(6 minute read; 1065 words)
(Often called the “Olivet Discourse” because Jesus taught it on the Mount of Olives.)
Matthew 24 contains some of the most important prophetic material in all of Scripture. It is Jesus’ prophetic teaching about: The destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the age and His Second Coming.
He answers two questions the disciples asked (v.3): When will these things happen? What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?
Verses 1–2 — The Temple Will Be Destroyed
v1–2 – Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple:
“Not one stone here will be left upon another…”
Meaning: This was fulfilled in AD 70 when Rome destroyed Jerusalem. The heat from fires was so intense that the stones crumbled. It also foreshadows larger judgment themes.
Verse 3 — The Disciples’ Questions
They ask privately on the Mount of Olives: When? (only God knows). What sign? (It is actually a series of signs). What about the end of the age? (The disciples do not envision a Second Coming in the far-off future). These questions set up the entire chapter.
Verses 4–8 — The Beginning of Birth Pains
v4–5 – False Christs will appear. (they are all false)
v6–7 – Wars, famines, earthquakes. These things also characterize the present age, but will escalate toward the end.
v8 – “These are merely the beginning of birth pains.” These things have always characterized life in a fallen world, but by calling these things “the beginning” of labor pains, Jesus indicated that things will get notably and remarkably worse as the unique tribulations signal the Messiah to judge sinful humanity and set up the millennial kingdom.
Meaning: These are not the end yet — they are signs that history is moving toward it. Like contractions before delivery.
Verses 9–14 — Persecution and Global Gospel
v9 – Believers persecuted and killed (deliver you up).
v10–12 – Many fall away; lawlessness increases; love grows cold. (suggests that professing believers who fall away and even turn against “one another.” Those who fall away in such a manner give evidence that they were never true believers).
v13 – “The one who endures to the end will be saved.” The people who persevere are the same ones who are saved. This does not suggest that a person’s perseverance secures salvation.
v14 – Gospel preached to all nations, then the end comes. The gospel message ultimately penetrates every part of the globe. God is never without a witness and He will proclaim the gospel from heaven itself, if necessary. (Revelation 14:6)
Meaning: True faith perseveres. The gospel will reach the world before the final end.
Verses 15–22 — The Great Tribulation
v15 – “Abomination of desolation” (from Daniel).
v16–20 – Urgent fleeing from Judea.
v21 – “Great tribulation such as has not occurred…”
v22 – Days shortened (held short of total destruction) for the elect.
Both Daniel 7:25 and Revelation 12:14 suggest that the actual length of time the beast (the Antichrist) will be permitted to terrorize the world is fixed at three and one-half years.
Meaning: Many see partial fulfillment in AD 70. Others see a future global tribulation still to come. Possibly both (near and far fulfillment).
Verses 23–28 — False Signs and False Christs
v23–26 – Do not believe claims that Christ is secretly here or there. Deception is not possible. All self-styled messiahs are false.
v27 – His coming will be obvious — like lightning across the sky. When Christ comes, no one will miss it. It will be evident to all, near and far.
v28 – Where there is judgment, it will be evident. “Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.” Just as dead flesh naturally draws vultures (carrion birds), judgment will be unmistakable and certain.
Meaning: The Second Coming will not be hidden or secret.
Verses 29–31 — The Visible Return of Christ
v29 – Cosmic disturbances.
v30 – The Son of Man appears in glory.
v31 – Angels gather the elect. All the elect from heaven and earth are gathered and assembled before Christ. This culmination of world history ushers in the millennial reign of Christ. (Revelation 20:4)
This is clearly about the Second Coming — visible, powerful, unmistakable.
Verses 32–35 — The Fig Tree Lesson
When a fig tree “puts forth leaves,” only a short time remains until summer. Likewise, the final labor pains begin, Christ’s return “is near;” is at the doors.
When you see the signs, know it is near.
v34 – “This generation will not pass away…”
It seems best to interpret Christ’s words as referring to the generation alive at the time when those final, hard labor pains begin; the fig tree lesson.
v35 – His words are more permanent than heaven and earth.
Verse 36 — No One Knows the Day
Not even angels, nor the Son (in His earthly role), but only the Father. Instead, Christ emphazises faithfulness, watchfulness, stewardship, expectancy, and preparedness… preached in the parables to follow
Meaning: We cannot predict the exact timing; stay vigilant.
Verses 37–41 — Like the Days of Noah
Life will seem normal.
Sudden judgment will come.
One taken, one left.
The people’s preoccupation with mundane matters and were unconcerned about Noah’s preaching and therefore were swept away unexpectantly in the midst of their daily routine activities.
Main point: Be ready.
Verses 42–44 — Stay Alert
Be watchful because the timing is unknown. Since no one knows what hour the thief will come, no one knows the hour of the Lord’s return or the Day of the Lord that accompanies His Coming. Be ready at all times. Are you ready right now?
Verses 45–51 — The Faithful vs. Wicked Servant
Faithful servant: prepared, obedient, watchful and ready.
Wicked servant: represents the unbeliever who refuses to take seriously the promise of Christ’s return. He assumes delay and lives sinfully. Note: Even unbelievers are responsible and accountable for the stewardship of his time. Every person in the world holds his life, natural abilities, wealth, and possessions in trust from God and must give account of how these things were used.
The punishment for the unbeliever where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth which speak of the inconsolable grief and unremitting torment, describing hell/the lake of fire.
Judgment comes unexpectedly.
Big Themes in Matthew 24
Deception increases, persecution increases, the gospel spreads globally, tribulation intensifies and Christ returns visibly. Be ready — always.
How to Apply It
Don’t panic at world events. Don’t chase sensational predictions. Endure faithfully. Preach the gospel. It is going to happen. Live ready for Christ’s return.
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