Matthew 24

In Matthew 24, Jesus speaks prophetically to His disciples about the future. He describes the destruction of the temple, the signs of the end times, and His eventual return. This chapter, often referred to as the "Olivet Discourse," emphasizes the importance of watchfulness, preparedness, and faith amidst challenging times.

Matthew 24:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said to them, “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.”

Here, Jesus begins by predicting the complete destruction of the temple, a shocking statement for His disciples. This prophecy foreshadows the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly structures and encouraging the disciples to focus on spiritual, eternal realities rather than physical buildings.

Matthew 24:3 (NKJV)
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

The disciples privately ask Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” This follows Jesus’ prophecy about the destruction of the temple, which led them to seek clarity on when these events would happen. Influenced by Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Daniel 7:13-14) and Jesus’ earlier teachings, such as in Matthew 16:27, where He spoke of coming in glory with His angels to reward each according to their deeds, the disciples understood that He would establish His kingdom in the future. Although they did not yet fully grasp the timeline or His upcoming ascension to heaven, their question reflects their concern about the timing and signs of these monumental events, which they associated with the end of the age and the Messiah’s reign.

Matthew 24:4-8 (NKJV)
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.
5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Jesus begins answering the disciples by warning them not to be deceived, as many would come in His name, claiming to be the Christ, and would deceive many. He describes the rise of wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places, emphasizing that these are just "the beginning of sorrows." This passage highlights a period of global turmoil and natural disasters that serve as preliminary signs, not the immediate end. These events are meant to alert believers to remain watchful and faithful, understanding that greater tribulations and the fulfillment of prophecy will follow before His ultimate return.

Matthew 24:9-13 (NKJV)
9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.
10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Jesus warns that believers will face persecution, suffering, and betrayal for their faith. Many will be afflicted and even put to death, while false prophets will deceive many, and lawlessness will cause love to grow cold. However, He assures that those who endure to the end will be saved. This passage emphasizes the trials believers will face, the need for perseverance, and the ultimate reward of salvation for those who remain faithful despite increasing opposition and deception.

Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

This verse highlights the gospel of the kingdom, which refers to the good news that Christ, through the Holy Spirit - the Comforter, enters the hearts of believers and begins His reign within them. This kingdom is spiritual, as Jesus taught in Luke 17:21, where He said, "The kingdom of God is within you." It is not an outward, physical kingdom but a transformative rule of Christ in the lives of His followers, initiated at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out. As described in Colossians 1:27, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," the gospel of the kingdom is about the indwelling presence of Christ and His power to transform lives.

The phrase "preached as a witness" links directly to the idea that the gospel must be proclaimed to all nations, but it also points to a future manifestation of God's power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, often referred to as the latter rain. This outpouring will fully manifest Christ's presence and power in believers, enabling them to witness in a mighty way, with greater boldness and effectiveness, reflecting the kingdom of God in their lives. The latter rain will empower believers to spread the gospel in a way that shows the kingdom in action—through miraculous works, transformed lives, and a powerful testimony to the world.

This final outpouring of the Holy Spirit will complete the mission of proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and preparing the world for Christ's return. The preaching of this gospel, made possible by the latter rain, serves as a witness to all nations, and when it reaches every corner of the earth, the end will come. The spiritual kingdom of Christ will be fully realized in the lives of believers, setting the stage for the eventual physical, eternal kingdom that Christ will establish at His second coming.

Matthew 24:15 (NKJV)
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),

This verse refers to the "abomination of desolation" spoken of by Daniel, which historically points to events like the desecration of the Jewish temple by pagan forces and its ultimate destruction in AD 70. Jesus used this prophecy as a dual warning: first, for the Christians in His time to flee Jerusalem when they saw Roman armies surrounding the city, and second, as a foreshadowing of a future crisis involving false worship and spiritual defilement. This event symbolizes a pivotal moment of rebellion against God, leading to divine judgment, and serves as a call for vigilance and readiness, urging believers to remain faithful to God’s commandments and heed His warnings in times of crisis.

Matthew 24:16-19 (NKJV)
16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.
18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.
19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!

This passage emphasizes the urgency of fleeing to safety when the "abomination of desolation" is seen, with a dual application to both AD 70 and the end times. In AD 70, Christians heeded Jesus’ warning by fleeing Jerusalem and escaping to the mountains, avoiding the destruction that befell the city. For the end times, this is understood as a call to separate from spiritually corrupt systems and, when necessary, leave densely populated cities where religious oppression or danger may intensify. Jesus stresses the need for immediate action, warning against delay or attachment to material possessions, while showing compassion for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and nursing mothers. This passage underscores vigilance, obedience to divine warnings, and practical readiness, including relocating when circumstances demand it, to remain faithful and secure during crises.

Matthew 24:20 (NKJV)
20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.

This verse reflects Jesus’ concern for the well-being of His followers, urging them to pray that their flight not occur in winter or on the Sabbath. This highlights the Sabbath’s continued relevance, even decades after His death and the establishment of the New Covenant, as this prophecy was given in anticipation of the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Jesus’ mention of the Sabbath underscores that it remains sacred and set apart, not abolished by His ministry or sacrifice. The Sabbath was not merely a ceremonial law tied to the old covenant but a moral principle established at Creation and reaffirmed in the Ten Commandments. This verse serves as evidence that the Sabbath was still observed by His followers and remains a sign of loyalty to God, even in times of crisis, reminding believers to prioritize their relationship with God amid physical and spiritual challenges.

Matthew 24:21-22 (NKJV)
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

This passage speaks of a "great tribulation" unlike any other, with divine intervention to shorten the days for the sake of the elect. This prophecy has a dual application: historically, it refers to the intense suffering during the siege of Jerusalem in AD 70, and prophetically, it points to a future global tribulation before Christ’s second coming. The phrase highlights God’s mercy in protecting His faithful people during these crises. For the end times, it warns of unprecedented persecution and spiritual deception but assures believers of God’s intervention to preserve His elect. This passage also emphasizes that the elect remain faithful to God’s commandments, including the Sabbath, even during severe trials. It reminds believers of God’s ultimate control over history and His care for His people, encouraging trust and faithfulness amidst the most difficult times.

Matthew 24:23-28 (NKJV)
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

This passage warns of intense spiritual deception in the last days, with false Christs and false prophets performing great signs and wonders to mislead, even targeting God’s faithful people. Jesus cautions against believing claims that He has returned in secret or is appearing in specific locations, such as the wilderness or inner rooms, as His second coming will not be hidden or localized. Instead, it will be as visible and universal as lightning flashing from the east to the west, an event no one on Earth can miss. The warning culminates in the imagery of vultures gathering where the corpse lies, symbolizing the inevitability of judgment and the consequences of spiritual corruption in a world given over to deception. This striking metaphor serves as a reminder that the presence of widespread rebellion and sin will lead to God’s intervention and the unmistakable return of Christ, bringing both deliverance for the faithful and judgment for the unrepentant. The passage emphasizes the need for vigilance, a deep grounding in truth, and reliance on God to navigate the challenges of the final days.

Matthew 24:29 (NKJV)
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

This verse describes cosmic signs— the darkening of the sun, the moon losing its light, stars falling, and the heavens shaking—marking the end of tribulation and the nearness of Christ’s return. These signs parallel Joel 2:31 and Joel 3:15-16, which also foretell the darkening of the sun and moon before the "Day of the Lord," and Revelation 6:12-13, which describes similar events during the sixth seal. Together, these passages highlight the global and unmistakable nature of these signs, signaling divine judgment and urging humanity to prepare for Christ's second coming.

Matthew 24:30-31 (NKJV)
30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Here, Jesus describes His glorious second coming, when the "sign of the Son of Man" will appear in heaven, and all people will see Him coming with power and great glory on the clouds. This visible return will be accompanied by the gathering of God's faithful people, with angels collecting them from all corners of the earth. These verses emphasize that Christ's return will be unmistakable, global, and a moment of both judgment and salvation, fulfilling God’s promises to His people.

Matthew 24:32-35 (NKJV)
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!
34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Jesus uses the fig tree to illustrate how signs of the end times will indicate His imminent return. Just as people know summer is near when the fig tree's leaves bud, so too will those who observe the signs He described know that His coming is near. Jesus specifically says that the generation that sees these signs—those living during the last days—will also witness His second coming. He emphasizes the certainty of His words, declaring that even though heaven and earth will pass away, His promises will remain forever. This reassures believers that Christ’s return is guaranteed for those who remain faithful and watch for the signs.

Matthew 24:36-39 (NKJV)
36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the exact time of His return, not even the angels or Himself, but only God the Father. He compares His coming to the days of Noah, when people were living their daily lives—eating, drinking, marrying—unaware of the impending flood until it came suddenly and swept them all away. Similarly, Christ’s second coming will be unexpected for those who are not spiritually prepared. Jesus warns that just as the flood took people by surprise, His return will come in a moment when people are not anticipating it, underscoring the need for constant vigilance, faithfulness, and readiness as we await His return.

Matthew 24:40-42 (NKJV)
40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.

Jesus describes the suddenness and unexpected nature of His second coming. He says that two people will be working together—one will be taken, and the other left. In this context, the wicked will be taken away, just as in the days of Noah when the flood swept away the unprepared, bringing sudden destruction. The righteous, like Noah and his family, will be left behind to survive and be with Christ. This illustrates the separation between the saved and the lost at the time of Christ’s return. Jesus emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and readiness, as His return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. Believers are urged to remain faithful and watchful, ensuring they are spiritually prepared, as only the ready will be saved when the unexpected day of judgment arrives.

Matthew 24:43-44 (NKJV)
43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Jesus likens His return to the unexpected arrival of a thief, stressing the importance of readiness. Just as a homeowner would stay alert to prevent a break-in, believers are called to live with constant spiritual vigilance, understanding that Jesus’ return will come without warning.

Matthew 24:45-47 (NKJV)
45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.
47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.

Jesus highlights the reward awaiting faithful servants who diligently fulfill their responsibilities. The “faithful and wise servant” represents those who live according to God’s will, serving others and staying prepared. Jesus promises that such individuals will be honored and entrusted with greater responsibilities in His kingdom.

Matthew 24:48-51 (NKJV)
48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’
49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,
50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,
51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The chapter concludes with a warning against complacency and abuse of power. The “evil servant” symbolizes those who neglect their duties and exploit others, thinking they have time before the Master returns. Jesus’ judgment of such behavior is severe, depicting the consequences for those who disregard His commands and live unfaithfully.