Understanding Your Religion

What do you see as significant as to the timing of these teachings?

Answers will vary. Here are some suggestions: It was at the end of the earthly ministry of Jesus just prior to His betrayal and death. His focus of teaching over the previous three years had now narrowed to the closest of His followers, His 12 apostles (Author's opinion: Judas included at this time signifying that Judas could have repented and would have been forgiven.) In doing so, Jesus was preparing them for His eventual departure. Notice the focus is not so much in these teachings about His upcoming sacrifice.

What two questions are asked in Matthew 24:3 and what is their significance?

(1) When will these things be, (2) and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?

Answers will vary as to the significance of these questions. Here are some suggestions to consider. To the disciples, it was a one-part question, but Jesus considered it a two-part question to the statement He made in verse 2, thus He provided a two part response. To the Jews, Jerusalem was the center of all elements of their life. It was inconceivable that life as they knew it would continue if Jerusalem was destroyed. As such, it was the end of the world and the time for our Lord's return. Jesus on the other hand knew the events that would eventually lead to the destruction of the Jewish way of life. When Jerusalem fell, all elements of proof of Jewish ancestry were destroyed along with the Temple. It truly brought an end to Judaism in a harsh and physical way. Pentecost ushered in the earthly Kingdom of our Lord (the Church), but the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD ended the role of the Jews as God's people.

Let no one mislead you – There would be many who claimed to be the returning Lord, or speaking for the Lord and lead the apostles astray. They were to keep focused on the things Jesus taught.

The apostles would face persecution – History records the persecution and death of not only the apostles but faithful Christians as well. In truth, this persecution continues today and will continue until the Lord returns. This will sadly lead many to abandon their faith.

The one who endures will be saved – They are to remain faithful no matter what because it is simply a beginning that will eventually lead to the glory of being in the presence of God.

The gospel will be preached to the whole world – As Jesus provided His final instruction prior to His ascension, He charged the apostles to take the gospel into the whole world. Many believe, with good reason, that once this is accomplished then the final period of time will have begun for the return of our Lord. Some also believe that this will not occur until everyone has the opportunity to hear and obey God's will.

It was the heart of the Jewish faith and seen as the place from which the Messiah would rule. This was a mistaken belief but one so strong that only the removal the this symbol would show its error. Sadly today many still hold that the Messiah will return to that spot and rule. This is false teaching.

Jesus will return but no one, not even He knows when, only God that Father knows.

When Jesus returns, life will be going on as it normally would. There will be no special signs to alert anyone to get ready.

The return will be swift, everyone will know it.

Because it will return when no one knows, we must be ready and live faithfully so as to continually be prepared.

• The Parable of the evil slave (Matthew 24:45-51) – Don't think we can sin now and prepare later when we see the Master is going to return. We must be faithful always.
• The Parable of the 10 Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) – All of the virgins in this parable believed the bridegroom was coming but half of them were not fully prepared. As a result, they were banned from entry into the celebration. The end will come when we least expect it. We must always be prepared because we will not have a chance to prepare once our Lord comes.
• The Parable of the Talents – (Matthew 25:14-30) – At judgment we will face our Lord to give an account of what we've done that demonstrates our faithfulness. To those who have made the effort at faithfulness, it will be a time of reward. To those who have not prepared, not obeyed, not been faithful then it will be a tragic time beyond our comprehension.

Our Lord does not want anyone to be lost therefore His will is provided for us in scripture. We must learn His will of how to become reconciled to God. We must then live faithfully according to the teachings of Jesus. In doing so, we will be rewarded as faithful servants.

God does not demand perfection but He require faithfulness. Faithfulness involves two elements: (1) obedience to be admitted into God's Kingdom; (2) doing our best to remain faithful by following the teachings of Jesus and repenting and recommitting when we fail. God rewards both of these elements by continuing to see us as faithful servants (I John 1:5-10).