(Read Matthew 24:1-35)
Introduction: The 24th chapter of Matthew has some significant teachings, but
these teachings are often misunderstood and thus miss applied. At least the first 35
verses are pointed to an event that occurred in AD 70 - the destruction of Jerusalem and
the Jewish nation as it had been under God's rule and protective care for some 1500 years.
We, His people today,
need to see this in its proper perspectives, and thus be able to identify where modern day
teachers lift passages out of context and miss apply them.
1. Notice that Jesus was near the "temple" as the disciples pointed to what a
great structure it was, when He told them, "There shall not be left here one stone
upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
2. As He sat high on the Mount of Olive, the disciples came and asked three questions: 1)
When shall these things be; 2) What sign shall precede His coming; 3) The end of the
world. First He tells them to be careful
least any man deceive them. He pointed to a number of things that would occur Vs. 4-8).
Thess signs are the beginning of sorrow - consider the misery, pain and shame that came on
the people of the city of Jerusalem was surrounded and finally destroyed! Secondly He
pointed to their personal treatment and reputation and the results (Vs. 9-13). Many would
be overcome to the point they would turn
aside in deception and the love of many would wax cold, causing them to give up. But the
ones who "endured to the end" would be saved Thirdly He affirmed that the
"gospel of the kingdom " would be preached "in all the world for a witness
unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (V. 15) In this connection we should
notice Paul's statement in (Col. 1:23). Remember that Paul wrote the Colossian letter
prior to AD 70 when the city was destroyed. Thus Jesus' claim came true. Fourthly, He gave
instruction for the observing disciples who would be living when signs of the destruction
appeared, to "flee" to safety (Vs.
15-18). Fifthly, He points to some of the difficulties that would be experienced by
certain disciples due to their condition -- especially those with small children, etc
(V.19-22), Perhaps if we look at Paul's statements about the "present distress"
on family conditions (1 Cor. 7:26). There would be people in this time of disturbance
trying to persuade to act unwisely (Vs. 23-28). However, He left the warning,
instructions, encouraging word, so there was no need for one to be deceived, IF they
listened carefully and followed the directions! Seventh, he mentioned the
"tribulation of those days" how darkness would
reign, but then the Son of man would appear (Vs. 29-35). These things were to be fulfilled
before the "generation" passed. His word was sure to stand after the heaven and
earth passed: It was/is SURE!
Questions:
1. Where was Jesus when he said not "one stone" would be left on another (Matt.
24:1-2)?
2. What three questions did the disciples Ask Jesus while on the "mount of
Olives" (v. 3)?
3. Regarding what did Jesus tell the disciples to "take heed" - why was it
necessary (vs. 4-13)?
4. What was to occur BEFORE the destruction of the city (V.14) --Did it happen (Col.
1:23)?
5. What were they to do when they saw "the abomination of desolation spoken by
Daniel" (Vs. 15-22)?
6. Did Jesus give adequate instruction for the disciple to escape the destruction (Vs.
23-28)?
7. What condition was to exist "immediately after the tribulations" (Vs. 29-31)?
8. What lesson could be learned of the "fig tree" relative to the destruction
(Vs. 32-33)?
9. When were "these things" to occur, and how sure were they to be fulfilled (
v.34-35) )?
10. How do many speak of the "Great Tribulation"