Understanding the Olivet Discourse: A Look at Matthew 24-25

The Most Asked Question

“What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”

This is still one of the most asked questions today

This question was asked nearly 2000 years ago and has been given a host of different answers

How do we answer this question?

Possible Answers

The Answer to this question depends on how you interpret this passage. Usually 1 of 2 ways:

The passage describes future events involving the church

The Rapture 24:38-42 (mid-tribulation view)

The Tribulation 24:5-13;15-22 (21 esp.)

The events described in this chapter do not involve the church at all!

If This Passage Refers to the Church

Some certainly claim this to be so, but...

If this is the case then the “proof texts” for the rapture contradict other passages of Scripture

24:38-42 would have the church going at least half way through the Tribulation period

Compare this with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Rev. 1-3

This passage has the churchgoing through some part of the tribulation period

Those who hold this view claim a post or mid-trib rapture position Titus 2:13; 2 Thess. 2

The Church is not in View Here

The 3 most important words in Bible interpretation:

Context, context, context

Throughout this entire passage, 24 and 25, there is NO reference to the church!

2. Christ's words were a response to the question “what shall be the sign of thy coming and the end of the world?”

3. The word world is the key to understanding the entire passage!

The Background of this Question

Chapter 21:

Christ rides into Jerusalem

Known as the “triumphal entry”

The people welcome Him

Christ cleanses the temple (for the second time) and begins teaching

Chapter 22-23

Christ continues teaching and rebuking the Pharisees and Sadducees for their false doctrine

Chapter 23:34-39

Christ prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem

This took place between AD 70 and 135

With this teaching fresh in their minds the disciples were confused

Chapter 24:1-2

They couldn't imagine anything happening to their temple

Jesus assured them it would be utterly destroyed

Then alone with Him on the Mt. Of Olives They asked their question...

Jesus' Warning to the Disciples

Take heed - beware

Why? Because there are men who will try to deceive you

Take heed, listen up, beware

This is one of the most important passages in Scripture and the Lord wants our undivided attention!