We read, yesterday, that Jesus spoke his last words in the temple. In the beginning of Matthew 24, when leaving the temple, the disciples, draw Jesus' attention to the beautiful buildings that the temple consisted of. He really astonished the disciples', who grew up Jewish, by saying that these splendid buildings would be destroyed. I have to say before we go further, that these verses that we are covering today are very deep and cover prophesies of which I am no scholar. Because I think this is a hard passage to discuss, my thoughts might be a little jumbled. I will do the best I can!
Study these for yourself! Study the Greek words that were in the original text. Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding! James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
This whole passage covers three things: the destruction of Jerusalem, the return of Jesus Christ, and the end times. Verse 4 says, “Take heed that no one deceives you." Satan knows the value of spoken prophecy and prophecies fulfilled. He tries hard to bring confusion on these matters by raising up false teachers and prophets. We should be ever on our guard! Also, remember that as we have read through Matthew we have seen countless prophesies fulfilled through Jesus. If you ever battle doubt, GET IN THE WORD! If He says it, it will come to pass! Jesus came in person to die on the cross for our sin and He will come back in person to reign!
In the end times, we need not look for peace and prosperity because we will be disappointed. "And there will be famines, pestilences,and earthquakes in various places." (vs.7) Peace will come when Jesus is present!
From the time these words of Jerusalem being destroyed until the Romans fulfilled this prophecy were only 40 years. The amazing thing to me is that Jesus' prophecies are so accurate. This time for the Jews was absolutely horrific. I believe that God gives wisdom to those who ask, and therefore he can show us how to act in times of persecution.
The other thing I want to point out from this passage is that when Jesus comes back, it is going to be sudden! "For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." (vs.27) We must always be ready for His return!
A few questions to get your wheels turning!
-Why was the destruction of Jerusalem such a dreadful time in the history of the Kingdom of God?
-What will Jesus' return look like?
-Should we be concerned with a period of tribulation? Was the tribulation at the fall of Jerusalem harder on the Jews or the Christians? If we do face tribulation, will it be harder for believers or unbelievers?
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