Matthew 24:1-28 is about Jesus foretelling the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and warning his disciples about the signs of the end times, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant, faithful, and prepared for his return.
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.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 24:1-28
The scene in Matthew 24:1-28 takes place on the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. Jesus is with his disciples, including Peter, James, John, and Andrew. They had been in Jerusalem, where Jesus had been teaching in the temple, but now they have withdrawn to the Mount of Olives for some private time together.
As they sit overlooking the city, the disciples are in awe of the grandeur of the temple complex. They begin to ask Jesus about the future, wanting to know when the temple will be destroyed and what signs will signal the end of the age. Jesus then launches into a detailed explanation of the signs of the end times, warning them of false prophets, wars, famines, and earthquakes that will precede his second coming.
The disciples listen intently as Jesus paints a vivid picture of the tribulations that will come before the end, urging them to stay vigilant and faithful amidst the chaos and turmoil that will characterize those times. The scene is charged with a sense of urgency and anticipation as Jesus prepares his followers for the challenges that lie ahead.
What is Matthew 24:1-28 about?
Jesus in this verse foretells the future destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and also gives signs that will signal the end times. This prediction serves as a warning and a reminder that nothing on earth is permanent, not even the most sacred and revered places. Jesus emphasizes the impermanence of material things and the importance of focusing on spiritual matters by foreshadowing this event.
Jesus’ words in this verse urge us to reflect on the transient nature of the physical world and to prioritize our spiritual well-being. It prompts us to think about what is truly important in life and to consider our actions and values in the context of eternity. Jesus challenges us to look beyond temporary earthly concerns and to seek a deeper connection with the divine by discussing the end times and the destruction of the temple. Let’s reflect on our own lives and consider what we are building our foundations upon as we ponder this verse. Are we investing more in material possessions or in nurturing our spiritual growth? Jesus’ prediction serves as a poignant reminder to focus on what truly matters and to prepare ourselves for the eternal reality that lies beyond the physical realm. Let’s take this opportunity to assess our priorities and align them with the teachings of Jesus, so that we may be ready for whatever the future may hold.
Understanding what Matthew 24:1-28 really means
In Matthew 24:1-28, Jesus imparts crucial insights to His disciples regarding the signs of His return and the end times. This passage, known as the Olivet Discourse, offers a prophetic glimpse into future events, urging believers to be spiritually prepared and discerning amidst global uncertainties. Jesus foretells the destruction of the Temple, symbolizing the transition from the old covenant to a new era, emphasizing the importance of recognizing false prophets who may deceive many. The mention of wars and rumors of wars serves as a stark reminder of the unrest that will characterize the end times, prompting believers to remain spiritually vigilant.
Drawing parallels with other biblical passages such as Daniel 9:27, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, and Revelation 6:1-8, Jesus’ warnings align with prophecies about the abomination of desolation, the man of lawlessness, and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. These connections underscore the gravity of the events foretold by Jesus and emphasize the need for believers to anchor themselves in faith and truth. Amidst the chaos and turmoil, the assurance that the gospel will be preached globally offers hope and a sense of purpose to believers, reminding them of their mission to share the message of Christ with all nations.
In today’s context, the message of Matthew 24:1-28 resonates profoundly, urging believers to cultivate spiritual preparedness, exercise discernment in distinguishing truth from deception, and hold fast to their faith in the face of adversity. Just as a lighthouse keeper perseveres through storms to guide ships to safety, believers are called to be beacons of light and hope in a world overshadowed by fear and confusion. This passage serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God’s ultimate plan will prevail despite the trials and tribulations foretold by Jesus.
Are we being deceived by false prophets?
Jesus warns his disciples about false prophets who will come in his name, claiming to be the Messiah or speaking on behalf of God in Matthew 24:1-28. These false prophets will deceive many people with their signs and wonders, leading them astray from the true path of righteousness. Jesus cautions his followers to be vigilant and discerning, not giving in to the deceptive teachings of these impostors.
The intention behind the warning about false prophets is to emphasize the importance of discernment and spiritual vigilance among believers. Jesus wants his followers to be aware of the potential deception that can come from those who claim to represent God but are actually spreading falsehoods. Believers can protect themselves from being led astray and maintain a faithful relationship with God by staying grounded in the truth of his teachings and being wary of false prophets. Believers should remain steadfast in their faith, not being swayed by the false promises and teachings of deceitful individuals, as the message in this passage serves as a reminder. Followers can guard themselves against falling into the traps set by false prophets by staying rooted in the Word of God and seeking guidance through prayer and discernment.
Application
Just as you ensure your tasks are completed at work and take care of your family, it’s crucial to heed Jesus’s warning and stay prepared for the end times. Strengthen your faith daily, sharing the message of love and salvation with others just as you would share important news with loved ones. Take a moment to reflect: Are you truly embodying the teachings of Christ in your daily life? Can you confidently say you are actively spreading His message to those around you, guiding them towards salvation and love?
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.