The Bible is meant to be understood (Ephesians 3:4), but some passages are “hard to be understood” (2 Peter 3:16). Only through thorough study can one begin to understand some of these “hard” passages. One of these hard passages is Matthew 24.
Matthew 24 may be difficult to understand for some due to hearing some erroneous views of the passage. Premillennialism attempts to infiltrate the chapter with their contradictory teachings and unscriptural beliefs. The signs of the times, the rapture, and the tribulation are doctrines “found” by these Premillennialists and due to these some may find themselves ascribing to them too. But what is Matthew 24 actually about?
It is About the Destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:4-35).
Jews valued their temple (John 2:20), their genealogies (John 8:33), and their system. Taking away such a system of rule and religion which went back over a thousand years would be devastating. Jesus’ mention about the temple’s destruction (Matthew 24:2) spurred great interest on the Jewish disciples (Matthew 24:3). Earlier, He had cried out for the city for its futural destruction (Matthew 23:37-39). “To them the destruction of the Temple meant the end of their world.”[1] Therefore, in reading this chapter, we must read it as if we were a Jew.[2] How must this portion be about the Destruction of Jerusalem and not the end of the world?
Jesus’ predictions were fulfilled in history as recorded by Josephus. If this portion were about the end of the world, then these events would not have occurred yet. Probably providentially, Josephus wrote about false Christ’s (Antiquities of the Jews 20.5.1) and famines (ibid, 20.2.5).
People can flee this destruction (Matthew 24:16-20). This cannot be the final Judgement for no one will be able to escape it (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:3).
Jesus provided a time constraint (Matthew 24:34). Either Peter, James, and John are 2,000+ years old or this destruction happened. The latter is logical.
This section must be about the destruction of Jerusalem which happened in A.D. 70.
The power and use of figurative or apocalyptic language must also be examined (Matthew 24:29-30). Jesus referenced heavenly happenings which are figurative expressions of destruction (Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:10). Also, the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:27, 30) is not always literal (See Revelation 1:7; 22:20[3]). He was referring to His outpouring of wrath upon Judaism by the hand of Rome in A.D. 70.
This portion of the passage must be about the Destruction of Jerusalem. Jesus could be trusted and His words surely did come to pass (Matthew 24:35).
Its About the Final Judgement (Matthew 24:36-51).
Jesus switched focuses in verse 36 from the world of Judaism to the world of humanity. Instead of “days” (Matthew 24:22, 29) He speaks of a “day.” Unlike the Destruction of Jerusalem, this day will not be preceded by signs; it will come like the flood did for the Antediluvians (Matthew 24:37-39). Everyday events will be happening when the Lord returns (Matthew 24:40-41). To further show that this is about the Second Coming, Jesus’ illustrations do not allow for preceding warnings; the servant was to watch for the master could come at any second (Matthew 24:42-51). Jesus said, “The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of” (Matthew 24:50). This is characteristic of the Second Coming (Mark 13:32; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4).
Its Applicable To YOU.
What lessons can we learn from this curious and often misunderstood passage?
Jesus cares for you (Matthew 24:16-20, 31). Albert Barnes observed that “there is reason to believe that not one Christian perished in the destruction of that city.” Jesus warned of coming destruction and providentially[4] saved those who were faithful to Him. Jesus’ hand still watches over His faithful (Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Peter 5:7).
Never stop watching for Jesus coming (Matthew 24:42, 44, 46; Philippians 3:20; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; 2 Peter 3:12). The evil servant is the one who ceases to watch.
Obey BEFORE Jesus comes because you will not be able to obey AFTER Jesus comes (Matthew 24:50-52; 25:1-13). “Today is the day of salvation tomorrow may be too late.” No baptisms, repentances, and confessions will be of any good after Jesus’ arrival. Take ahold of God’s patience now (2 Peter 3:9).
Although a hard passage to understand, Matthew 24 should not be overlooked, but studied with careful consideration.
Endnotes
[1]Tom Wacaster, The Majesty of Jesus A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Sain Publications, 2019, p. 452.
[2]https://westpalmbeachchurchofchrist.com/topical/diff_quest/ans_matthew_24.html#When_you_see_the_abomination_24_15-31
[3]I believe these are references to Jesus’ overthrow of Rome.
[4]Tom Wacaster, The Majesty of Jesus A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Sain Publications, 2019, p. 474.
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