December 9, 2014 When?

When?

Matthew 24:3-4 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

THIS begins what is known as the “Olivet Discourse”. It is so named because Jesus is with His disciples on the Mount of Olives and a discourse means “dialogue” and “conversation”. Jesus is having a conversation with His disciples about the questions, “When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

     Yes, this seems like one question, but it’s actually two. The first is, “When will the temple’s destruction occur?” Jesus had just spoken of it. Naturally they wanted to know when such a catastrophic event would occur.

     The disciples’ second question is, “What will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” Wow. That is the BIG question of all disciples of Jesus throughout history, isn’t it?

     From this point we’ll examine in the coming days Jesus’ answer contained in about 100 verses of Matthew 24-25. Several of His teachings here have been grossly misinterpreted through the centuries, causing false teachings of Jesus’ Second Coming. I have even heard some teachers say, “Jesus made a mistake.” as He spoke of the future.

     We will hear Jesus’ words, and we will strive to hear them in His provocative words, “I tell you the truth.” The judgment of Christ and the end of the age is what we must prepare to encounter. This is the future we all have in common. Why would we not be prepared?

     Be of good mind. Seek God’s Word. Diligently read Matthew 24-25 as a disciple who wants to know the answer.

LIFE Link: Seek and know the eternal truth.