2
Know What’s Coming
Question 1:
When have you been glad to discover you were not alone?
THE POINT
Even in the darkest times, God has not abandoned His people.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
For any child, it’s a horrible feeling when he turns around and can’t find his parent. I was shopping with my energetic son when he decided to do some exploring on his own. When he looked around, he couldn’t find me and he was scared. A store employee comforted him and asked what my name was. Suddenly, I heard my name come across the store intercom, telling me to retrieve my son.
My son was relieved when I came up to the counter. I was troubled to think he might have believed I had left him. You may have had a similar experience—as a child or as a parent! Many parents have briefly lost a child in public. Maybe you have a memory from your childhood when you lost sight of your parent or another adult and you felt lost and alone.
Unfortunately, many of us have also gone through painful moments when we felt abandoned by God. As we continue our study on what Jesus said about His return, we will see that God will never forsake us as the end draws near.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Matthew 24:15-16
15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
The word rendered abomination appears over 120 times in the Bible; in every case, the word refers to something detestable. The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) used the same Greek word to refer to things such as unclean animals (Lev. 11:10-13), magic and divination, (Deut. 18:12), idols (Jer. 4:1), and all things abhorrent to God (Rev. 17:4-5; 21:27). The ultimate abomination, though, is “the abomination that causes desolation,” a horrible and devastating activity that is idolatrous at its core and an affront to the holiness of God.
The phrase “abomination of desolation” was first used in the Book of Daniel. No Old Testament book has more end times teaching than the Book of Daniel. Daniel’s use of the word abomination referred to the desecration of the temple of Jerusalem (Dan. 9:27). Many scholars have noted that at least a partial fulfillment of this prophecy occurred in 176 BC. A Greek ruler named Antiochus IV Epiphanes set up an altar to Zeus above the altar of burnt offerings in the Jerusalem temple. Antiochus IV also did something especially egregious to Hebrews by sacrificing an unclean animal—a pig—on the temple altar.
Since Jesus was speaking almost two hundred years after those events, He was pointing to another future event. Many Bible scholars believe Jesus was referring to the destruction of the temple in AD 70. It is said that when the Romans destroyed the Jewish temple, they raised their pagan flag above the rubble.1 Jesus’ words, “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” also lends support to this view since Jews fled at the time of the Roman invasion in AD 70.
Question 2:
What are the benefits of knowing the signs of the end times?
Many scholars also see Jesus’ words as a reference to a future event involving the antichrist. The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy will occur when the antichrist does something very similar to what Antiochus Epiphanes did. Revelation 13:14 foretells the antichrist making an image that people are forced to worship. For one to turn the temple of God into a place of false worship is truly an “abomination.” Second Thessalonians 2:4 lends support to this view: “He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
One thing is clear: Jesus wanted His disciples—and us!—to know what is coming. And when God’s temple is desecrated, we can know the end is coming.
Matthew 24:17-20
17 “Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. 18 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 19 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20 Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.”
Jesus pointed out in this section that the end times will bring destruction so quickly that believers must waste no time in taking cover. A friend of mine told me the story of his house being destroyed by a tornado several years earlier. Warning of the coming storm came so quickly that he didn’t have sufficient time to gather belongings from his home. That kind of scenario is the essence of what Christ was saying about the need to flee when the abomination of desolation occurs.
“Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house.” Apparently, some people built their houses next to the walls of the city. When they saw an opposing army, immediate flight was vital.
Jesus stressed the difficulty and need for immediate flight with two other examples. The person working in the field did not need to delay, even to get his coat. This coat was likely the outer cloak, which was essentially used as sleeping gear. Christ’s point was that times will become so difficult that people will not be able to go back even for what was perceived as the necessities of life.
Question 3:
How can we be prepared for times of trouble?
Engage
TILL THE END
When are you more likely to recognize God’s presence in your life?
Place an X on the scale below. Then answer the questions and write a prayer.
Times of Difficulty Times of Stability Times of Joy
God will never forsake you and Jesus will never lose you. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of God’s presence in the good times, the bad, and throughout your daily routines.
My Prayer:
“Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.”
Jesus’ second example was “pregnant women and nursing mothers.” This doesn’t imply a “curse” on women who are with child; it simply describes the added difficulty of traveling while pregnant. Jesus mentioned another scenario that could prove challenging at the end: the weather. “Pray that your flight will not take place in winter.” He knew that cold and harsh climates would undoubtedly make travel harder in any scenario, so he encouraged prayer. The pending unmitigated terror awaiting believers calls for a single-minded commitment to fleeing.
To His Jewish disciples, Jesus also called them to pray that their escape would not be “on the Sabbath.” Faithful Jews did not travel more than half a mile on Sabbath days. That would also add the complication of having the city gates closed, all the stores shut down, and access to any transportation unavailable. When it becomes apparent that the end times have arrived, the distress that accompanies those days will come suddenly. Jesus’ words encourage us to be prepared.
Matthew 24:21-22
21 “For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.”
Question 4:
What do you find distressing about this passage?
While many scholars see the verses preceding this as a reference to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70, verse 21 points to events beyond that. Surely the “great distress” in verse 21 cannot be applied only to the destruction of Jerusalem. We know from history that we have undergone more horrific events since then.
No period in history fits the description of the events that will occur during this time. While some view Jesus’ words as an Old Testament Hebrew idiomatic phrase that refers to something that is extremely unusual, others see references to this cataclysmic tribulation period throughout the Book of Revelation.
Christ was describing a time when evil will reign with a great maliciousness. As the return of Christ draws nearer, all bonds of evil will be broken, restraints will be put aside, and lawlessness will flood the earth. God will move in judgment while terrible catastrophes will sweep the earth. Things will be so dark that the people will seek deliverance through death (Rev. 9:6). Hardships often lead people to look to God for help, but that will not be the case during this time of great tribulation.
As difficult as these portions of Scripture are to read, we must be deeply grateful for the mercy of God. Christ seemed to mean that, in His mercy, He will not allow the tribulation to continue forever. God has predetermined that those days will fall short of full destruction. The suffering will be so great that if the Lord let the suffering continue, no one would survive. Otherwise, “no one would survive.” God’s kindness is great, and He will interrupt the tribulation with His return (Matt. 24:29-31).
The specific reason for God’s mercy is “for the sake of the elect.” This is the first time the word “elect” appears in the New Testament. The elect are those who have placed their faith in Christ. This word emphasizes God’s initiative in saving us. We may face hard times, troubles, and tribulation, but we do not face them alone. He is with us to strengthen us, encourage us, help us endure, and ultimately deliver us.
Question 5:
How has God’s mercy in the past helped you trust Him for the future?
LIVE IT OUT
Even in the darkest times, God has not abandoned His people. Choose one of the following applications:
- List. Write down a few specific times that God was there for you in difficulty. It’s too easy to forget all the times when God came through for us. Putting a few of them down in writing will help you remember them.
- Memorize. Memorize a verse about God’s faithfulness. This is one of the best ways to keep in the forefront of your mind that God will never abandon you. A few suggested verses are Lamentations 3:22-23; Hebrews 10:23; or 2 Timothy 2:13.
- Minister. Ask the Lord for a chance to reach out to someone who feels abandoned. Second Corinthians 1:3 encourages us to comfort others with the comfort we have received from God. Whether it’s a needy child, a neighbor in need, or an elderly person from your church, trust God to supply you with multiple opportunities to remind people that God will never leave them.
Most of us have been on one side of physical lostness or the other. It can be frightening for sure. But it’s good to know that those who know Christ will never have to experience that trauma. He is with us and He will be with us to the end.
Teacher Notes:
2. Know What’s Coming
THE POINT: Even in the darkest times, God has not abandoned His people.
The Setting: Jesus and His disciples had left the temple complex to walk
to the Mount of Olives. The disciples called attention to the temple, marveling
at its beauty and massive structure. Jesus shocks them by saying that a time
would come when every stone of the temple would be turned upside down. The
disciples ask Jesus questions about what He said. Questions on the destruction
of the temple, the sign of His coming again, and the end times in general. Jesus
says there will be False Messiahs /
Wars / Nations in conflict /
Famines / Earthquakes / Being handed over to be
persecuted / Being killed
/ Being hated by all nations / Friends
falling away / Christians betraying and hating one another /
Lawlessness multiplying / Love growing cold
He also says to - see to it that you are not
alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Jesus says not to spend time looking for more
signs of His coming; rather, look—with joy and delight—for His coming! And
until He comes, keep sharing the gospel of the kingdom.
Instead of looking for signs of the end, Jesus says
to be faithful and stand strong to the end by sharing the gospel.
But He also emphasizes this morning, the
importance of Knowing What’s Coming because there is more.
Verses 15-22 comprise a prophetic utterance
addressing the horrific events that would accompany the destruction of the
temple by the Romans in AD 70. At the same time, His message also is a reminder
to believers in every era that Christ’s followers will experience distress
before He returns — whenever that may be. His concern was that His followers
live faithfully and be prepared for whatever was to come. Take heart! Even
in the darkest times, God will not abandon His people. He who came as
Immanuel — “God with us” — will be just that forever.
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the
abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel —
let the reader understand — then let those who are in Judea flee to the
mountains.”
1. The desecration of the temple signals the
coming end.
What does the word abomination mean to you?
· The word rendered abomination appears over 120
times in the Bible; in every case, the word refers to something detestable.
The Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures used the same Greek word to
refer to things such as unclean animals (Lev. 11:10-13), magic and
divination, (Deut. 18:12), idols (Jer. 4:1), and all things
abhorrent to God (Rev. 17:4-5; 21:27).
· The ultimate
abomination, though, is “the
abomination that causes desolation,” a horrible and devastating activity that
is idolatrous at its core and an affront to the holiness of God.
This phrase was first used in the Book of
Daniel. No Old Testament book has more end times teaching than the Book of
Daniel. Daniel’s use of the word abomination referred to the desecration of the
temple of Jerusalem (Dan. 9:27). Many scholars have noted that at least a
partial fulfillment of this prophecy occurred in 176 BC. A Greek ruler named
Antiochus IV Epiphanes set up an altar to Zeus above the altar of burnt
offerings in the Jerusalem temple. Antiochus IV also did something especially
egregious to Hebrews by sacrificing an unclean animal — a pig — on
the temple altar.
But Jesus was speaking almost two hundred years
after those events, He was pointing to another future event.
· Many Bible scholars believe Jesus was referring
to the destruction of the temple in AD 70. It is said that when the Romans destroyed the Jewish temple,
they raised their pagan flag above the rubble.1 Jesus’ words, “then let
those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” also lends support to this view
since Jews fled at the time of the Roman invasion in AD 70.
· Many scholars also see Jesus’ words as a
reference to a future event involving the antichrist. The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy
will occur when the antichrist does something very similar to what Antiochus
Epiphanes did. Revelation 13:14 foretells the antichrist making an image
that people are forced to worship. For one to turn the temple of God into a
place of false worship is truly an “abomination.” Second Thessalonians 2:4
lends support to this view: “He will oppose and will exalt himself over
everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in
God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
One thing is clear: Jesus wanted His disciples — and us! — to
know what is coming. And when God’s temple is desecrated, we can know the
end is coming.
Does the temple have to be rebuilt before Jesus
returns?
Note:
The Jewish Temple will be rebuilt on Mount Zion and Temple Worship will be
reestablished before the return of Jesus Christ. A few facts about the Jewish
Temple and the Temple Mount: The Temple Mount site exists in Jerusalem. Today,
in 2022, there is no Jewish Temple. A Jewish Temple has not existed since 70
AD.
Rebuilding the Third Temple
JULY 17, 2020 / CHARLES COOLEY
While our attention is being drawn to wearing
masks and social distancing and upcoming vaccines, there is a much closer sign
of the Lord’s return about to happen – the rebuilding of the 3rd Temple in
Israel. The groundwork for which is being laid right now. The moving of the
American Embassy to Jerusalem and President Trump’s declaration that Jerusalem
is the Capital of Israel has far reaching implications.
Matthew 24:17-20
“Let no one on the housetop go down to take
anything out of the house. Let no one in
the field go back to get their cloak.
How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing
mothers! Pray that your flight will not
take place in winter or on the Sabbath.”
2. The distress that follows will come suddenly.
Jesus pointed out in this section that the end
times will bring destruction so quickly that believers must waste no time in
taking cover. A friend of mine told me the story of his house being destroyed
by a tornado several years earlier. Warning of the coming storm came so quickly
that he didn’t have sufficient time to gather belongings from his home. That
kind of scenario is the essence of what Christ was saying about the need to
flee when the abomination of desolation occurs.
“Peace comes not from the absence of trouble,
but from the presence of God.”
ALEXANDER MACLAREN
Matthew 24:21-22
“For then there will be great distress,
unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled
again. “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the
sake of the elect those days will be shortened.”
3. The time of distress will be so severe that God
will mercifully cut it short.
No period in history fits the description of
the events that will occur during this time. While some view Jesus’ words as an
Old Testament Hebrew idiomatic phrase that refers to something that is
extremely unusual, others see references to this cataclysmic tribulation period
throughout the Book of Revelation.
Christ was describing a time when evil will
reign with a great maliciousness.
As the return of Christ draws nearer, all bonds of evil will be broken,
restraints will be put aside, and lawlessness will flood the earth. God will
move in judgment while terrible catastrophes will sweep the earth. Things will
be so dark that the people will seek deliverance through death (Rev. 9:6).
Hardships often lead people to look to God for help, but that will not be the
case during this time of great tribulation.
As difficult as these portions of Scripture are
to read, we must be deeply grateful for the mercy of God. Christ seemed to mean
that, in His mercy, He will not allow the tribulation to continue forever. God
has predetermined that those days will fall short of full destruction. The
suffering will be so great that if the Lord let the suffering continue, no one
would survive. Otherwise, “no one would survive.” God’s kindness is great, and
He will interrupt the tribulation with His return (Matt. 24:29-31).
The specific reason for God’s mercy is “for the
sake of the elect.” This is the first time the word “elect” appears in the New
Testament. The elect are those who have placed their faith in Christ. This word
emphasizes God’s initiative in saving us. We may face hard times, troubles, and
tribulation, but we do not face them alone. He is with us to strengthen us,
encourage us, help us endure, and ultimately deliver us.
Conclusion:
Most of us have been on one side of physical lostness or the other. It can be frightening for sure. But it’s good to know that those who know Christ will never have to experience that trauma. He is with us and He will be with us to the end.
What is the Olivet Discourse?
The Olivet Discourse is the name given to the
orderly and extended teaching given by Jesus Christ on the Mount
of Olives. His subject is the end times. This discourse is recorded in
Matthew 24:1 – 25:46. Parallel passages are found in Mark 13:1-37 and Luke
21:5-36. The record in Matthew is the most extensive, so reference here will be
to Matthew’s Gospel.
It is important to recognize that Jesus’
teaching in this discourse is in reference to Israel and not the Church. Christ was speaking of God’s future program
for Israel. Other passages to consider when studying the Olivet Discourse are
Daniel 9:24-27 and Revelation 6:1–19:21, which refer to the future seven-year
period called the tribulation. God’s program for the Church concludes with the
rapture, which is not taught in the Olivet Discourse. The rapture of the Church
is found in John 14:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
In Matthew 23, Jesus had spoken to the
Pharisees concerning judgment. This can be seen in the "woe"
statements in that chapter. In 24:1, Jesus was leaving the temple when the
disciples called His attention to the magnificent buildings on the temple
mount. Jesus then tells the disciples that “not one stone here will be left on
another; every one will be thrown down” (verse 2). This prophecy was literally
fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. The temple was
burned. The gold in the temple melted in the fire and ran down into the cracks
between the stones. As people later searched for the gold, they toppled every
stone from its place. This destruction of Jerusalem was but a foreshadowing of
what is yet to come.
Jesus’ prophecy of doom got the disciples
curious, and probably more than a little concerned. When they were alone with
Jesus on the Mount of Olives, they asked Him, "Tell us, when will these
things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the
age?" (verse 3). What follows in Matthew 24–25 refers to the future,
seven-year tribulation period and the second coming of Christ at the end of the
tribulation. During that time, God will complete His chastisement and
purification of Israel and judge the whole world (Daniel 9:24-27; Revelation
6–19).
Daniel 9:27 indicates that the tribulation will
be divided into two equal parts. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24:4-8 refers to
the first half. The “birth pangs” (verse 8) refer to the sufferings that Israel
will experience during the first 3 1/2 years. The signs with reference to the end
of the age are the coming of false messiahs (verse 5), the threat of wars and
widespread conflict (verses 6-7), and various natural catastrophes (verse 7).
Revelation 6 is a parallel passage. The apostle
John writes of the seal judgments. Revelation 6:2 speaks of a rider on a white
horse, which refers to a false messiah called elsewhere the Antichrist and the
Beast. Revelation 6:4 says that peace is taken from the earth. Revelation 6:6-8
speaks of famine and death. Jesus said these things are only the “beginning of
birth pangs” (Matthew 24:8). Worse is yet to come.
In Revelation 13, the second half of the
tribulation begins when the Beast, or Antichrist, sets up his rule for 42
months (cf. Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15).
In the Olivet Discourse, the second half of the
tribulation is described in Matthew 24:9-14. Persecution of the Jews and death
(verse 9) will be the result of the Beast’s rise to power. The Antichrist will
also persecute anyone who refuses to follow him (Revelation 13:1-18). The
salvation promised in Matthew 24:13 is deliverance from the Beast’s
persecution. The one who endures until Christ returns will be saved from the
Beast. Jesus says that “this gospel of the kingdom” will be preached worldwide
before the end comes. In other words, the good news (gospel) will be available
during the tribulation; the message will be that Christ will soon return in
judgment to set up His earthly kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6). This message will
cause many people to realize their sinful state and receive the Savior during
the tribulation.
Matthew 24:15-26 gives further details
concerning the tribulation. Jesus refers to an “abomination” and
desolation of a future temple in Matthew 24:15-22; this is more clearly spoken
of in Luke 21:20-24. The Beast will take authority and set up an image of
himself in the future temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; Revelation
13:1-18). When this happens, Jesus says, head for the hills. Those in Jerusalem
are advised to flee for their lives when they see that Beast has taken his seat
of authority (Matthew 24:16-20). The Antichrist will rule from Jerusalem for 42
months (3 1/2 years), the latter half of the tribulation, called the “great
tribulation” in verse 21.
Jesus warns that the great tribulation will be
the worst time ever seen on earth (verse 21). In fact, if those days were not
cut short by the return of Christ, no one would survive (compare the bowl
judgments in Revelation 16).
Jesus again gives a warning of false prophets
in the last days (Matthew 24:23-28). At the end of the tribulation, there will
be astronomical upheaval (verse 29), and the nations of the world will see the
Christ “coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory” (verses
29-30). Those who were saved during the tribulation will be gathered out of the
world by the angels (verse 31).
Jesus emphasizes the facts that there will be
signs leading up to the day of judgment (Matthew 24:32-34) and that His Word is
sure (verse 35). Jesus says that no one knows the timing of these events and
that those upon whom judgment is coming will be caught unawares (verses 36-44).
Jesus ends the Olivet Discourse with four
parables. The first one concerns a wicked servant whose master punishes him
upon his return home (Matthew 24:45-51). The next, the Parable of the Ten
Virgins, encourages readiness and watchfulness (25:1-13). The third parable,
relating the story of three servants and their use (or misuse) of finances,
teaches faithfulness in view of the fact that God’s servants must give an
account of themselves one day (25:14-30). Jesus ends His discourse by telling
the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, which pictures the dividing of the saved
from the unsaved at the end of the tribulation before the commencement of
Christ’s millennial reign (25:31-46).
Within days of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus was
betrayed into the hands of unbelievers and crucified for sinners. The Holy One
of God will one day return in glory to judge the world, but first He had to
provide the way of salvation for all who would trust in Him.
