Matthew 24 And The End Of The Age

Everyone is interested in what Nostradamus has to say about the end times. People want to know what the Mayans have to say about the end of time. But what does Jesus say about this exciting event and when will it happen?

Matthew 24 is one of the most interesting chapters in the Bible. Jesus tells us when the end will come, how it will happen, and what we must do in order to escape the calamity that will befall all of mankind.

I would like to explore in depth this amazing revelation given to us by the Lord Himself.

Jesus had just departed the temple. His disciples had pointed out the buildings of the temple. They were probably admiring the stone work and the permanent and everlasting appearance of the structure. Jesus quickly over turns the illusion and says "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

This statement prompted another question from the disciples. "Tell us when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"

Matthew 24: 4-44 describe the signs of His coming and the end of the age.. Jesus says that there has never been such a time as this nor shall there ever be again. Keep that in mind. The world has seen much tribulation in the past but nothing like what is to come. When it's over, there will never be anything like it again! Matthew 24:21.

The signs to show that we have entered this great tribulation period are (1) different people saying that they are the Christ, (2) wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. (3)Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. (4) All nations will hate those that are called Christians. Jesus says "you will be hated for My name's sake". (5) Many will be offended and will hate and betray one another. (6) Lawlessness will abound and the love of many will grow cold. (7) Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many and the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Notice that the gospel of the kingdom is different from the gospel of the grace of God. Christ at this point will be returning with His saints not for His saints. He has already received His church. See 1 Thess. 4:13-18. Rev 3:10.

All these things have happened in the past and are still happening. But remember these things will be magnified to an extent that has never been experienced before and will never be again. So we have not yet entered into the great tribulation period, but as we see all these things increasing it would be wise to repent and trust in Jesus. "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" Luke 21:36. The rapture of the church is the next event to happen on the prophetic timeline. Are you ready? What does it mean to repent and trust in Jesus?

Matthew 24:15-28 is addressing primarily Jewish believers. Notice that those who are in Judea should flee to the mountains. Believers should pray that this abomination of desolation would not take place on the Sabbath when the distance they could travel would be limited. The abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place refers to an idolatrous image that will be set up in the holy place, ie, the temple in Jerusalem.

This abomination of desolation is to be set up in the middle of the week or 3.5 years into the tribulation period.
One week is equal to 7 years. Click here for an explanation. At this time believers in Jerusalem must flee. They are instructed not to believe that Christ has appeared in different places. His next appearance will be as lightning that comes from the east and flashes to the west. There will be much death and destruction. Verse 28.

Then the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give it's light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven. "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" Luke 21:36. We don't have to suffer this terrible tribulation. How do we escape? Click here.

Matthew 32-35 tell us that Jesus' return is near and assures us that this event will happen and happen quickly.

Notice in verses Matthew 24:36-44 Jesus is coming as a thief and life on earth is quite normal. (People eating and drinking and getting married etc.) In the previous verses 29-31 He is coming on the clouds with power and great glory. The whole world has been torn apart and the heavens have been shaken. Things are not normal.

This has to mean that verses 36-44 happen before verses 29-31. Verses 36-44 explain the mystery of the rapture and verses 29-31 describe the end of the tribulation period.

Matthew verses 45-51 again assure us of Jesus' soon return. We are encouraged to be faithful in doing what He have given us to do. Shrugging off or abandoning His charge will incur dire consequences.