By Steven J. Hogan
~ A Saturday Morning Post #62 ~
THE COMING OF CHRIST! Matthew 24 is about Christ’s 2nd coming and events leading up to it. The disciples had privately asked Jesus, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (verse 3). Jesus went on to give them a detailed answer. He wanted them to know what would be taking place before His return, but more importantly, He wants those of us living in these end-times’ days to know what to be looking for.
Jesus first spoke about birth pains affecting both believers and unbelievers (verses 4-8). These birth pains are false Christs, wars, rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes now occurring in various places all over this planet. At this time, in 2018, our world is in the beginning birth pain stage, which means it’s “not yet the end” of the age. Therefore, Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church is not imminent. Revelation 6:1-8
Then Jesus spoke about events relating to and affecting Christians living in the end times (verses 9-14). All over the world, Christians will be experiencing great tribulation; so-called Christians will be turning away from the true faith (apostasy), and then betray believers; many false prophets will lead people astray; widespread lawlessness will bring sorrow to our souls; by God’s grace, many Christians will endure to the end of the age and be physically saved, that is, raptured into heaven; the gospel will be preached to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus describes what will be affecting the Jews in Israel during this time, this 2nd half of Daniel’s 70th week (verses 15-28, Daniel 9:27). He tells us about the “abomination of desolation”, which is when the Antichrist “takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). There’s great tribulation directed by the Antichrist against the Jews, and then against the Christians around the world. Revelation 12:17 also speaks about this: “the dragon (devil) was enraged with the woman (Jews), and went off to make war with the rest of her children (Christians), who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” These will be very difficult and distressing days, for many people will die – “wherever the corpse is…”
Then there’s some very good news (verses 29-31), for this tribulation affecting both Jews and Christians will be cut short. “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.” These heavenly signs will mark the end to this tribulation and this evil age. At the perfect time, Jesus our Savior, will suddenly and wonderfully appear in the skies above us. “As the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be… the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.” Christ will gather together all God’s children to Himself, those who have already died, and are now in heaven, and those still living on earth. “He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
Then Jesus tells us about the timing of His coming (verses 32-36). He says “when you see all these things” talked about in this chapter, then you will know that His return, the rapture and our redemption, is near. That is, we are to know the general time of His coming. But we will not know the specific time, for Jesus goes on to say, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Hebrews 10:25 – “Encouraging one another… as you see the day drawing near.”
Jesus also wants us to know about the unbelievers (Verses 37-41). This is so sad, and sobering, for the unsaved living on earth in these days will be oblivious to what will be taking place. “The coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah… they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage.” They will be mocking Christians, saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? (2 Peter 3:4)”. They will be ignorant of the fact that “the Judge is standing right at the door (James 5:9),” that God’s devastating wrath will soon be poured out upon the earth. But when the skies go dark, they will know “the great day of their wrath has come… (Revelation 6:12-17)”. At the coming of Christ, “one will be taken (Christians), and one will be left (non-Christians).”
Jesus has some final words for Christians (verses 42-51). “Be on the alert… you also must be ready… who then is the faithful and sensible slave?” His instruction to us is crystal clear – be working and waiting for Christ. “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
I am so thankful that Jesus, our Lord, Teacher and Friend, has told us ahead of time about His coming. “Behold, I have told you in advance (Matthew 24:25).” There’s no doubt that we need to read this most important prophecy chapter, Matthew 24, so we can know what to expect before Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35
P.S. An article that will be helpful to read that goes along with this post is: Matthew 24 – The Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible.