sf929 - The Second Coming Of Christ Part 7 Of 11 - Certain Signs Of His Coming (Matthew 24 29-35)

matthew 24:29-35

Introduction

In clear, concise, straightforward terms the Lord Himself describes what will be the most momentous event of all time, His return to earth in divine glory. Throughout the history of the church, believers have looked forward with earnest anticipation to the coming again of their Lord Jesus Christ. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,” Paul wrote to Titus, “instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:11-13).

Believers are continually to live righteous lives, motivated in great part by their continual expectation of the Lord’s return.

Much of the world is familiar with the circumstances and features of Christ’s first coming, such as His birth in Bethlehem, the magi guided by the star and bringing Him gifts, and the shepherds in the fields hearing the angel choir. Many people have heard something about His teachings and miracles and His crucifixion and resurrection. But even many professed Christians are little acquainted with what Scripture teaches about His second coming.

In Matthew 24:29-35, Jesus gives a vivid picture of the moment of His appearing, the sign of all signs of His coming again and of the end of the age, about which the disciples had just inquired (v. 3). Within these verses Jesus presents two key truths concerning His coming: the promise of His coming (24:29-31) and the parable of the fig tree (24:32-35)

1A. The Promise of His Coming (24:29-31)

1B. The sequence of events (24:29a)

This event will follow the seven years of Tribulation and specifically the 3.5 years of Great Tribulation.

2B. The scene in the heavens (24:29b)

This language indicates a great upheaval in the world, emphasizing the cataclysmic nature of these events.

The same language was used by Isaiah to describe the fall of Babylon (Isaiah 13:6-16; 34:1-5)

These days will be marked by great worldwide upheaval both in nature and in government.

3B. The sign of the Son of Man (25:30)

This is the sign of signs.

The sign of should be translated as a Greek subjective genitive, indicating that the sign will not be the Son of Man. In other words, Jesus Himself will be the supreme and final sign of His coming.

This sign will demonstrate His power and glory.

Revelation 6:15-16 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!

4B. The salvation of His elect (24:31)

The Lord will gather His elect.

The Lord will gather all His elect.

2A. The Parable of the Fig Tree (24:32-35)

1B. A simple analogy (24:32)

This parable does not refer to the nation of Israel.

A popular version of that view is that the budding of the fig tree refers to Israel’s becoming a political state in 1948. Jesus does not identify the fig tree as Israel, that meaning would have been totally obscured to the disciples and to every other believer who lived before the twentieth century.

This parable teaches that when the previous events take place the time of His coming is near.

2B. A straightforward application (24:33-34)

All these things can only refer to what He has been talking about—the birth pains (24:4-14), the abomination of desolation (24:15), the need to flee because of the impending perils (24:16-28), and the catastrophic upheaval of the universe (24:29).

This generation refers to the generation living during the end time.

This generation will be composed of Jews and Gentiles who are alive at the rapture but are not taken up because they do not know the Lord Jesus Christ.

3B. A sovereign assurance (24:35)

This world is temporary.

Revelation 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

God’s Word is eternal.

Luke 16:17 "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

Application

1. Do you really believe that Jesus is the only way to God?

2. Do you really believe that Jesus is coming back?

3. Do you really believe that He could come today?

4. Are you living like it? (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Consider - Take note of each other

Stir up – provoke love and good works in other believers

Not forsaking – Do not leave behind assembling together (as some habitually have)

Exhorting – come along side for the purpose of encouragement

Much the more – to an even great degree as we see the Day approaching.

Trust Him

Watch for Him

Rest in Him

Treasure Him

Matthew 24:29-35

1A. The __________________ of His Coming (24:29-31)

1B. The sequence of events (24:29a)

2B. The __________________ in the heavens (24:29b)

This language indicates a great upheaval in the world, emphasizing the cataclysmic nature of these events.

The same language was used by Isaiah to describe the fall of Babylon (Isaiah 13:6-16; 34:1-5)

These days will be marked by great worldwide upheaval both in nature and in government.

3B. The ________________of the Son of Man (25:30)

This is the sign of signs.

Jesus Himself will be the supreme and final sign of His coming.

This sign will ___________________ His power and glory.

Revelation 6:15-16 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!

4B. The ______________________ of His elect (24:31)