1 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple.
2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.
5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.
6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.”
10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.
11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house,
18 pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.
19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!
20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.
22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.
24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
29 “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 heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.
33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,
39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.
42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.
44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?”
46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing.
47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’
49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards,
50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know.
51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The True Meaning of Matthew 24
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew, a former tax collector, had a unique perspective on the teachings and ministry of Jesus. Matthew records Jesus’ prophecies about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the signs of his second coming in this chapter. The chapter foreshadows the pivotal events that will shape the future of the world, including the rise of false prophets, wars, and the persecution of believers. These warnings echo the prophecies found in the book of Daniel, reminding us of God’s sovereignty over all earthly powers. We will confront the sobering reality of the challenges that await the faithful as we delve into this chapter, but we will also be encouraged by the promise of Christ’s ultimate triumph. This passage calls us to remain vigilant, to hold fast to our faith, and to be prepared for the momentous events that will precede the return of our Lord.
Matthew 24:1-2
His disciples point out the grandeur of the building as Jesus and His disciples are leaving the temple in Matthew 24:1-2. Jesus then shocks them by predicting the destruction of the temple. This passage serves as the opening to the famous Olivet Discourse in which Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of His second coming. Jesus foreshadows a major event in Jewish history – the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in these verses. This event took place in 70 AD when the Roman army under Titus destroyed the temple, as Jesus had predicted. This destruction was a significant event in both Jewish and Christian history. For the Jews, the destruction of the temple meant the end of their centralized worship and sacrificial system. For Christians, it served as a confirmation of Jesus’ prophetic abilities and the fulfillment of His earlier predictions regarding the temple’s destruction.
The destruction of the temple also holds symbolic significance. The temple in the Bible represented the dwelling place of God and was the center of Jewish religious life. Jesus may have been alluding to a shift in God’s presence from a physical building to a spiritual one by foretelling its destruction. This ties into the larger theme in the New Testament of the Church being the new temple, with believers being the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Jesus is setting the stage for the events to come and emphasizing the temporal nature of even the most grandiose human constructions by opening His discourse with a prophecy about the temple’s destruction. This serves to remind His disciples and readers about the inevitability of change and the ultimate authority and power of God over all things, including earthly structures. Jesus elaborates on the signs of His second coming and the end of the age, setting the tone for the rest of Matthew 24 with these two verses. It serves as a reminder for believers to be vigilant, to not be overly attached to worldly things, and to always be prepared for the return of Christ.
Matthew 24:3-8
The disciples in Matthew 24:3-8 start the passage by coming to Jesus privately and asking Him about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. This question sets the stage for Jesus to provide them with insights and warnings about the future events leading up to His return. The disciples were eager to understand what to expect as believers and to gain clarity on the signs that would indicate the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecies.
Jesus responds by cautioning them not to be misled by false messiahs who claim to be the Christ. This speaks to the crucial aspect of discernment that believers should exercise in identifying false prophets and staying faithful to the true teachings of Christ. The presence of false messiahs is a recurring theme in the Bible and serves as a reminder for believers to remain grounded in the truth of the Gospel.
Furthermore, Jesus foretells of wars and rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes in various places. These catastrophic events are referred to as the beginning of birth pains, signaling the intensification of tribulations as the end times draw near. This metaphor of birth pains highlights the gradual and increasing turmoil that will precede the ultimate return of Christ. It indicates a process of spiritual and worldly upheaval that will ultimately give birth to a new era of God’s kingdom.
The mention of these events echoes similar prophecies found in other parts of the Bible. For instance, in the book of Revelation, there are descriptions of wars, famines, and natural disasters as part of the end times scenario. These events serve as reminders for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to view these disruptions as part of God’s sovereign plan for the culmination of history. The passage in Matthew 24:3-8 sets the stage for a detailed account of the signs preceding the return of Christ. It underscores the importance of discernment, faithfulness, and preparedness for believers in the midst of increasing chaos and uncertainty. Believers are encouraged to persevere and look forward to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity by paying attention to these signs and staying rooted in the truth of the Gospel.
Matthew 24:9-14
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the signs of the end times in Matthew 24:9-14. Let’s break this verse down into sections to better understand its meaning:
Verse 9: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
Here, Jesus is warning his followers that they will face persecution and even death because of their faith in him. This prophecy was not only relevant for the disciples but is also a reality for many Christians throughout history and even in present times. The persecution of Christians has been documented in various parts of the world, where believers are targeted and ostracized for their faith in Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a reminder that following Christ may involve hardships and trials, but it also emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one’s faith, even in the face of adversity.
Verse 10: “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.”
This verse highlights the apostasy that will occur in the end times, where people will fall away from the faith and even betray one another. The idea of betrayal and hatred among believers is a sobering reminder of the impact that persecution and trials can have on one’s faith. It serves as a warning against becoming lukewarm or compromising one’s beliefs under pressure. Believers must remain steadfast in their faith and support and love one another in times of trial, even when faced with challenges.
Verse 11: “and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”
False prophets have been a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and Jesus warns his disciples about their prevalence in the end times. These false prophets may claim to have a message from God but will ultimately lead people astray. This verse underscores the importance of discernment and being grounded in the truth of God’s word. Believers are called to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and to stay rooted in the teachings of Jesus to avoid being deceived by false teachings.
Verse 12: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”
This verse speaks to the moral decay that will characterize the end times, where wickedness will abound and many will be led astray. The phrase “the love of most will grow cold” suggests a spiritual apathy and a lack of genuine love and compassion in society. Believers are called to hold fast to their faith and to cultivate a love that is rooted in Christ in the face of increasing evil and immorality. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a fervent love for God and for others, even in the midst of a dark and broken world.
Verse 13: “but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Despite the trials and tribulations that believers will face in the end times, Jesus offers a message of hope and assurance in this verse. Those who persevere in their faith, who stand firm in the face of persecution and deception, will ultimately be saved. This verse underscores the importance of endurance and steadfastness in the Christian journey. It echoes the sentiment expressed in Hebrews 10:36, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
**Verse 14: “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. Jesus speaks of a significant event that will precede the end times in this final verse of the passage: the widespread proclamation of the gospel to all nations. This global evangelism is a key milestone that must be reached before the culmination of history. It underscores the importance of missions and spreading the message of salvation to all corners of the earth. This verse is in line with Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where he commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. It reminds believers of their role in fulfilling the Great Commission and signals that the end times will come when this task is completed. Matthew 24:9-14 offers a profound insight into the signs of the end times and the challenges that believers will face. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, discernment, love, and the proclamation of the gospel. Hold fast to our faith, remain vigilant against deception, and share the message of salvation with a sense of urgency and purpose as we navigate through a world filled with trials and tribulations.
Matthew 24:15-22
Jesus is speaking about the signs of the end times to His disciples in Matthew 24:15-22. This specific passage focuses on a key event known as the “abomination of desolation.” Jesus warns that when they see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place, they should flee to the mountains. This reference to Daniel can be found in the book of Daniel 9:27 and 11:31, where it speaks of a future ruler who will desecrate the temple. This event marks a time of great tribulation and is a clear sign that the end times are near.
The reference to the abomination of desolation is crucial because it serves as a warning to believers to stay vigilant and prepared for the challenges that will arise in the last days. This event is a direct affront to God’s holiness and signifies a time of great distress and persecution for those who believe in Him. Therefore, Christians are urged to be spiritually prepared and to be discerning of the signs of the times.
Jesus goes on to emphasize the severity of the tribulation that will follow, referring to it as a time of unparalleled distress, unlike any other since the beginning of the world. He highlights the urgency of the situation by stating that if those days were not cut short, no human being would survive. This emphasizes the magnitude of the tribulation and the importance of God’s intervention in bringing it to an end. Believers must heed Jesus’ warnings in this passage and spiritually prepare for the challenges that will come in the last days. This includes staying rooted in faith, staying close to God through prayer and studying His Word, and being watchful of the signs of the times. This passage reminds us of the temporal nature of this world and the importance of focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary pleasures or concerns. Matthew 24:15-22 serves as a powerful reminder of the reality of the end times and the tribulations that believers will face. It underscores the need for spiritual readiness, discernment, and faithfulness in the midst of adversity. Just as Jesus warned His disciples to be prepared for the abomination of desolation, we too are called to be prepared for the challenges that will come before His eventual return.
Matthew 24:23-28
Jesus forewarns his disciples in Matthew 24:23-28 about false messiahs and false prophets that will arise in the last days, performing great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. This caution by Jesus emphasizes the importance of discernment and testing the spirits, as not every claim to be from God should be believed. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references to false prophets and the importance of staying vigilant against deceit. A warning about false prophets who perform signs and wonders but lead people away from God is stressed in Deuteronomy 13:1-3, emphasizing the need to stay faithful to the teachings of the Lord.
Jesus then gives a vivid illustration, stating that when He comes again, it will be as unmistakable as lightning flashing in the sky. Here, He is emphasizing the suddenness and visibility of His return, contrasting it with the deceptive nature of false messiahs who try to deceive with their hidden agendas. This aligns with other biblical references that describe the second coming of Christ as a glorious event that will be visible to all, as in Revelation 1:7, where it says, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.”
Jesus goes on to compare His return to the vultures gathering where there is a carcass, signifying the sure and visible nature of His coming. This analogy highlights the inevitability of Christ’s return and serves as a reminder for believers to be prepared at all times. The imagery of vultures circling a carcass draws attention to the idea that where there is spiritual death and decay, there will be a gathering for judgment. This aligns with other biblical teachings about the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared for the day of the Lord, such as in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, which urges believers to be watchful and sober-minded in anticipation of Christ’s return. Christians ultimately need to stay rooted in their faith, be discerning of false teachings and false messiahs, and always be prepared for the sudden and glorious return of Christ as the passage in Matthew 24:23-28 serves as a powerful reminder. It underscores the need for spiritual vigilance, unwavering faith, and a deep understanding of biblical truths in order to navigate the challenges and deceptions of the world as we await the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24:29-31
Jesus speaks of cosmic events that will occur before His second coming in Matthew 24:29-31. The verse reads, “Immediately after the distress of those days ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, 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.”
This section of the chapter speaks about the signs that will precede the glorious return of Jesus Christ. The darkening of the sun, the moon’s light being hidden, and the falling of stars are often interpreted as symbolic language for major upheavals and unprecedented events. This apocalyptic imagery is a common theme found in the Bible, particularly in books like Daniel and Revelation. These events will signal the end times and the imminent return of Christ to judge the world and establish His kingdom.
The reference to the “Son of Man” is significant because Jesus often used this term to describe Himself. It comes from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, where the prophet Daniel sees a vision of one like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven (Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus is affirming His divinity and authority as the promised Messiah by using this title.
The mention of the angels coming with a loud trumpet call to gather the elect is a powerful image of the final gathering of God’s chosen ones. This event is commonly referred to as the rapture in Christian theology, where believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This moment will mark the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death. God, who holds the future in His hands, serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and power in this passage. It calls believers to be vigilant, prepared, and faithful in anticipation of Christ’s return. It emphasizes the importance of living a life that is devoted to Him and His kingdom, knowing that one day He will come again to establish His reign of righteousness and peace.
Matthew 24:32-35
Jesus speaks to his disciples about the Parable of the Fig Tree in Matthew 24:32-35. The fig tree teaches us a lesson: When its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, we know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Jesus in this section is using the analogy of the fig tree to convey a profound message about the signs of the end times. The budding of the fig tree signals the arrival of summer, just as the signs mentioned earlier in Matthew 24 signal the coming of the end times. Jesus emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the signs around us to discern the times we are living in by drawing this parallel.
The reference to “this generation” not passing away until all these things have happened has sparked a lot of debate among scholars. Some interpret “this generation” as referring to the people alive during Jesus’ earthly ministry, suggesting that the events foretold would occur within their lifetimes. Others see it as a reference to the future generation that witnesses these events unfold. Whichever interpretation one follows, the overarching message is clear – the certainty and fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecies.
The assurance that “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” underscores the eternal nature and reliability of God’s Word. It serves as a reminder of the unchanging nature of God and His promises, providing comfort and hope to believers in the face of the ever-changing world around them.
This passage echoes themes found elsewhere in the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40:8, which says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” It serves as a call to faithfulness and preparedness for the return of Christ, urging believers to be vigilant, discerning, and rooted in the enduring truth of God’s Word, even amidst the shifting sands of time and circumstances.
Matthew 24:36-41
Jesus is speaking to his disciples in Matthew 24:36-41 about the Day of Judgment, warning them that no one knows the exact day or hour when it will occur, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. This emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared at all times for the coming of the Lord.
The fact that even Jesus, the Son of God, did not know the timing of the Day of Judgment highlights his humility and submission to the Father’s will. It also serves as a reminder to us to remain vigilant and faithful in our walk with God, as the time of His return will come suddenly and unexpectedly.
The reference to the days of Noah in verses 37-39 is significant, as it draws a parallel between that time and the time leading up to the Day of Judgment. People in the days of Noah were going about their daily lives, seemingly unconcerned with the impending flood, until it was too late. This serves as a warning for us to not be complacent or distracted by the things of this world, but to be alert and ready for the return of Christ.
The mention of two men in the field and two women grinding at the mill in verse 40 symbolizes the sudden separation that will occur at the coming of the Son of Man. One will be taken and the other left behind. This emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and not being caught off guard when Christ returns.
This passage in Matthew 24 echoes the theme of readiness and watchfulness that permeates throughout the Bible. Jesus tells a parable about being dressed and ready for service, with lamps burning, waiting for the master to return in Luke 12:35-40. The message is clear: we must always be prepared for the coming of the Lord, living a life of faithfulness and obedience. Matthew 24:36-41 serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of the Day of Judgment and the importance of living a life of faith and readiness for the return of Christ. It calls us to be vigilant, attentive, and spiritually prepared so that we may be counted among those who are welcomed into the kingdom of God when the time comes.
Matthew 24:42-44
Jesus says in Matthew 24:42-44, “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. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of being prepared for His return in these verses. He compares this preparation to a homeowner being vigilant if he knew when a thief would come to break into his house. The analogy conveys the idea that just as a thief arrives unexpectedly, so will the coming of the Son of Man. This serves as a reminder for believers to be spiritually alert and always prepared for the second coming of Christ.
The theme of readiness and watchfulness is prominent throughout the New Testament. Jesus often used parables and examples to illustrate the need for His followers to be vigilant and prepared for His return. This concept is also echoed in other passages, such as Luke 12:40, where Jesus says, “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Jesus highlights the importance of living a life of faithfulness and obedience by urging His disciples to be on guard and prepared. This call to readiness encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God, live in accordance with His teachings, and be mindful of the eternal significance of their actions. It serves as a reminder that our time on earth is temporary, and we should always be prepared for the imminent return of Christ.
Furthermore, these verses also serve as a warning against spiritual complacency and apathy. Jesus cautions against becoming negligent or distracted in our faith, as it can lead to being caught off guard when He returns. The idea of being watchful and ready extends beyond just the end times but also applies to our daily lives as Christians. It reminds us to stay connected to God through prayer, study of His Word, and living out our faith in a way that honors Him. The message in Matthew 24:42-44 is a powerful call to action for all believers. It challenges us to live with a sense of urgency and anticipation, knowing that our Lord could return at any moment. We demonstrate our commitment to following Christ faithfully and eagerly await His glorious return by staying spiritually awake and prepared.
Matthew 24:45-51
Jesus tells a parable known as the “Parable of the Faithful Servant” in Matthew 24:45-51.” This parable talks about the importance of being faithful and wise in serving God while waiting for His return.
Firstly, in verse 45, Jesus describes a faithful and wise servant who is put in charge of the other servants in his master’s household to give them their food at the proper time. This servant represents a believer who is diligent in carrying out the duties and responsibilities given to them by God. This emphasizes the importance of being faithful in the small tasks that God has entrusted us with, as this will ultimately lead to a greater reward.
However, in contrast, verses 48-51 describe a wicked servant who mistreats his fellow servants and indulges in sinful behavior because he believes that his master is delaying his return. When the master does return unexpectedly, the wicked servant is caught off guard and is punished severely. This serves as a warning to believers not to become complacent or fall into sinful behavior, thinking that the return of Christ is far off. Instead, we should always be prepared and living in a manner that is pleasing to God, knowing that His return could happen at any moment.
This parable highlights the significance of faithfulness, diligence, and readiness in the lives of believers. It urges us to be watchful and prepared for the second coming of Christ, as we do not know the day or the hour when He will return (Matthew 24:36). It also echoes the sentiments shared in other passages of the Bible, such as in Luke 12:42-48 where Jesus similarly talks about the faithful and wise manager and the consequences of being unfaithful.
Therefore, the message of the Parable of the Faithful Servant in Matthew 24:45-51 serves as a reminder for believers to stay faithful, vigilant, and obedient while eagerly awaiting the return of their Master, Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of living a life that is aligned with God’s will and being ready for His return at any moment.
After Matthew 24
Jesus in this chapter foretells the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and warns his disciples about the signs of the end times. He cautions them to be vigilant and prepared for his return, emphasizing the importance of staying faithful amidst trials and tribulations. Jesus urges his followers to be watchful and ready, for no one knows the exact hour of his coming. Reflect on the words of Jesus in Matthew 24, heed his warnings, and remain steadfast in our faith. Let us be diligent in our walk with the Lord, knowing that his return is certain. May we be encouraged to live each day with purpose and dedication, eagerly anticipating the glorious day when Christ will come again to establish his kingdom on earth.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.