Lesson 33

I.       Observation

A.     Outline

The Disciples Coming to Jesus (24:1-3)

Times of Great Distress (24:4-22)

Warning against Deception (24:23-28)

Coming of the Son of Man (24:29-31)

Knowing that the Time Is Near (24:32-35)

Hour of His Coming Unknown (24:36-44)

Good Servant and Evil Servant (24:45-51)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

Temple, sign, end, deceive, abomination of desolation, tribulation, coming of the Son of Man, know, do not know, watch, be ready, faithful and wise.

II.    General Analysis

1a. 2, 15-20, possibly 21 also.

1b. 4-14, 21-28, 32-35

1c. 27, 29-31, 36-44, possibly 15-20 also (cf Lk 17:30-35).

2a. Persecutions (9-10). Deception of false prophets (11). Lawlessness (12).

3. Cosmic chaos (29). Sign in heaven (30). Great mourning (30) Son of Man coming on the clouds with power and great glory (30). Sending out of angels with a great sound of a trumpet to gather the elect (31). He will come at an unknown hour (36, 42, 44).

4. Take heed that no one deceives us (4). Do not be troubled (6). Endure to the end (13). Do not believe false alarms (23,26). Know that the end is near when seeing the signs (32-33). Watch (42). Be ready (44).

III. Segment Analysis

1. When will the temple be destroyed? What will be the sign of Christ’s coming? What will be the sign of the end of the age?

2. They were impressed by the beauty of these magnificent structures (Mk 13:1; Lk 21:5).

3a. Rise of false prophets (5,11,24). Wars and rumors of wars (6,7a). Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes (7b). Persecution and hatred (9-10). Lawlessness leading to decrease in love (12).

3b. The preaching of the gospel in all the world (14).

4. The gospel will be a witness to the whole world (14). All peoples will have a chance to hear the gospel and repent before the final judgment comes. The gospel, which proclaims the final judgment, serves as warning to all (Rom 2:16). For those who refuse the gospel, their unbelief will be the reason for their condemnation (2Thess 1:7,8).

5. Armies will take the city of Jerusalem and kill its inhabitants (Lk 21:20).

6a. They will claim to be the Christ and draw many followers (5,11). They will show great signs and wonders (24).

6b. We should discern whether their doctrines and conduct conform to the teachings of the apostles (Gal 1:6-9; 1Jn 4:1-6).

7. The coming of Christ will be visible throughout the world. He will not be in the desert or in the inner rooms (26).

8. Jesus is quoting a proverb (cf Job 39:30). If the “for” in 28 is linked to 26 and 27, then it would mean that just as it is impossible for vultures to miss the carcass, it would be impossible for anyone to not see the coming of Christ. But if 28 is a continuation of 21 and 22 and refers to the period of great tribulation, it may mean that a great number of people worldwide will die during this period (cf Lk 17:37).

9a. The period of great distress predicted in 4-28.

9b. The end of all things and the coming of Christ.

10. He is stressing the certainty of His predictions. Against the drastic changes and final chaos that will take place, Christ’s words will stand firm through the ages. So we can always remind ourselves of Christ’s promises and warnings about the end time as we eagerly wait for his coming.

11. We should be ready at all times. If someone who knows when the thief will come would prepare for that hour, how much more should we be ready since we do not know the hour?

12. The people of Noah’s generation ignored Noah’s warning. The flood came suddenly and destroyed them all. We must be watchful and not lose sight of Christ’s coming. Our hearts must be sober and not be entangled by the cares and pleasures of this world (Lk 21:34-36).

13. He will come suddenly when people do not expect Him. While everyone still carries out their daily routines, some will be taken (probably referring to the gathering in 31) while others left behind.

14a. He was faithful in carrying out the duties that the master had entrusted him. He was wise because he was able to manage the entire house and was always ready for the master’s return.

14b. Being ready does not mean being idle. God in His grace has given each of us gifts to help build up the church. It is our responsibility to minister the gift to others so that everyone in God’s house may enjoy the manifold grace of God and be ready for Christ’s return (1Pet 4:7-11; Heb 10:24,25).

15. He made the false assumption that the master will delay in his return. But false assumption is the very thing that Jesus warns us against. Since we do not know the day nor the hour, we must be ready at all times.