Matthew 24 stands with the second half of Daniel and the book of Revelation as one of the major focal points of biblical end time prophecy. As with much of biblical prophecy this passage addresses more than one event. It is helpful to keep in mind that Jesus is speaking of at least two major events here: the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 by the Roman legions of Titus, and the Second Coming of Christ.
There are five major general areas mentioned in this brief passage where we are to look for signs:
Calamity on unprecedented scale. Wars. Famines. Earthquakes. Jesus says to not be disturbed by these because they are “birth pains.”
Persecution of the saints. It ultimately comes down to this; if you really believe in Christ then you really believe that there is only one way to the Father. The world won’t tolerate that.
False prophets and deceivers. They are literally everywhere and they are with us now.
A falling away from the faith combined with an increase in wickedness causing many to grow cold in their love.
The gospel of the kingdom to be preached worldwide.
These may seem too general to be useful but that is only because they are so obvious in these days. Clearly Jesus was saying that things would get considerably worse on many levels. This isn’t a statement you would necessarily expect from someone looking to set up a glorious kingdom. Jesus is also talking about the faith as if it were something big. Most of the disciples were probably not really aware of what He meant by the faith. How could many fall away when there weren’t many following? The gospel of the kingdom is to be preached in the whole world? It hadn’t yet left a hundred mile radius.
These are remarkable statements when you look at them in this light. They are no less remarkable because they are all coming to pass right before our eyes.
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