Sermon Tone Analysis

Scripture Reading

Prayer

Introduction

World Series

No teaching of Christ has generated as much controversy as the portion of the Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew 24:1–35.

Many people believe that this section, at least in part, is about the final return of Jesus to usher in the new heavens and the new earth (see Rev. 20–21).

Critics seize upon this belief to discredit our Savior’s words.

If the Olivet Discourse is about His final return, they say, Jesus is a false prophet since the generation in which He lived died off and the world continues on (Matt.

24:34).

Several people, in order to answer this objection, have said that “generation” refers not to Christ’s hearers but to a later group who will witness many of the signs in Matthew 24:1–35.

According to this interpretation, Jesus is referring to events that will come in the far distant future.

This view is unsatisfying, as we will see in the days ahead.

This text is difficult, primarily because different Christians view it dramatically different.

Look with me at the “bookends”

Now this very specific timing is much of what has made this passage so difficult.

Clearly, the disciples are asking Jesus about the destruction of the temple, which we know from history will happen less than 40 years after this event in 70 AD.

We also see that Jesus tells His disciples that it will happen in their lifetime.

Some have struggled with this text so much that it has led them to try and take things in an unnatural way

Generation DOES NOT equal “church age”

Jesus did not return yet

Jesus was not wrong.

We are going to approach today’s text somewhat differently than usual.

First, look at this outline of the text with me...

I.

The beginning of the “birth pains” (vs.

2-14)

II.

The destruction of the temple (vs.15-21)

III.

The time of “Great Trouble” (vs.

22-28)

IV.

The coming of The Son of Man (vs.29-31)

V. Jesus’ comments on the timing of these things (vs.

32-35)

So, we will look at each of these sections together, striving to explain and understand them, then we will conclude with the main point.

All throughout we will attempting to answer the disciples questions regarding the destruction of the temple, the second coming, and the end of all things.

Exposition

I.

The beginning of the “birth pains” (vs.3-14)

“birth pains”

Messianic expectation

Setting question:

This question sets the stage for Jesus’ discourse.

OT Prophecy

dual fullfilment

“Hills” theory

Hollister to San Juan Bautista

All 3 questions, in the disciples minds, were 1.

So we have seen here that

The birth pains began in the time of the Apostles and continue until now

We live in a time where false prophets are leading many astray (Mohamed, Hubbard, Ellen White, Joseph Smith, Pope)

We live in a time of governmental turmoil

We live in a time of growing hostility to the message of Christ

We will face temptation to allow our love to grow cold

We must continue to proclaim the Gospel during this time of unrest.

One day, “the end” of the birth pains will come

So be sure to...

Be on guard against false teachers

Don’t allow the turmoil of world affairs to quench your zeal for Christ

Don’t allow fear of man to quiet your ferver for sharing the Gospel.

Next Division

II.

The destruction of the temple (vs.15-21)

Part of the birth pains.

Section II is a subpart of Sections I-III about the time of “Great Trouble”

The Horror of the Seige of Jerusalem

As the legions charged in, neither persuasion nor threat could check their impetuosity: passion alone was in command.

Crowded together around the entrances many were trampled by their friends, many fell among the still hot and smoking ruins of the colonnades and died as miserably as the defeated.

As they neared the Sanctuary they pretended not even to hear Caesar's commands and urged the men in front to throw in more firebrands.

The partisans were no longer in a position to help; everywhere was slaughter and flight.

Most of the victims were peaceful citizens, weak and unarmed, butchered wherever they were caught.

Round the Altar the heaps of corpses grew higher and higher, while down the Sanctuary steps poured a river of blood and the bodies of those killed at the top slithered to the bottom.

In section II we see

that Jesus instructed His disciples to flee the destruction of Jerusalem.

That the destruction was coming soon.

That the destruction of the temple was an outward and obvious sign of the beginnings of the “Birth Pains”

So, in response...

Recognize that indeed this time of trouble is underway

Realize, that though our message will go forth and God will build His church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against them, we live in a time that will not see the whole world in submission to Jesus until the end arrives.

Next Division

III.

The time of “Great Trouble” (vs.

22-28)

IV.

The coming of The Son of Man (vs.29-31)

Next Division

V. Jesus’ comments on the timing of these things (vs.

32-35)

Recognize that the stage is set for the end of all things and be faithful in your mission as you wait