Matthew 24

Notes for BSF

See also notes on a related Bible study with Pastor Terry Gray:
http://aletheia-seekers.blogspot.com/2011/11/matthew-24-signs-of-end-of-days.html


JESUS PREDICTS THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE (Matthew 24:1-14)

Matthew 24:2
Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

In 70 AD, the Roman empire conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple. And indeed, not one stone was left standing, because the Roman soldiers tore apart the stones to get to the melted gold.


JESUS REVEALS THE SIGNS OF THE END OF DAYS (Matthew 24:3-51)

The disciples asked Jesus about the end of days

Matthew 24:3
Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?

Signs of the End of Days
1. False prophets
2. Wars and rumors of wars
3. Famine and pestilence
4. Abomination of Desolation

A time of deception – Matthew 24:8
And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’"

There are many religions today that claim they can provide salvation, that claim they also believe in Jesus. However, the things they teach are contrary to what the Bible teaches. We cannot claim we believe in God and then turn around to preach a theology that directly contradicts with the Word. One of the best ways to prevent ourselves from following false teachers is to diligently study the Bible with the attitude of the Bereans:

Acts 17:11
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Paul was their ministering pastor, and from the Scriptures, we know Paul to be one of the greatest Christians leaders of his time. We all have flaws (and Paul had his share), but read through the New Testament, and no one can deny the awesome, admirable, and inspirational Christian spirit exhibited by Paul. Under the teachings of such an amazing scholar, the Bereans didn't just take Paul for his word. They went and compared his teachings against the Bible, to make sure for themselves that what Paul taught was consistent with the Word of God.

No man is perfect, no matter how Christ-like they are. We can all be tempted at any time of our lives. This is why it is dangerous for us to put our faith in any one person, to just trust them and take them at their word. Be like the Bereans, and our chances of weeding out the false teachers will be greater.

A time of war – Matthew 24:9-10
But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Today, there are numerous wars brewing with Israel smack in the center of them. The battle for Jerusalem makes no political or economical sense, because the land has not strategic advantage. The only reason to fight for Jerusalem is Biblical, as prophecy dictates that people will constantly fight against Israel for the land granted to them by God.

A time of natural disasters – Matthew 24:11
And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

A time of persecution – Matthew 24:12-13
But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.

Christians today are persecuted for their faith in Christ.

A time of betrayal – Matthew 24:16-17
You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.

Soon, the society will return to the times of the Judges, where the society regards no laws. Everyone will do what is right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25).

The documented responses in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 provide different perspectives
See also notes on a couple of related Bible studies with Dr. Chuck Missler:
1. http://aletheia-seekers.blogspot.com/2011/12/revelation-28-11.html 
(Scroll down near the end)
2. http://aletheia-seekers.blogspot.com/2012/10/daniel-9.html

Matthew 24:9
They they will...

Luke 21:12
But before all these things...

Matthew 24 focused on events that follow the Signs (mostly centered around the Great Tribulation). Luke 21, however, focused on events that come before the Signs (mostly centered around the fall of Jerusalem).


... Until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled

Luke 21:24
Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

One of the criteria for the return of Christ is the fulfillment of the times of the Gentiles. What does this mean? The Bible does not elaborate. However, this passage informs us that there is a unit of measurement that defines completion for the time that we're currently living in -- and once that measurement hits 100%, all the events that usher in Jesus' return will take place in rapid succession.

Be aware of the Abomination of Desolation
In the end of days, the Antichrist will defile the Holy of
Holies, announcing himself as god. Jesus used the term, "Abomination of Desolation" (Matthew 25:15) to describe this event, quoting Daniel (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11).

The erection of a pagan idol is an abomination. When such an idol is erected in the Holy of Holies, it is the ultimate abomination, the Abomination of Desolation." This has happened only once in history, when Antiochus Epiphanes erected an idol in the Holy of Holies in 167 BC. The next time it happens, it will be as Daniel had prophesied about the Anti-Christ (Daniel 9:27).

Jesus warned those in Judea (Jews) that when they "see" this happening, drop everything and just FLEE to the mountains (Matthew 24:16-22).

We do not know exactly how we can "see" this occurring, but we know several things:

1. Only the High Priest can enter the Holy of Holies, and this occurs only once a year.
2. There hasn't been a Temple since it was destroyed in 70 AD.

Given the above, we can deduce the following:
1. The Temple will be rebuilt.
2. The erection of the Abomination of Desolation will be a major political move. And with our media today, major television companies (e.g., CNN) will capture this for the world to "see."

Jesus revealed these Signs so that we would know the signs of His coming, that we would know the seasons; that we would know the time -- and BE READY for His return.

Matthew 24:32-33
Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near -- at the doors!

Jesus expects us to know the seasons. He used the weather as an example. When we see leaves fall, we know that autumn is coming. Similarly, when we see the signs that Jesus spoke of, we should therefore know that He is returning soon.

Upon the return of Jesus...

Zechariah 12:10
The people of Israel will be redeemed; they will recognize Jesus as their Messiah.

Matthew 24:30
We will see the Son of God in glory.

Revelation 1:7
All will know Jesus is God, and those who are not in Jesus will mourn because they would realize their fate.

No one knows the day or the hour of Christ's return

Matthew 24:36
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

We do not know exactly when Jesus would return – so be aware of people who try to predict it. When God says we will not know, then we will not know.

Be on the look out for the return of our King
Although Jesus has made it clear that we will not know the exact day of His return, He does expect us to know the seasons, the times of His return.

The end of days will be like the days of Noah

Matthew 24:37-39
But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Those who perished in the flood remained blind to the warnings of God pronounced through Noah until they perished in the flood (Genesis 6-7). Jesus here warns us of the same fate if we are as those who eat, drink, and be merry, refusing to acknowledge the sovereignty of God.

The people of Noah's time...
1. Did not heed the Word of God
2. Mocked those who were good stewards of God’s Word
3. Were taken over by sins of the flesh

Be a faithful servant and diligently seek our King's return
In the parable, the first servant worked expecting his master to return at any time. And so, when he worked, he worked hard so that if his master were to return at any second, everything will be ready for his master.

The wicked servant, on the other hand, worked expecting his master to delay in his return -- perhaps, to never return. And so, when he worked, he was lazy, thinking since his master wasn't coming back any time soon, he could slack off and do the work later. When the master does return, this wicked servant would be caught off guard, having done nothing and not ready to welcome his master home.

Do not walk through our Christian lives as wicked servants. We do not know when Jesus will return, but Jesus has already told us how to identify the signs of His return. We are to remain vigilant and always be expecting His coming. If we are ready for Him when He returns, we will reign with Him as kings and priests. If we are not ready for Him, then we will be judged.

Therefore, let us be diligent students of the Bible. Study the Word of God, but most importantly, DIGEST and UNDERSTAND how the Word of God applies to our lives. And then, every day, LIVE out the Word of God, and let the Holy Spirit guide us in ALL that we do.