And Then the End Will Come

And Then the End Will Come

Matthew 24:3-14

Introduction

Today we begin looking at the final account of Jesus’ teaching in His earthly ministry - known as the Olivet Discourse.

He has left the Temple courts, as we witnessed in the first two verses of chapter 24, going across the valley to the Mount of Olives, east of the city of Jerusalem. 

Jesus is with the twelve disciples and He uses their initial questions to launch into these words that will span through the next two chapters of Matthew’s gospel.

The thrust of the teaching of the Olivet Discourse is that of judgment and how all His disciples (not just The Twelve) are to live an act in light of this age.

The bulk of His teaching concerns the end times - the study of which is called eschatology. 

We often think of the end times as being the days just before Jesus returns again - to gather His people to Himself, to judge the earth, and to establish the new heavens and the new earth.

But biblically, the end times spans the time between the resurrection and ascension of Jesus and His Second Coming. 

In other words, we are in this age that Jesus speaks of here - sometimes called The Church Age.

Understanding the details of the eschatological teaching in the Bible is challenging and requires diligence and humility.

Many have heard teachings from the Olivet Discourse or the book of Revelation taught in such a manner as if it were an exact roadmap.

Yet if we look at the prophecies of the Old Testament, we often find language and teaching that is difficult to interpret until its fulfillment is revealed.

In other words, God has seen fit to tell us what we need to know but also leaves much mystery in much of the prophetic teaching.

I can’t say that I know His reasons other than this - that we would trust Him alone instead of our understanding and interpretation of how history unfolds.

I base this on that fact that within such prophecies and teachings on The Last Things, we often find words of comfort.

(1)In the Olivet Discourse we hear Jesus say:

(a)“See that no one leads you astray.”

(b)“See that you are not alarmed.”

(c)“Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.”

(2)In Paul’s teaching on the End Times in 1 Thessalonians, he writes,

(a)“” (1 Th 4:18) Therefore encourage one another with these words.

(b)Then at the end, “” (1 Th 5:11) Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

(c)And in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul writes concerning prophecy, “” (1 Cor 14:3) The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

(3)In the book of Revelation, John begins his message by stating, “” (Rev 1:3) Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

My premise, and it is in on way original to me, is that prophecy is given so that we might know enough to be aware and prepared, but even more so that we might be comforted and built up in the hope of the Gospel.

I am wary of those who treat the teachings of The End as an exact roadmap, through which they try to place historical events on top of prophetic teaching.

I contend that instead, we are to find consolation in these prophecies that we might live alert, strive to stay awake, and persevere in the assurance that King Jesus rules and will return in mighty victory.

To this, allow me to share two examples that I encountered in my studies this week that gave me comfort in my labors, and I believe will also encourage you.

Doug O’Donnel writes, “” While the relationship between a pastor’s sermons and his congregation wouldn’t serve either party well if the pastor was constantly offering an apology for his teaching, nevertheless I must say in the case of Matthew 24 and the chapters you are about to read on it that I thought it necessary to start with a word of apology. I won’t go so far as to say at this point, “I’m sorry” (for you haven’t yet read my interpretation of this passage). But I do think it is fair to confess from the beginning, “I may be wrong.

RC Sproul writes, “” As we seek to answer these questions, we must tread very carefully indeed. When I suggest possible ways to understand this text, I am not standing on Mount Olympus giving a decree that has final authority. I have wrestled with this passage for many years, and some of the views I have taken have had to give way to correction and change along the way. So, I am not yet at the place where I am certain I can dogmatically declare the proper interpretation of this portion of sacred Scripture. Please struggle along with me as we seek to discern the mind of our God on these matters.

May we start our study with the same humility expressed by these learned men, and commit our ways to the Lord as we struggle to discern the mind of our God on these matters, for our good and for His glory.

II.The Question (3)

Looking now at verse 3 we read,” 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?

Matthew notes that the disciples now have an audience privately with Jesus, and they bring to him these two questions.

The first is a question of when and it refers back to their discussion on the way up to the Mount of Olives.

(1)During this conversation, they asked about Jesus’ statement concerning the destruction of Jerusalem.  

(2)He answered very clearly that His description of desolation would be accurate - not one stone would be left atop another.

In hearing this, the disciples seem to conclude that this would be the end of the age - the time in which Jesus would then return and consummate His Kingdom.

(1)We have to give credit to the disciples here for this - for they seem to be putting the pieces together.

(2)Although they have yet to understand everything, they certainly understand that this event will be significant.  

For in the second question they ask for a sign of His return and the end of the age.

(1)For the disciples, it seems, the destruction of the city would be the end.  

(2)That is, in their minds, the fall of the city was so monumental that it must be the end.

But as we will see in His response to them, there is more to come than just the judgment against Jerusalem.

This brings up an important point concerning how we understand prophecy throughout the Scriptures.

While there is an immediate fulfillment of a given prophecy, there is often a far-off fulfillment as well.

Theologians call this foreshortening - and it can best be understood through the metaphor of viewing a mountain range. 

When one looks across a range of mountains, they can have the appearance of all being next to each other. 

The distance between one range and the next is difficult to discern. 

But if we were to get in an airplane and fly over the range, we could see the great distance between each.

So in this prophecy, there is an immediate judgment that is coming against Jerusalem - but it is not the final judgment. 

The last judgment will come when Christ returns in His second coming. 

And so as we look to the answers that Jesus provides to the disciples’ questions - we will see He references both.

Some of these references are difficult to discern as to which event they belong, and so it may be that diligent Christians study these chapters and come to different conclusions about which Jesus speaks.

May we be ever humble in our conclusions. 

So for these verses we are looking at today, I take the position that they speak to the coming judgment against Jerusalem - but this also foreshadows the final judgment as well.

In other words, they point to both the immediate fulfillment in the coming decades and the fulfillment at the end of the age. 

This means that the imperatives Christ gives applied to the disciples then as well as all Christians who are to live prepared for Christ’s return at any time.

III.Signs of the Times (4-8)

Look now as Jesus begins His response in verse 4,” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.

He begins with an imperative to be on guard so that they would not be deceived. 

In other words, Jesus is calling them and us to know the truth.

They need to be aware of the signs, for He isn’t going to give them a date - for as He will state in verse 36, “” But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

They need to pay attention - not to live distracted - so that they won’t be deceived or caught off guard.

These words also apply to us in our day concerning the return of Christ.

He then goes on to describe the signs they are to look for in verse 5, “” For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.

Here, Jesus is speaking of false teachers who will arise - claiming to come in His name, and some even claiming to be Him or the Messiah.

The record of history affirms many such people arose and fulfilled this prophecy.

In the book of Acts, we read of one in chapter 8,”(Acts 8:9–10) But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.

So Jesus is warning them to reject such claims - a warning that still applies for us today.

For as Paul wrote to the Galatians,. (Gal 1:6–8) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed

The next sign Jesus describes in verses 6-7, “” And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Jesus says that there will be wars and rumors of wars, battling among nations and kingdoms, along with famines and earthquakes.

In many ways, none of these things are unusual throughout history - but the warning seems to imply an increase.

The Roman Empire did experience periods that were more peaceful, such that the time before they marched on Jerusalem there was an increase in hostilities. 

And history also records natural disasters during the time leading up to 70 AD.

Yet with this warning comes another imperative, “” See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 

The disciples were to take note of these events, as we are in awaiting the final judgment. 

Yet Jesus says that as sure as they must take place, we are not to be alarmed. 

This means that every time we hear some preacher say of a war or natural disaster - “The end is here!” - we should take it with a grain of salt. 

For again, as Jesus will soon say, “No man knows the time of His return. Only the Father.” 

The takeaway then for the disciples and us is not to live in fear, but simply be confident in the One who rules over all these calamities. 

For as Jesus adds in verse 8, “” All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Here, using the metaphor of birth, Jesus says that these signs point to what is coming.

But the labor is often long - and it likely felt so for the disciples over the next 40 years.

Even more, for us today we noted that two thousand years have passed since Jesus spoke these words - and the labor continues. 

Paul elaborates with this metaphor in his letter to the church in Rome, “” (Rom 8:22–25) For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

So we must not be alarmed, but instead live with assured hope in the redemption that awaits us.

IV.Distress (9-12)

Next, Jesus transitions to the experience that His followers will have within the church in verse 9, “” Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.

Just as the signs given in verses 5-8 had application in the coming years that would climax with the destruction of Jerusalem as well as application to very end before Christ returns again - so does this prophecy of distress apply to both.

The early church experienced all kinds of persecution, much of which we see in Acts in narrative form, as well as other occurrences that are referenced in the epistles like the one we looked at of Paul’s experience a few weeks ago in 2 Corinthians 11.

And such persecutions and distresses have continued throughout the ages against the Church - for many have been hated for His name’s sake.

The words of Jesus are sobering for the disciples to hear, because He describes tribulation and even death as something to be expected.

We remember not that long ago in Matthew’s gospel how these same men questioned Jesus as to who would be the greatest in His Kingdom.

Their expectations were not of suffering for the name of Jesus, but of greatness and glory for themselves. 

But through these words Jesus is steeling them to be ready for the hardships that awaited them.

Not only is there a warning against distress, but also that many will fall away, betray one another, and even hate one another. 

There would be those who professed to be Christians until the hard times came.

Then, Jesus says, they will melt with fear and anxiety which will turn into betrayal and hatred. 

Verses 11-12 describe this further, “” And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

Self-proclaimed prophets would foretell lies, leading people to false hope.

We see this in our own day through those who profess the false gospel known as the “prosperity gospel.” 

(1)They proclaim that if you just have enough faith, then no hardship will fall on you.

(2)They claim that if you have enough faith, then you will be rich and never be sick.  

(3)Their claims are that of a works righteousness - and they lead many astray.

Another example in our day are those who claim the name of Christ, but neglect sin, the need for atonement and often add through the language of tolerance that many roads lead to God.

(1)What some call progressive Christianity - this ideology teaches a mantra of love that is devoid of truth.  

(2)Sin is erased and with it the Gospel of redemption.  

(3)The law of God is abhorred which leads to lawlessness.  

(4)Many are being lead astray through these teachings.

Such lawlessness, Jesus says, causes the hearts of many to grow cold.

Hope of Salvation (13-14)

But then come the words of hope in verse 13, “” But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Endurance is not salvation by works, but rather the biblical understanding of perseverance. 

Like justification, perseverance is a work of God’s grace whereby He preserves those who are His through the tribulations and in spite of the false teachings.

Here, we are called to hold fast to the faith that has saved us.

This endurance is not based on what we do, but on what Christ has done for us.. (Heb 4:14) Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession

And again in Hebrews 10 we read,. (Heb 10:23) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful

(1)The writer of Hebrews calls us to hold on to Jesus because He is faithful.

(2)But then he adds one way we do this as a practical application,. (Heb 10:24–25) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near

We are encouraged and encourage one another as we gather together each week in worship, as well as in the task of sharing our hope with others. For, Jesus says in verse 14, “” And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

VI.Conclusion

In the immediate context, the disciples would carry the gospel to the ends of the known world - throughout the Roman Empire. 

In the final fulfillment of this prophecy, the church of Jesus is tasked with carrying out this task the ends of the earth.

He will tarry until this task is completed, He tells us here. 

And we are to be diligent in making disciples of all nations.

You and I will not proclaim the Gospel with sincerity or diligence if we aren’t holding fast to the faith and treasuring Christ in our hearts and lives. 

So these words of Jesus are declared to us today that we might have full assurance that we are His by faith, that our sins are forgiven, and that nothing can separate us from His love.

As we rejoice in the Gospel and delight ourselves in Christ, then we will want to declare His blessings of salvation to every person, every nation, every tribe, and every tongue. 

And this is our hope:. (Rom 5:1–5) Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us

As His people, upon whom His love has been poured out, may we lift high the cross of Jesus, proclaiming the love of Christ, until all the world adores His sacred name!