‏ Matthew 24

Awful Predictions

In this passage, Jesus leaves the temple for the last time, marking the end of his public ministry there. His departure is followed by a sobering prophecy about the destruction of the temple. This prophecy serves as a warning to his disciples and shifts their focus from admiring the temple’s outward glory to understanding the greater spiritual truths that Jesus came to reveal.

v. 1: Jesus left the temple and departed from it. This was a significant moment, as it symbolized his final rejection of the temple and its corrupt practices. He had just declared, Your house is left to you desolate (Matthew 23:38 ^a), and now he physically left it, never to return. When Christ departs from a place, it loses its true glory and becomes desolate. This reminds us that no building or institution can stand without God’s presence (Hosea 9:12 ^b).

v. 2: As Jesus left, his disciples pointed out the magnificent buildings of the temple. The temple was famous for its beauty and grandeur, and the disciples, who had spent most of their time in Galilee, were impressed by its splendor. However, Jesus responded by saying, Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down. He foretold the complete destruction of the temple, which was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. This prophecy reminds us not to place our trust in worldly things, as even the most impressive structures will pass away (Micah 3:12 ^c).

v. 3: Later, as Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and asked, When will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world? The Mount of Olives provided a clear view of the temple, making it a fitting place for this conversation. The disciples wanted to know when the temple would be destroyed and what signs would accompany these events. Their question also reflected their confusion, as they associated the destruction of the temple with the end of the world. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them, not only about the destruction of Jerusalem but also about his second coming and the end of the age.

The Signs of the End of the Age

In this section, Jesus answers his disciples’ questions about the destruction of the temple and the signs of his coming and the end of the age. He warns them to be careful not to be deceived, and describes the troubles and persecutions that will come before the end. Jesus teaches that terrible things will happen, but he also promises that God will help his people stay faithful. The main message is to be watchful, not alarmed, and to trust God’s plan, even when the world seems troubled and confused.

v. 4: Jesus begins by warning his disciples, “Take heed that no one deceives you.” Many people will try to trick them with false teaching and lies about God’s plans. Jesus knows that it is easy for people to be led astray, especially when they are afraid or confused about the future.

v. 5: He says that many will come in his name, claiming, “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many. These are false messiahs—people who pretend to be Jesus or say they have special authority from him. Jesus wants his followers to be careful and not believe everyone who says they are sent by God.

v. 6: Jesus tells them they will hear about wars and rumors of wars, but they should not be alarmed or panic. These things must happen, but they do not mean the end has come right away. There will be trouble in the world, but Christians should not lose hope or give in to fear.

v. 7: He explains that nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, diseases, and earthquakes in many places. These disasters are all part of the troubles that come before the end. Jesus wants his disciples to understand that such things are not a surprise to God.

v. 8: Jesus says, “All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Just like birth pains mean a baby is coming, these troubles show that something new is coming, but the end is not yet. The worst troubles are still ahead, but God is in control.

v. 9: He warns that his followers will be handed over to be persecuted, killed, and hated by all nations because of his name. Christians will face suffering and rejection for believing in Jesus. He wants them to be ready for hard times and to remain faithful, even if others turn against them.

v. 10: Many will turn away from the faith, betray each other, and hate each other. When trouble comes, some people will give up on following Jesus and even turn against their friends. Jesus is honest about the difficulties ahead.

v. 11: Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. There will be teachers who say they speak for God but do not. These false teachers will lead people away from the truth if they are not careful.

v. 12: Wickedness will increase, and the love of many will grow cold. When people see so much evil, some will lose their love for God and others. Jesus warns that it is easy to become discouraged or selfish when times are hard.

v. 13: But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Jesus encourages his followers to stay faithful, even when it is difficult. God promises to save those who keep trusting in him until the end.

v. 14: He says that this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Before the end, the good news about Jesus will reach every nation. God’s plan is for everyone to hear about Jesus, and only then will the final events happen.

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The Lesson of the Fig Tree

In this section, Jesus teaches his disciples to watch for the signs of his coming by using a simple example from nature—the fig tree. Just as people know that summer is near when a fig tree’s branches become tender and leaves come out, so believers should recognize the signs Jesus gave as evidence that his return and the end of the age are close. Jesus emphasizes the certainty of his words and warns that, although the signs will be clear, the exact day and hour of his coming will not be known to anyone except God the Father.

v. 32: Jesus tells his disciples to learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and puts out leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see the things he has just described happening—wars, troubles, persecutions, and signs in the world—you should know that his coming is getting close (Matthew 24:32 ^d).

v. 33: So, when you see all these things, you should realize that “he is near, right at the door.” Jesus wants his followers to be alert and ready, because just as people can recognize the season by the trees, they should recognize the season of his return by the signs he has given (Matthew 24:33 ^e).

v. 34: Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.” This means that many of the signs he mentions will begin to happen soon, even in the lifetime of some of those listening to him. Some signs were fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem, but others look forward to the end of the world. Jesus is assuring them that his predictions are reliable (Matthew 24:34 ^f).

v. 35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Jesus’s words are certain and lasting. Everything in the world may change or be destroyed, but what he says will always be true. His promises and prophecies can be trusted completely (Matthew 24:35 ^g).

v. 36: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Jesus makes it clear that, although the signs will show that the end is near, no one can know the exact time when he will return—not even the angels or Jesus himself in his human nature. Only God the Father knows. This teaches that we must always be ready and watchful, since the exact time is a secret (Matthew 24:36 ^h).

The Coming of the Son of Man Compared to Noah’s Day

v. 37: Jesus says that when he returns, it will be just like it was in the days of Noah. People were living their normal lives, not expecting anything unusual, right up until the flood came. In the same way, many will be caught off guard when the Son of Man comes. This shows us that Jesus’ return will be sudden and unexpected, even though we have been warned about it (Matthew 24:37 ⁱ).

v. 38: In Noah’s time, people were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage—doing all the ordinary things of life. There’s nothing wrong with these activities themselves, but the problem was that people were so focused on their daily routines that they ignored God’s warnings. They were completely absorbed in the present, not thinking about what was coming. This teaches us that being overly caught up in worldly things can make us spiritually unprepared (Matthew 24:38 ^j).

v. 39: The people in Noah’s day “knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.” Even though Noah warned them, they didn’t believe or pay attention. Their lack of faith and focus on earthly things left them unprepared. In the same way, many will be surprised by Jesus’ return, because they are not watching or ready. The flood came suddenly and swept them away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be—a day of judgment that cannot be avoided (Matthew 24:39 ^k).

The Separating Nature of Christ’s Coming

v. 40: Jesus says, “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.” This means that when he comes, there will be a clear separation—even among people who seem very similar or are working side by side. God knows the hearts of each person, and his coming will reveal who truly belongs to him. This separation is not based on outward circumstances, but on the state of each person’s relationship with God (Matthew 24:40 ^l).

v. 41: “Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and the other left.” Again, Jesus emphasizes that his coming will divide even those who are closest—friends, coworkers, even family members. Some will be taken to be with Christ, while others will be left behind. This shows the importance of personal faith and readiness, no matter our surroundings or relationships (Matthew 24:41 ^m).

The Call to Watchfulness

v. 42: Jesus commands, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” The main lesson is to stay spiritually awake and alert. We don’t know when Jesus will return, so we must always be ready. Watching means living with expectation, being mindful of God’s priorities, and not letting ourselves drift into spiritual laziness or distraction (Matthew 24:42 ⁿ).

v. 43: Jesus gives an illustration: if a homeowner knew what time a thief was coming, he would stay awake and not let his house be broken into. In the same way, since we don’t know when Jesus will come, we must always be prepared. This means living each day as if it could be the day of his return—ready in heart, faith, and actions (Matthew 24:43 ^o).

v. 44: Jesus warns, “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” This means that while we cannot know the exact time of Christ’s return, we can be absolutely certain that He will come. His promise, “Surely I come quickly,” obligates us to live in a state of constant expectation. The uncertainty of the hour is meant to keep us watchful—not just those who are careless, but even the most alert believers may be surprised. Like the wise virgins who were caught slumbering when the bridegroom arrived, we are reminded that it is better to live in continual readiness than to seek special signs or predictions about the end.

Jesus illustrates this with the example of a householder who, if he knew a thief was coming during a certain watch of the night, would stay awake and guard his house, even when it was hardest to do so. In the same way, since we know Christ will come but not when, we must always be spiritually alert. Each of us has a “house” to keep—our own soul, which holds all our true treasure. If we are found unready, we risk losing everything, not by injustice, but by the just judgment of God. Therefore, we must put on the armor of God and be as ready at all times as the householder would be if he expected a thief.

v. 45: Jesus asks, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?” Here, Jesus introduces a parable to show the difference between faithful and unfaithful servants. This applies to all Christians, but especially to ministers, who are stewards in God’s household. The church is God’s family, and ministers are appointed not as rulers or lords, but as stewards and guides, leading people in the ways Christ has set. Their job is to give spiritual food—sound teaching and encouragement—at the right time, not to take for themselves or invent new doctrines. They must serve under Christ’s authority, for the good of His people.

v. 46: “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” The faithful servant is one who is trustworthy, wise, and diligent in his duties. He seeks his Master’s honor, not his own, and delivers the whole counsel of God, not just his own ideas. He is wise in knowing what to do and when to do it, and he is always actively serving, not idle or careless. The faithful servant is found at his work whenever the Master returns, showing both constancy and perseverance. This is a call for ministers and all believers to be steadfast and diligent, always ready for Christ’s return.

v. 47: “Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.” The reward for the faithful servant is great. First, he is recognized and honored by Christ, who values humility, diligence, and sincerity. Second, he is pronounced blessed by Christ Himself, which is the highest blessing. Third, he is promoted to greater responsibility and honor—just as a good steward might be put in charge of his master’s whole estate, so faithful servants of Christ will be given greater glory and authority in the world to come. This reward far surpasses any earthly honor.

v. 48: “But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’” Here, Jesus describes the wicked servant, who represents the worst kind of person—a professing Christian, even a minister, who does not truly believe Christ will return. The root of his wickedness is a practical disbelief in Christ’s coming. He convinces himself that the Lord is delayed, and so he feels free to live as he pleases. Christ knows what is in our hearts, even if we say the right things outwardly. The delay of Christ’s coming, which is meant to show God’s patience, is often abused by the wicked, who use it as an excuse to do evil.

v. 49: “and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards,” The wicked servant’s disbelief leads to two great sins. First, he persecutes others—he mistreats his fellow servants, forgetting that all are equal in God’s house. This can mean harsh words, unjust actions, or even outright violence, often under the pretense of serving God. Second, he falls into immorality and worldliness, joining with the ungodly in their sinful pleasures. He becomes a companion of drunkards and sinners, hardening both himself and others in their wickedness. Such a person may be gifted and eloquent, but his life outside the pulpit contradicts his message.

v. 50: “the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know,” The judgment of the wicked servant will come suddenly and unexpectedly. Ignoring or dismissing the warnings of Christ does not delay His coming. The Lord will return at a time when the careless and unfaithful least expect it. Those who have ignored God’s word and silenced their consciences will have no further warning. Christ’s patience is not an excuse for neglect, but a call to repentance and readiness.

v. 51: “and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The punishment for the wicked servant is severe and final. He is “cut in pieces”—separated from the living and from God’s people, as a cursed and condemned soul. This may refer to both physical death and spiritual ruin: the body goes to the grave, the soul to hell. The wicked servant, who divided his heart between God and the world, is now justly divided in judgment. He is placed with the hypocrites, those who pretended to serve God but lived in sin, and there he faces eternal sorrow and regret—“weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This is the ultimate fate of all who are unfaithful and unready when Christ returns.