Matthew: Chapter 24
Chapter 24 and 25 contains the final discourse in the book of Matthew, and specifically deals with the end times. The interpretation of the passage shows that some segments of it are fulfilled, while some are yet to be fulfilled.
Signs of the End of the Age
The passage begins with Jesus' disciples calling his attention to the buildings of Jerusalem as they left the temple and were walking away. Jesus responds by saying,
"Do you see all these things?" he asked, "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." Matthew 24:2
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples privately ask Jesus to elaborate, putting forth three questions. "When will this happen?", "What will be the sign of your coming?" and "What will be the sign of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). The disciples were primarily curious about what happens to Jerusalem, but recognize that there is a greater scope to this. Jesus responds in a way which answers all these questions. While some verses are specific to one of those questions, others have repeated fulfilment in all the events.
The first thing Jesus stresses is that the disciples (and by extension everyone) must "Watch out" so that we would not be deceived by anyone. Jesus warns that many would come in his name and even claim that they are Christ, and this would cause many to be deceived and fall away. Further, there will be wars and rumors of wars, nations and kingdoms will rise against each other, with famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are just the start of troubles.
Jesus then warns about the persecution which awaits the true followers of Christ, who'd be even put to death and hated by all nations because of Christ. This too will cause many to turn back from faith and will betray and hate each other. Many false prophets will appear and deceive even more people. There would be an increase in wickedness and love of most will grow cold. In all this, ones who stand firm to the end will be saved.
But he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:13-14
Jesus quotes "the abomination that causes desolation" spoken through prophet Daniel as another sign to this cataclysmic destruction. (This part can be taken as being specific to the destruction of Jerusalem, but this could also be an instance of double fulfilment for a later time, say, the tribulation and end of the age.). When the reader sees this abomination standing in the holy place, let them understand and those in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one go back to get anything from their houses. It will be dreadful in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers. This distress would be unequalled from the beginning of the world until now and never be equaled again. These days however, would be cut short so that people survive and for the sake of the elect.
Jesus once again warns of false Christs and false prophets would appear and perform great signs and miracles in order to try and deceive even the elect if it is possible. These signs are given to us so that we would be vigilant and be ready.
As a definite sign of Jesus' return, the event itself will be visible and known to everyone and not something done in secret. Which the false Christs can't replicate as they rely on being isolated and hidden.
So, if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:26,27
Jesus then mentions the how the nations of the world would react to the actual return of Christ. When Jesus returns his sign will appear in the sky and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see him coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Just like how we know to tell the seasons changing from trees, so too will be know that the end is near, right at the door, when we see these signs being fulfilled. These are definite and will definitely be fulfilled.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35
The Day and Hour Unknown
As for the specific time and day of when these would occur, no one knows but the Father. Nevertheless, as the time gets closer, the world would become more wicked and it will be like in the days of Noah at the arrival of the Son of Man. In the days of Noah, people forgot the LORD and were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, willfully oblivious to the impending doom despite the various call for repentance. Likewise, when the time comes, not everyone would be ready. Two men will be working together, one will be taken and the other left back.
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:42-44
Jesus illustrates the needed for readiness with an account of a faithful and wise servant whom the master has put in charge of the servants in this household to give them their food at the proper time. It'll be good for the servant to be found doing so when the master returns. But suppose the servant is wicked and mistreats the servants under him, thinking his master won't be home for a long time. The master of the servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of, punish him and will assign him a place with the hypocrites where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Chapter 24 is unique in Matthew for its message about the future. The reason this is given to us is so that we will be ready and not be deceived and fall away. It's up to us to be ready and prepared by doing the will of the Father. See you in the next one. Take care of yourself and each other!
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