When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age? – Matthew 24:3
The religious people in Israel had refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. Christ mourned over their obstinance, knowing that judgment would come. He had made what would be His last visit to the temple and, though the disciples marveled at the temple structure – thought to be one of the wonders of the world – Christ pronounced its destruction. “There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2).
It was a startling statement to the disciples. They waited until they were on the Mount of Olives before they privately asked, “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus gave no answer to the first question. His answer to the second urged the disciples to view things with caution. Rather than giving them exact events that would happen, Jesus spoke of general conditions that would occur in the world.
There would be wars and rumors of wars, nations rising up against nations, earthquakes and famines in various places, and many false prophets would lead people astray… lawlessness would increase. “The one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:7, 11-13). Jesus encouraged His disciples to live with a constant expectation of His return, living with hope for the future enabled by Christ in the world to come.
You may live with that same hope, no matter the circumstances of the day. Jesus is coming again! Stand firm in your faith. Then pray for the leaders in this country who follow the Savior, that they stand firm in Christlikeness and the hope of His promised return.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 24:3
As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
