foolish needed more oil. The Greek reads, “our lamps are going out” (in verse 8). They asked for oil from the extra that the wise had, but were sent to buy some quickly.
Verses 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Matthew 24 and 25 14
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
The “lamp oil,” is not referring to the Holy Spirit, as some think, because He cannot be bought and sold or divided between people at their request.
Verses 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins,
saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
The bridegroom that was married to a certain young lady, does not refer to Christ’s coming for His saints. [The marriage of the couple in this story does not refer to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb of Rev 19:1-10.]
The door was “shut.” Doors were always locked to uninvited guests and for fear of thieves who would rob the guests or carry off the bride for a ransom.
Verse 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not
“I know you not,” was true, because they were friends of the bride, not necessarily the
bridegroom who is called “Lord” in verse 11.
Verse 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man
comet and of the talents.
In verse 18 he says that if you are working in the field and find out about it, don’t even take the time to cross the field to fetch your coat, just flee for the mountains to hide from the persecution that is coming.
In verse 19 Jesus mentions personal situations that would make this very difficult. Those who are pregnant or have a young child would have a difficult time because it is hard to move quickly if either of those things are true. In verse 20 He mentions timing circumstances which would make it difficult, winter or a Sabbath. The cold, wet weather of winter makes travel and hiding in the mountains more difficult. Any hindrance could be fatal. And if it occurs on a Sabbath, those holding to the Sabbath travel restrictions would be greatly hindered and the orthodox might try to obstruct other people from breaking their Sabbath restrictions.
Jesus emphasis is obvious. The Abomination of Desolation will
herald the outbreak of a very severe danger for those in Judea. There will not be a moment to lose in fleeing to the hills. In verse 21 Jesus describes this as “a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall.” There is nothing before and nothing after that will compare to it.
Daniel 12:1 says the same thing, “And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.”
The danger that will arise in Judea will primarily be a persecution of the Jews. The Anti-Christ will have swept through the Middle East and begin a severe persecution of the Jews. Zechariah 13 describes the slaughter of that time, “And it will come about in all the land,” declares the LORD, “That two parts in it will be cut off and perish; But the third will be left in it. And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and the will say, ‘The LORD is my God.'”
Here in Matthew Jesus describes the urgent need to flee to the mountains to hide. Revelation 12 also describes the necessity of fleeing. The woman of that chapter, representing Israel, flees into the wilderness for 1,260 days, or 3½ years (12:6). The anti-Christ will also vent his wrath on the surrounding nations, and according to Revelation, on those who profess Christ. Rev. 6 and 7 both describe multitudes of people who are martyred because of their testimony for Christ.
This will be the worst period of tribulation that has ever, or will ever occur. It is so bad that in verse 22 Jesus says, “unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days shall be cut short.”
The cutting short of the days can not refer to the number of days, for that is already determined in Scripture as 1,260. The cutting short must then refer to either the length of the day or the length of daylight. Either one requires a miracle at the hand of God as a means to enable the elect to better hide from the anti-Christ.
The term “elect” refers both to the remnant of the nation of Israel that will turn to Christ and to the gentiles that come to Jesus during the tribulation period. If the days had not some how been cut short, no life would be left, but God does cut them short for the sake of the elect, His chosen people.
Another danger in this time of tribulation will be the continuing effort of false prophets to deceive, and that is what verses 23-28 deal with. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”
The Apostle Paul describes this same thing in 2 Thess. 2:9 telling about “the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because the did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”
Revelation 13:13 describes the beast who “performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast,” This includes the appearance of raising someone from the dead (vs. 3,14).
As people are hiding in the mountains there will be a continual effort to deceive these people even by miracles into believe that Christ has returned. But Jesus warns against it. Verse 25, “Behold, I have told you in advance. If therefore they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go forth, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east, and flashes even to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.“
The Lord will not return in secret. It will not be hidden. It will be as bright and obvious as lighting that strikes across the sky. Revelation 1:7 says that “every eye shall see Him.” Tell that to the next cult group that you encounter that tries to tell you that Jesus has already secretly returned. There is no reason to believe such lies now, and there will be no reason to believe such lies in the future regardless of the miracles that may be done by the one claiming it. Jesus has already told us, when He returns, it will be obvious to everyone.
The proverbial statement of verse 28 states the same thing, “Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.” It is easy to find the carcass of a dead animal because the circling vultures over it declare it to everyone.
Next week we will examine verses 29-31 to see exactly what the sign of His coming will be.
As I said last week, the point of this is that God has already determined the future and revealed some of it to us. The question to us is what will we do with that knowledge.
If you are not a Christian, then take the warning given seriously. There is no guarantee that you will make it to this period because any of us could die at any time, but even if you did, what then? Salvation of your soul will probably come at the cost of your physical life? What holds you back from humbling yourself and seeking the Lord’s forgiveness now? Get right with the Lord Today!
If you are a Christian, then what sort of life you are living. What is your mind set on, what controls your heart? If you mind is not set on the eternal things of God, if your heart is not controlled by Him, then change it! If it is, rejoice!
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