More About The End

Jesus continues to discuss future events.

Matthew 24:31-42

Angels gathering the elect (v. 31)

• from the four winds
• from one end of heaven to the other

Parable of the fig tree (v. 32-33)

• knowing that summer is near
• knowing that the end is near

The eternal words of Christ (v. 34-35)

• “This generation”. Does Christ mean the generation that is listening to him, or the generation that will be alive when these things happen? Or is the same group?
• Many things will disappear, but not the words of Christ.

Nobody knows, but God (v. 36)

• Whenever somebody tells you that he knows or can predict when the end will be, don’t believe him.

As in the days of Noah (v. 37-42)

• Life was routine until Noah entered the ark.
• So shall it be when Jesus returns.

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Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

Jesus warns that much false information about him will prevail.

Matthew 24:19-30

• When trouble comes it will be best not to be pregnant or nursing. And pray that it’s not winter or the Sabbath. Why? Because of the hardships involved with traveling under those conditions. Note: the existence of sabbath for believers implies either a.) a continuing sabbath in the church, or b.) a pre-church fulfillment of this tribulation. (v. 19-21)
• The elect. They exist in the plan of God. God will limit the tribulation for their sake (v. 22) and they cannot be deceived (v. 24).
• Don’t go looking for Jesus to arrive secretly- he will come openly and visibly (v. 23-28)—he will not be in secret chambers.
• Upheaval in the sun, moon, stars and powers of heaven. Do you think this is limited to meteorology? Remember Joseph’s dream (Genesis 37:9-12).
• Why will the tribes of the earth mourn? (v. 30). Does this forbade evil for them?

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The Beginning Of Sorrows

As terrible as destruction of the temple and wars and disasters are, they are just the beginning of the end.

Matthew 24:8-18

These, too, shall follow:

• Persecution of the followers of Christ (v. 9)
• Hatred and betrayal of Christians (v. 10)
• Deceiving false prophets (v. 11)
• Widespread iniquity and cold-heartedness (v. 12)
• Perseverance is the issue (v. 13)
• World-wide preaching of the gospel (v. 14)

The abomination of desolation will stand in the holy place (as Daniel predicted)

• Run to the mountains (v. 16)
• Don’t stop to gather anything from the house (v. 17)
• Don’t return home from work; flee immediately (v. 18)

Meditation Points:

1. In the eyes of God, persecution of His people is worse than anything else.
2. God warns His people to run out of Jerusalem when they see this abomination occur.
3. They should not think that the physical temple or literal city of Jerusalem will provide sanctuary.
4. Yes, they shall be saved; but only if they take the proper action at the proper time.

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