Matthew 24:3-35
Read Matthew 24:3-35
Helpful Background Information:
The insight that Jesus gives on the end times here comes in response to the question from the disciples asking what they should look for to know that He has returned (24:3).
Jesus starts by telling His hearers what not to look for as they are eagerly awaiting His return. He says there will be many false prophets, false Messiahs, even wars, but they “are not [to be] alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet” (24:6).
He follows this by telling His hearers what they should look for as they are awaiting His return: the abomination of desolation “spoken of by the prophet Daniel” (vv. 15-26), and Jesus’s subsequent return (vv. 27-31). He in essence is saying, “Hey, there’s some things that are going to go down, but don’t be alarmed by those. These things must take place, but they’re not what you should be looking for. Here's what you should be looking for instead.”
“So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near” (24:33).
It must be noted that Jesus says even after the start of the abomination of desolation begins, there will be still more false prophets and false Christs. Yet Jesus says do not believe those people. Because when He, the true Christ returns, you will know it’s Him: “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (24:27).
Reflection Questions:
What connections do you see between this passage and Daniel 7-12? Write these down.
When you see crises happening in our country and our world today, how do you respond?
Jesus says that there will be wars, crises, messes, and a lot more that must take place, yet they are not the right sign. Does the conflict and pain in this world cause you anxiety? How does Jesus’s insight on His return in this passage give you freedom from fear?
Jesus emphasizes being watchful so we are aware as we await His return. Are you paying attention to the spiritual signs around you? What distractions might be preventing you from being spiritually watchful?
Write down some practical ways you can purge these distractions from your daily life.
How does the return of Jesus give you comfort?
Take time to pray a prayer of gratitude to Jesus that He will return.