Matthew 24:1-35 is about Jesus’ warning to his disciples about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the signs of the end times, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant, faithful, and ready 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.
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.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 24:1-35
The scene in Matthew 24:1-35 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 ultimate redemption of God’s people. They are both amazed and fearful at the prophecies Jesus shares with them, realizing the gravity of the times they are living in and the importance of being prepared for the coming of the Son of Man.
What is Matthew 24:1-35 about?
Jesus prophesizes the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and foretells signs that will indicate the coming of the end times in this verse. He is warning his disciples and followers about the trials and tribulations that will occur before the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan. Jesus is sharing these predictions to prepare his listeners for the challenges they will face in the future and urging them to remain steadfast in their faith.
It is important to understand the context in which Jesus is speaking and the significance of his words. Jesus is not only foretelling a historical event that will unfold but also symbolizing the shift from the old covenant to the new covenant by predicting the destruction of the temple. The signs of the end times serve as a reminder that despite the hardships and chaos that may come, God’s ultimate plan for salvation and redemption will prevail. Jesus’s words encourage us to stay vigilant, keep faith, and trust in God’s sovereignty even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. So let us reflect on these prophecies and be inspired to continue our journey with unwavering faith and hope.
Understanding what Matthew 24:1-35 really means
In Matthew 24:1-35, we find Jesus delivering the Olivet Discourse to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, discussing the signs of His coming and the end times. The context is set as Jesus had just left the temple, and His disciples marveled at the grandeur of the temple buildings. Jesus then prophesied about the temple’s destruction, a prophecy that came to pass in AD 70. This prophecy prompted the disciples to inquire about the signs of His return and the end of the age.
One striking phrase from this passage is when Jesus declares, “Not one stone here will be left on another,” symbolizing the complete destruction and the fleeting nature of earthly structures. The mention of “wars and rumors of wars” signifies the turmoil and conflicts that will precede the end times, while “nation will rise against nation” hints at the global scale of these conflicts. The reference to “the abomination that causes desolation” alludes to a specific event of desecration, drawing from the book of Daniel.
To delve deeper into the significance of these themes, one can explore related passages such as Daniel 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11, which provide context on the abomination that causes desolation. Additionally, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes the return of Christ and the gathering of believers, while Revelation 6-19 offers a detailed account of the tribulations leading up to Christ’s second coming.
The relevance of these teachings to people today lies in the call to vigilance and preparedness for Christ’s return. They serve as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly things and the importance of focusing on eternal matters. Despite the chaos and suffering in the world, the promise of Jesus’ return brings hope and assurance that He will establish His kingdom.
Consider someone who lived through a natural disaster or war, finding strength and perspective through their faith in Christ. Their experience parallels the signs Jesus mentioned, showcasing how faith can provide resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, understanding and heeding Jesus’ warnings in Matthew 24:1-35 is crucial. It prompts us to live with an eternal perspective, remaining faithful and watchful for His return. Let us hold onto the hope and assurance that Christ’s coming will bring ultimate restoration and peace to a world in need of His redeeming grace.
How can we stay vigilant in times of trouble?
We must stay vigilant in times of trouble by staying connected to our faith, being diligent in prayer, and seeking wisdom and guidance from God. We should always be prepared spiritually, mentally, and emotionally for any challenges that may come our way. We can navigate through difficult times with courage and resilience by continuously seeking God’s strength and guidance.
We must also be mindful of the signs and warnings around us, both in the physical world and in the spiritual realm. It is important to discern the times and cultivate a deep awareness of what is happening around us. Through regular study of the scriptures and fellowship with other believers, we can sharpen our discernment and stay alert to the signs of the times.
Furthermore, maintaining a posture of humility and reliance on God is key to staying vigilant in times of trouble. We can find peace and assurance even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty by trusting in God’s providence and seeking His wisdom. It is through our steadfast commitment to God and His word that we can find the strength and courage to persevere through times of trouble.
Application
Reflect on the impermanence of worldly things and the promise of Christ’s return. Stay faithful and live with purpose, embracing integrity in all you do. The moment of His arrival is unknown, so let’s be ready. Embrace His teachings, fill your heart with readiness, and share God’s saving grace with others. Will you answer the call to live a life that honors God and illuminates His love to the world?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.