Matthew 24 is one of the most misunderstood and abused chapters in the Bible. Many believe that the signs being described in it are to be applied to our time today.

Are they right? Is Jesus listing signs that will precede His second coming and the end of the world?

What is the context of Matthew 24?

  • Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple and the entire city of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1-3). This would take place at the hands of the Romans in 70 A.D.
  • The apostles seem to ask two questions in Matthew 24:3. “When will these things happen?” Also, “What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?”
  • Jesus began talking about Jerusalem’s destruction in the previous chapter (Matthew 23:37-39).
  • The Lord answered their questions in the order they were asked.

What were the warning signs that would precede Jerusalem’s destruction?

  • Many false christs would arise (Matthew 24:5).
  • There would be wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).
  • There would be nations rising against nations (Matthew 24:7).
  • There would be kingdoms rising against kingdoms (Matthew 24:7).
  • There would be famines and earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:7).
  • Many disciples would be persecuted, fall away, and betray one another (Matthew 24:9-10).
  • Many false prophets would lead people astray (Matthew 24:11).
  • There would be lawlessness and hatred (Matthew 24:12).
  • The gospel would be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:14).
  • History tells us that all of these things occurred before the destruction of Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-4; 11:28; 12:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:15; 4:10; Colossians 1:5-6, 23)!
  • Those who listened to Jesus and endured these terrible times would be spared (Matthew 24:13).
  • When Christians saw the Romans going to defile the temple, they needed to get out of the city of Jerusalem fast (Matthew 24:15). If they waited that long, they would have almost waited too long!
  • These warnings were for the people of that generation (Matthew 24:34-35).
  • In Matthew 24:36, Jesus seems to transition and begins talking about His second coming. Before Jerusalem was destroyed, there would be several signs. But when the Lord returns, there will be NO signs! It will be similar to what occurred in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39).

What can we learn?

  • We need to always listen to Jesus! While over one million Jews died when Jerusalem was destroyed, we have no evidence of any Christians dying. Disciples took heed to the warnings of Jesus.
  • We need to make sure we are prepared for the return of Jesus. There will be no signs when the Lord comes back (Matthew 24:36). It will be sudden and unexpected.

Conclusion:

Are you prepared for the return of the Lord?