https://esv.literalword.com/?q=matthew+24
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Monday, 29 January 2024:
Matthew 24:3, 30, 36-45 – Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? …Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory…. But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “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?”
Today, the disciples ask Jesus two questions addressing two prophetic topics:
1) Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70 (Matthew 24:1-35) and
2) Jesus’ final return to judge the living and the dead (Revelation 20–21).
When interpreting Jesus’ response, it is important to remember He is answering two different questions, and scholars debate which verses deal with the destruction of Jerusalem and which deal with End Times. There is much fascination, speculation, confusion, debate, and unfortunately hype associated with End Times prophecy. Here are a few things that seem clear:
1) No one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). Jesus repeatedly emphasizes that His return will be sudden, unexpected, and unannounced. This is an important point. And just to be abundantly clear, “Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Anyone who claims to know the day our hour is unquestionably a false teacher.
2) Most people will not see it coming at all, even those who view themselves as religious. (Matthew 24:37-39)
3) People will be going about their business as usual (believers and unbelievers) when the Lord returns. (Matthew 24:40-41)
But the most important thing to take away from today’s readings is Jesus’ warning to remain faithfully obedient while we await His return. Jesus gives this warning several times in different ways. “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” (Matthew 24:46) It is far too easy to become complacent. In the name of grace, we are tempted to take sin far too lightly. As we continue to read this year, consider all the verses that command our pursuit of holiness, purity, and obedience. Also, take to heart all the verses which charge us to be faithful with the Gospel message —
– Philemon 1:6 — And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
– Romans 1:16 — For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
– Romans 10:14-15 — How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
– Jude 1:20-23 — But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
Matthew 24:4 – And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.”
Jesus emphasized a warning against deceptive leaders. “Christ” is not a name but rather a title meaning “The Anointed One” or “God’s Chosen Leader.” Many will claim to be the leader who has come to solve all of our problems, but we should only follow Jesus Christ. This is important for Christians to remember during political debates. The only person on earth who is worth following is the one who is closely following Jesus and pointing to Him rather than to themselves.
Matthew 24:11 – And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
Many will be led astray by ungodly political leaders and also by ungodly church leaders who deceive in the name of God.
Matthew 24:12 – And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
Love is demonstrated by obedience to God. You cannot really love while in disobedience to God. Lack of love, revealed by disobedience, naturally leads to brokenness, broken relationships, broken organizations, broken societies; and the brokenness results in disintegration, destruction, and death.
Matthew 24:13 – But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Endurance is required. Not everyone will remain obedient over time. Many who call themselves Christians will compromise to the world. Obedience that is motivated by fear, pride, and even duty will ultimately fail. Only obedience that is truly motivated by love can endure.
Matthew 24:14 – And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
The Gospel is proclaimed as a testimony to everyone whether they believe or not. Final judgment comes after the Gospel has been proclaimed throughout the world.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 29 January 2024: Share the Gospel with someone today.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 