What I Noticed Today (Matthew 24)
Matthew 24
Matthew 24-25 is Jesus’ fifth discourse.
In verses 1-2, Jesus had just spoken of the desolation of the temple. As they left the temple, the disciples pointed out the building, and Jesus said not one stone would be left upon another.
In verse 3, reaching the Mount of Olives, the disciples then asked Jesus: 1) when will this happen, and 2) what would be the sign of His coming and 3) what would be the sign of the end of the age.
Note: The balance of Matthew 24 and 25 are what is referred to as the Olivet Discourse (because it was given on the Mount of Olives). It is prophetic in that it speaks to the Tribulation period and Christ’s second coming.
In verses 4-14, Jesus answered the disciples, describing the first half of the Tribulation period.
- There will be false messiahs (vv. 4-5).
- There will be wars and rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes (vv. 6-7).
- These are the signs of the beginning of the Tribulation period (birth pains, v. 8).
- Believers will be persecuted, hated, and killed. Many will fall away (apostasy) as a result of the persecution (vv. 9-10).
- There will be false prophets who will deceive many (v. 11).
- There will be lawlessness (v. 12).
- BUT, the one who endures and survives will be saved (v. 13).
- AND the Gospel will be preached throughout the world (v. 14).
In verses 15-28, Jesus describes the second half of the Tribulation period.
- The abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel (Daniel 9:27) occurs in the middle of the 70th week or at 3-1/2 years (v. 15).
- Those in Judea should flee to the mountains (v. 16).
- They must flee quickly, leaving everything behind (vv. 17-19).
- Pray that it does not come in winter or on a Sabbath (because a Sabbath’s day journey Less than ½ mile) would not get them to safety (v. 20).
- The Tribulation will be the worst in the history of mankind (v. 21).
- The tribulation will be so severe that unless the days of tribulation are shortened, no one would survive (v. 22).
- There will be false prophets and false messiahs that will arise and lead even the elect astray (vv. 23-26).
- The coming of the Son of Man will be sudden coming from the east to the west (v. 27).
- Vultures will hover wherever there is a corpse (v. 28).
In verses 29-31, the second Advent of Christ is described.
- The sun and moon’s light will be darkened. A great heavenly upheaval will occur (v. 29).
- The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the clouds of heaven in power and glory, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn (v. 30).
- The Son of Man will send His angels to gather the elect from all over the world (v. 31).
In verses 32-35, Jesus gives the parable of the fig tree. When you see leaves and buds on the fig tree, you know, the harvest is near. When the first half of the Tribulation begins, you know that the coming of the Son of Man is near.
In verses 36-44, Jesus says no one knows the day or the hour of the return of the Son of Man. Even the Son does not know, only the Father.
Note: When Jesus says the Son does not know the time, He is speaking from his human perspective, not His perspective as Messiah.
Just as the wicked were removed from the earth in the days of Noah, so will the wicked be removed when Christ returns.
In verses 45-51, Jesus describes the faithful servant who is found working when the master returns. If the servant thinks the master is delayed in coming and engages in sinful behavior, he will be cut off along with the hypocrites in a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
