#1312 Matthew 25 Part 1 Now Your Cooking With Gas

 

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25: 1-12 ESV

Matthew 25: 1-12 Lamps Without Oil

We just left off in the last post discussing how no one knows the hour or the day of Christ's return, and how many would fall into complacency about this. Jesus will continue to drive home these concepts just like in the first major sermons of His ministry, the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5-7. Here in the Olivet Discourse He continues with the signs of His coming and the complacency of that age. These are the kind of sermons that use to thunder from the pulpits of Spurgeon, Edwards and Whitefield, but are strangely lacking in most churches today. 

…21Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’… Matthew 7: 21-23

Will be like ten virgins - These are all outwardly the same, 10 young women.

Who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom - Okay, so in the context of Christ's return, which has been the discussion of the previous chapter, and of those who were not prepared for their Lord's return, along with those who were found doing their Master's work, we now have another word picture. Remember last chapter He discussed the servants' stewardship, and now He gives a very simple picture of something all too familiar to His audience, that of a wedding. In those days there was, as part of the wedding ceremony, bridesmaids, and here we have ten of them. They would carry these oil fed lamps in a procession at night, and they would go out to meet the bridegroom. Now again, outwardly, these all are women, with lamps, and identifying as those who are waiting for the Bridegroom. This means that they intend, and or also identify as being in, part of the wedding. 

“When the bridegroom came, the bride-maids, who were attending the bride, went forth to meet the bridegroom, with lamps lighted, to conduct him and his companions into the house, and to her who was to be the bride.” (Poole)

ii. Some ask why Jesus described ten virgins and not another number. Reportedly, Talmudic authorities said there were usually ten lamps in a bridal procession. It was a common size of a wedding party. - E Word

Five of them were foolish - Jesus lets us in on something, and you probably think, why would the bride pick them for bridesmaids then? The answer is easy, outwardly, like the people in Matthew 7 above, they identify themselves as with the bride. This is no different than the church today, many say they are Christians, just like in the parable of the wheat and the tares, and the parable of the seed and the sewer, Jesus brings up this issue a lot. They identify outwardly as being Christians, as being part of the body of Christ, as those waiting for His return. You and I see mostly outward, yet God looks at the heart, and so there is never a time when He is confused about where someone stands, but you and I can be duped, and it hurts. 

…27The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. 28 A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. 29No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.… Romans 2: 27-29

Five were wise - So he distinguishes between people and groups of people, and it is quite literally as simple as saying some were stupid and some were not. A sign of our day is that no one wants to be corrected, no one wants to hear anything that isn't positive, until someone builds a bridge and it falls under the weight of someone's car who was special to them, and then they think, "you know what, maybe we should raise the bar back up to it's place, maybe there should be a standard or something." 

They took no oil with them - What does Romans 2 say? Circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit. These lacked the Spirit, they identified verbally with the bride, and they had lamps, but when He, the Bridegroom comes, His fire will either cause the oil in the lamps to ignite, or what else to be consumed before it? It is the Spirit that gives life, and these have been tares, even a plant that grows up, but where is the fruit of the Spirit? They are now going to be made known even to the rest of the church, those that could not detect them before. These are unregenerate. They acknowledged the bride, have sat with her group, attended to her by some degree, were waiting for the Bridegroom, yet not prepared for His coming. Paul and the other Apostles also admonished those who claimed to believe, listen to this, and where is this warning from our pulpits today, who will admonish like this?

…4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you. 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you— unless you actually fail the test? 6And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.… 2 Corinthians 13: 4-6

…7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.…

…10Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, 11and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have.… 2 Peter 1: 7-12

But the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps - They were filled with the Spirit, born again. 

…5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. 7Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’… John 3: 5-7

They all became drowsy and slept - Just like marriage, eating and drinking, sleeping is not bad in itself and believe me you will go crazy without it, so it's not that they slept, in fact it says, "they all". Both the stupid and the wise slept, but the difference is one group had their flasks filled with oil before they went to bed. It's like knowing that the thief is coming you need to be prepared. 

Here is the Bridegroom - It's sudden right, like a thief in the night, and now your waking up, rubbing the sleep boogers out of your eyes, and the last thing you want to do is have to think. There is no time to prepare, you need to just fill the lamp and go meet the Bridegroom. The wedding procession has started.

Give us some of your oil - It's an impossible request, and this is the way of salvation, I can be saved, but what I have to give you is the gospel, that which points you to Christ, what He says, and that is the power unto salvation. I can't save you though. When you seek comfort like that from a man and he acts as though he is the gate, rather than acknowledging that Jesus is the gate, that there is only One Way, and that is Christ, not popes, not counsels, not religious rites of passage, you are looking to come in some other way. There is a conversation I had with an old woman, and it went the way it should, and for that I am grateful, because she pleaded with me, to hear it from me that she was saved, and I admit, it's a difficult thing to not appease people in this. All I could tell her was, "would you rather hear it from me or from God?" Ultimately I don't know what she finally came to, but verbally she stated, "God, because in the end that's all that really matters." We tell the gospel that all have sinned, and that all need to examine themselves and come to the light of this that they are sinners in need of a Savior. We beg all men to repent and be made right with God through the Only Way that He provides, His Son, Jesus Christ, Whose atoning blood and righteous acts are applied to believers by the Holy Spirit through faith. I can't give you the Holy Spirit and you sure can't buy it from me. Salvation is of the Lord.

…19“Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God.… Acts 8: 19-21

Buy for yourselves - I can't give you my oil, I can't sell you my oil, I need my oil lest I be unprepared for the wedding as well. It's an impossible request. They could only direct them to where to get it. Some lie to their children and tell them how good they are, or to their friends and so that such great men have nothing to worry about. I know a woman who thinks her children are saved because she dabs olive oil on them, claiming to anoint them with the Spirit and "read there rites" over them, insuring that they are saved by her works and words over them. Meanwhile they don't believe much of anything, and she obviously believes in another Christ, different from the One giving this sermon here in Matthew 25. Your mom is not going to stand in your place, and God doesn't call your friends or your children good, you need the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ Jesus, the only One Who lived a truly righteous life before God. You need what He has, and He is willing to take away what you have. 

1“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! 2Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.… Isaiah 55: 1-2

21But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,…

…24and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. 26He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.… Romans 3: 21-26

While they were going to buy the Bridegroom came - Remember the procrastinators from before, people who thought the Lord tarried too long, and they got caught up in the cares of this life, like the seed amongst the thorns, or that tread upon in the path, or that which fell in the shallow, rocky soil? It only took good, deep root, and brought forth fruit in the soil that was prepared. "Oh, someday I will think about religion, or someday I will decide for Christ, because sadly some already know He's the only way, but they have made an idol out of something else.  

The door was shut - Remember the ark with Noah, he preached for 120 years, and then the flood came as promised, but the door was shut.

Open to us - He answers, "I do not know you". Don't be so stupid as to think there is time, you have no idea if there is time, I don't know for sure that I will have time to finish this post, you just don't know. 

12See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. 13But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.… Hebrews 3: 12-14

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#1311 Matthew 24 Part 4 Just Like Back In The Day

 

36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 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, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 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. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

45 “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? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 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 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 24: 36-51 ESV

Matthew 24: 36-51

Even John says at the end of Revelation, “Come, Lord Jesus; come, Lord Jesus; come, Lord Jesus.” He’s waiting for the Lord to come, and to gather Him. Paul in 1 Corinthians 1: “eager for the Lord’s coming.” James in 5 - chapter 5, verses 7 and 8: “The coming of the Lord is near.” First Peter 4:7: “We – we’re waiting for the Lord.” But the warnings specifically in this passage are an answer to the question about the final generation. Now, let’s go back to verse 32 for a minute: “Of that day, or hour, no one knows” – it’ll not be revealed to anyone.

That hasn’t stopped people from making ridiculous predictions. Why do people do that? They started in 90 A.D. with Clement the First, and then in the second century there was a group called The Montanists, who’d made a prediction of the coming of the Lord. Then there was – oh, Joseph Smith of Mormon fame, who predicted the Lord would come in 1832, or 1890, or maybe now, 1891. Then there were the Millerites, who said the Lord is coming March 21st, 1843. Oh, no; October 22, 1844. That didn’t work out either.

Then there’s Ellen G. White, Seventh Day Adventism, who said the Lord would come in 1850; hm, guess not; no, 1856. Then there are the Jehovah’s Witnesses who said the Lord would come in 1914, 1915, 1918, 1920, 1925, ‘41, ‘75, 1990, and they’re still making dates; so, if you’re in that movement, get out. They don’t know - no one knows - and that is a dead giveaway of a false system. They don’t know. The angels don’t even know, and they’re hanging around the throne. So, the angels don’t know, but “we in our group, we know.”

Oh, really – wow. Then He says, “Not even the Son knows” - the Lord voluntarily restricted the use of His attributes - that’s the kenosis in Philippians 2. He laid aside His divine prerogatives - not His divine nature or His attributes, but the prerogative to use them - to the will of the Father, and did only what the Father told Him to do, showed Him to do, and revealed to Him. “All things” - John 15:15 - “I have heard from My father I made known to you” - what the Father told him, He knew and revealed. - J Mac

No one knows - Many people, as J Mac notes above have pretended to know, and they have proven themselves to be false prophets as well. What Christ makes abundantly clear here is that we need to be prepared, always on the watch, and always about our Master's business. We know it's coming, that Christ will be back, but we don't know the hour or the day.

For as were the days of Noah - In Noah's day they had a prophet of God, Noah, and he preached repentance, warned of a flood, made a visible sign of his obedience to God, his belief that God was going to destroy everything by water. He built an ark, and for 120 years the people watched him build this magnificent piece of work, a massive structure which he took great pains to seal off from the outside waters. 

…4For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; 5if He did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood on its ungodly people, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, among the eight; 6if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly;… 2 Peter 2: 4-6

In those days before the flood they were eating and drinking - What was the people's response to Noah's preaching and this ark? They went about normal life, and there is nothing wrong with eating and drinking, you starve or dehydrate when you don't. There is nothing wrong with marriage, that union forms the basis for all society, that's what continues the species and trains the next generation. The issue is that they were unmoved by the warning, they didn't repent, they didn't believe they needed to. These people in Noah's time just went about everyday life and the longer it went on the more they thought it would. 

…3Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “ Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” 5But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water,… 2 Peter 3: 3-5

They were unaware until the flood came - They were oblivious, didn't believe it was coming, maybe some thought it wasn't coming in their time, but when it came it was too late, they were swept away.

One will be taken and one left - The context of this is the Day of the Lord, judgment, as those on the earth were also judged at the time of the flood. Noah's family was held safe in the ark and brought into a new world, washed of everyone and everything except those that survived in the ark. 

Criswell - The context of the passage would seem to indicate that the judgment of Christ's return and not the rapture of the church is in view. The "one taken" (Mt 24:40, 41) is taken in judgment; the one remaining is blessed to enter with the Lord into kingdom blessings. Indeed, the rapture of believers (1Th 4:13-18), it would seem, is not discussed in Matthew 24-25.

Noah was one left. Why? Was it because Noah was so good? Of course not. Moses records "Then the LORD said to Noah, "Enter the ark, you and all your household; for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time." (Ge 7:1, Heb 11:7-note = This passage clearly shows how genuine faith is not static but is dynamic and results in obedience. Obedience does not save anyone but it demonstrates that one is genuinely saved. Beloved, if you say you are saved, that you walked an aisle 30 years ago but you having living like the devil ever since, then there is a great likelihood that you will not be on the ark with Noah. You need to repent and confess Jesus as Lord and be born again by His Spirit! Ro 10:9, 10-note, John 3:3-5, Titus 3:5, 6-note, Eph 2:8,9-note) - Precept Austin

Two women will be grinding at the mill - So close are these relationships, colleagues, mothers, daughters, yet one is granted repentance, believes unto salvation, and the other is taken in judgment. 

Had known what part of the night the thief was coming - A thief doesn't come announced, he wants the element of surprise, for you to be away or asleep. The second coming of Christ is like the coming of the thief because He doesn't tell us what day nor what hour of that day. The head of many a house will still be guilty though, for you would have stayed awake if you knew a thief was coming. Now here's the thing, Christ is coming back, and all these parables following should tell you that men don't naturally prepare for this, they all put it far off, think lightly of it. I know people, and was in fact one of those people, that said, well, when Christ comes I will side with Him, as if it was going to be an arrival like that. Only Noah and his family were able to enter the ark, the rest of humanity drowned. I know people who say once they have sewed their oats, experienced enough of the pleasures of sin, then they will turn around, then they will confess Christ. I know some that hold a lot on a prayer they said when they were young, and they think that is bank against a life they now lead serving evil, rejecting God's word. I have a tattoo that reminds me that I need to repent if ever I see the two witnesses of the end time lying dead in the streets. I'm sorry, but that's not preparing, neither is saying I don't believe in God so I don't believe what He says. Many are going to be more worried about getting married than they will be the return of Christ, and so they will marry and not worry about being equally yoked. Every head of the household is the priest to that home, whether one of righteousness pointing to Christ, or of death, pointing to the cares of this world, and trusting in their wealth or worldly wisdom. How prepared are you, and how have you prepared those in your household? Do they know that Christ is coming back to judge the world?

…6These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. 7And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.… Deuteronomy 6: 6-8

Who then is the faithful and wise servant - Which of my workers can I depend on in this? Who has proven deserving of such trust?

To give them their food at their proper time - One thing I learned as I repented, and it is humbling and so necessary, but my life is not my own, I didn't make it. My children are on loan to me from God as well as my wife, they belong to Him, and it is my duty that I should instruct them in the way of truth, remind them daily of the gospel, looking forward always to Christ's imminent return. It is the same for pastors, but it must start at home, and then continue with wise and prudent men who will constantly take Christ's sheep into deeper and richer pastures, feeding them the truth of His word. I neither taught my children when they were young, nor did I take them very often to places of sound teaching. I was too preoccupied with the cares of this world, with keeping myself entertained, earning the respect of men. This was so very necessary to repent of, a very poor stewardship of this time.

1So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.… 1 Corinthians 4: 1-3

11that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. 12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. 13I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.… 1 Timothy 1: 11-13

1You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well. 3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.… 2 Timothy 2: 1-3

My Master is delayed - Many have fallen off this way, many have used the church even to pad their pockets, make a heaven here after the form of their evil hearts, yet when the true Master comes He will not know them as His. They will be put with the hypocrites.

In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth - There are many hypocrites today who go about calling themselves Christians and yet say there is no hell. Now this they think is good on their part, but Christian means follower of Christ, and this is their hypocrisy, that Christ spoke more of hell than He did of heaven, yet you say there is no such doctrine. You claim to follow the One Whose teachings you don't follow. You are a Christian in name only, but you are deceived and not born again. 

Spurgeon - He was a servant, you see; so this is a warning, not to the outside world, but to you who are inside the nominal church, and who profess to be servants of God; and it is especially a warning to those of us who are ministers of the gospel. Oh, that we may never begin to smite our fellow servants! Of course, we shall not do it with the fist, but we may do it with the tongue; and may we never be numbered with those who are living for the delights of the flesh! If so, see what must come to us.

Ivor Powell agrees writing that "Such a warning coming from the lips of Jesus should be sufficient to make every professing Christian examine the quality of his faith and conduct. Apathy is a cancer which destroys the soul." - Precept Austin

…22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ 24Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.… Matthew 7: 22-24

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#1310 Matthew 24 Part 3 Draw Back The Curtains

 

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 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. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24: 29-35 ESV

Matthew 24: 29-35 Coming of the Son of Man and Lesson of the Fig Tree

12And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, 13and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. 14The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place.… Revelation 6: 12-14

…3Their slain will be left unburied, and the stench of their corpses will rise; the mountains will flow with their blood. 4All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree. 5When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction.… Isaiah 34: 3-5

Immediately after the tribulation of those days - I have heard people try to fit "the tribulation of those days" into the period preceding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A. D. There are a hosts of problems with this, including the word "immediately" which starts this sentence. Remember, during the tribulation, just like in the time written of by Jeremiah, there will be false Christs and false prophets. In Jeremiah's time, he prophesied that the Babylonian captivity would last 70 years, but the false prophets started out by saying there wouldn't even be a captivity. Then when it came, they somehow still managed to hold the people's ears, and they said it would only last for 2 years, and then we will return to the land, but they were wrong. So in the post preceding this, we see also a warning that people would say, "look, Messiah is in the desert, or over here", but Jesus tells us that there will be no guessing like that necessary, for it will be like lightning, very visible. There will be visible signs in the heavens, the sun darkened, and of course the moon reflects the light of the sun, so this will be out, the stars will fall, and the heavens themselves shaken. What happened in 70 A.D. was not this, it was localized, and here is a big problem, Jesus' return is imminent at this point, and He comes to judge the earth. It is not written in figurative language, no, Christ returns, and only cults believe that Jesus has already come back, visited the Americas, and so much more nonsense.

…9They storm the city; they run along the wall; they climb into houses, entering through windows like thieves. 10Before them the earth quakes; the heavens tremble. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars lose their brightness. 11The LORD raises His voice in the presence of His army. Indeed, His camp is very large, for mighty are those who obey His command. For the Day of the LORD is great and very dreadful. Who can endure it?… Joel 2: 9-11

All the tribes of the earth will mourn - Again, this encompasses so much more scope, you will have the elect Jews, who have been sealed and kept hidden during the last 3.5 years of the Tribulation, the period known as the Great Tribulation. They will mourn over Christ as a long lost Son, theirs will be the confession of Isaiah 53 . There will also be those of the world who mourn in anguish, not wanting to face the Son of God, the great Judge of all the world. He is coming to reclaim what is His, and they want to hide from Him. Every knee will eventually bow, but some will only do it because of the might they see before them, but in their hearts they want Him to go away.

13And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. Revelation 12: 13-14

10Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 11On that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be as great as the wailing of Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.… Zechariah 12: 10-11

…15Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. 17For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”… Revelation 6: 15-17

They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds - This is Christ coming to judge the earth and to save His sheep that have made it through the Tribulation of "those days".

This is the fulfillment of the end, indicated by the sign of the abomination of desolation. Since this has not happened yet, neither has the abomination of desolation.

i. Again, those who claim that all or most of the events of Matthew 24 were fulfilled in the Roman conquest of Jerusalem and Judea in A.D. 70 are in an unenviable position. They often claim that Jesus fulfilled this coming on the clouds of heaven of the Son of Man with power and great glory by “coming” in judgment against the Jewish people in A.D. 70.

ii. Even some of those who believe that most the events of Matthew 24 were fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem understand that this is a stretch too far. “From the foregoing exposition it appears that the coming of the Son of Man is not to be identified with the judgment of Jerusalem.” (Bruce)

They will gather His elect from the four winds - This means from all over the earth, NSEW, and this is one of the first times we see the use of the word "elect", revealing that God's redeemed are chosen. It wasn't because you were smarter than the average bear, Boo Boo, but rather because God showed you mercy.

Elect (chosen) (1588)(eklektos from verb eklego which in middle voice [eklegomai] means select or pick out for one's self which is derived from ek =out + lego =call) means literally the "called out ones" or "chosen out ones". The idea of eklektos is the ones who have been chosen for one's self, selected out of a larger number. In regard to election as related to salvation, Wuest comments that "This election does not imply the rejection of the rest (those not chosen out), but is the outcome of the love of God lavished upon those chosen-out." (Wuest)

The doctrine of election is mysterious and we will never fully comprehend it on this side of glory (cp 1Cor 13:11-12). However, Paul shows us how we are to live in the face of this doctrine (and not let it be divisive!) - "For this reason (referring to the "Gospel unchained" in 2Ti 2:9) I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen (the elect), that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory." (2Ti 2:10-note) Paul did not know who the elect were, but he nevertheless endured for their sake and so too must we. We see a similar pattern in First Thessalonians where Paul reminds the believers at Thessalonica of God's "choice (ekloge) of you." (1Thes 1:4-note) Then he explains how their election was effected, explaining "our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." (1Thes 1:5-note) As W A Criswell says "The word "for" introduces a clause that explains the way in which election works. However one understands this mysterious doctrine, the text makes clear its intimate relationship to the Gospel of Christ, the preached word, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit." (Believer's Study Bible Notes) - Precept Austin

Spurgeon on Election - Andrew Fuller remarks, in a letter to two relatives:: ' I used to think that the doctrine of election was a reason why we need not pray, and I fear there are many who split upon this rock, who think it is to no purpose to pray, as things will be as they will be. But I now see that the doctrine of election is the greatest encouragement instead of a discouragement to prayer. He that decreed that any one should be finally saved, decreed that it should be in the way of prayer; as much as he that has decreed what we shall possess of the things of this life, has decreed that it shall be in the way of industry; and as we never think of being idle in common business, because God has decreed what we shall possess of this world's good, so neither should we be slothful in the business of our souls, because our final state is decreed.' - Precept Austin

The Lesson of the fig tree - He has spoken to the Pharisees before about reading the signs of the sky, knowing what sort of weather it will be. It is the same with the fig, and the Lilies, and the turning of the leaves in fall, you know that it marks a time, that something else is fast approaching. 

You know that He is near, at the very gates - This is the language of immediacy, the expectation is high.

This generation will not pass away until all these things take place - This is a reference to the generation alive during the Tribulation. That generation will see these things, and they will see the coming of the Lord Jesus on the clouds. Remember, the first major thing they will see, the one that will make it most clear to them anyway, will be the abomination of desolation. 

As noted below, even highly respected commentators such as William Hendriksen and R C H Lenski (both of whom favor a 70AD fulfillment of Mt 24:15ff), agree that this generation is a qualitative term, not a quantitative (chronological) term referring to a kind of generation, not a time of a given generation. In other words, they both agree that "this generation" is highly unlikely to refer to the generation that was alive at the time Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse the only interpretation that supports a preterist interpretation of Mt 24:15ff.

The NET Note offers three possibilities for this generation - (1) Some take (generation) as meaning "race" and thus as an assurance that the Jewish race (nation) will not pass away. But it is very questionable that the Greek term genea can have this meaning… (2) Generation might mean "this type of generation" and refer to the generation of wicked humanity… (3) generation may refer to "the generation that sees the signs of the end" (Mt 24:30), who will also see the end itself.

While I agree the meaning of generation is controversial, my view is that the weight of Scriptural evidence most strongly supports the interpretation that Jesus was referring to the "type of generation" (see note of explanation below) that will witness the events beginning in Mt 24:15-note with the "revelation" of the Antichrist and ending with the "revelation" of the Christ in Mt 24:30-note (cp the two revelations - 2Th 2:8). Obviously, I believe the abomination of desolation in Mt 24:15-note is yet to stand in the holy place, the Temple. I am not a dispensationalist nor a preterist, but a literalist and a literal interpretation of Daniel 9:27-note calls for a 7 year treaty that is broken after 3.5 years, a specific event which has no past historical fulfillment in the first century. While the Hebrew of Daniel 9:27-note is difficult, this first portion of the verse is not difficult (i.e., the making and breaking of a covenant at the midpoint of seven years) and thus it gives the reader some very important truths to aid the understanding of Mt 24:15-note. Jesus clearly commanded the reader of Matthew 24:15 to direct his attention to Daniel. No, He did not specify Daniel 9:27 but that passage and Daniel 12:11-note (which from context of Da 12:1-note describes the same event as Da 9:27), are the writings in Daniel that most clearly relate to the abomination of desolation of Mt 24:15-note. And if one reads 2Thes 2:3-4-note, seeking a literal meaning, it is clear that Paul describes the revelation of a man who carries out an "abomination" in the holy place by taking his seat there and exalting himself over "every so-called god!" Even the ESV Study Bible note agrees that Paul is referring to the Antichrist. There is no Biblical or historical record that fulfills Paul's description in 2Th 2:3-4, so clearly it refers to a future event, an event which correlates perfectly with Jesus' warning of an abomination of desolation in the holy place in Mt 24:15-note! Note that this assessment is based on no one's system of theological interpretation! It is based on a literal reading of the text. It is only when one goes to the commentaries that one encounters considerable confusion. In fact, it is notable that none of the top five Matthew commentaries listed by Tim Challies or Ligonier ministries interpret Jesus' words in Mt 24:15-22 as descriptive of a future event. Do you think there might be some bias in their lists? It follows that if you consult those commentaries before you go to the Scripture, you will likely read Jesus' words in the Olivet Discourse with an inherent bias against a literalistic and futuristic interpretation. As I have attempted to demonstrate in the commentary notes on Matthew 24:15-34, any interpretation other than a literal interpretation encounters significant problems in trying to make a non-literal interpretation "fit." And so while I admit "this generation" in Mt 24:34 is a controversial phrase, it is patently (and intellectually) unfair to use one's interpretation of this phrase as a reason for jettisoning a literal reading of Matthew 24:15-22! "This generation" (with up to 6 possible interpretations!) should not be allowed to "trump" (be a decisive overriding factor) a literal reading of the "abomination of desolation" (Mt 24:15-note) a clear sign that will mark the starting point of the yet to occur, unprecedented time of the great tribulation (Mt 24:21-note). In fact the clear temporal association of the abomination of desolation with the unique great tribulation (When in Mt 24:15, Then in Mt 24:21-note Daniel 12:11-note), strongly supports a futuristic interpretation because the distress in 70AD was not UNIQUE and falls well short of the Jewish distress in World War II. While one might say 70AD foreshadowed the ultimate great tribulation, one cannot in all fairness interpret the great tribulation as fulfilled in 70AD, unless one spiritualizes or twists the plain meaning of Jesus' words!

In sum, this generation could refer to the evil type of generation that will exist until Jesus returned. Alternatively, MacArthur interprets it as the generation which would be alive at His Second Coming. Hiebert seems to combine these two interpretations of this generation writing that "It seems best to preserve the natural meaning of generation as denoting the people alive at a given time and accept the view that the reference is to that future, turbulent, wicked generation that will see the actual beginning of those eschatological events." The view that this generation refers to the one that was alive when Jesus spoke these words is untenable! - Precept Austin

Heaven and earth will pass away - God's word will remain, and so we should put a higher value on this than that which is passing. God's word must be above our feelings, our wants, and what we would wish to be right. Let us see God's word above every human throne and idea. Lord, thank you for your word, let it hold the place of highest honor in my heart.

1Of David. I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises. 2I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else. 3On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.… Psalm 138: 1-3

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#1309 Matthew 24 Part 2 Epimanes Too

 

15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. Matthew 24: 15-28 ESV

Matthew 24: 15-28  The Olivet Discourse Continued

…26Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed. 27And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him.” Daniel 9: 26-27

More on Daniel 9

When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel - Jesus continues to answer their previous questions about the end and the time of His coming. This is the context, and add to that verse 21, and we see that it is within a greater context of the world, not just localized to Jerusalem. It will be closing in on the end of the birth pains discussed in the prior post, and at a magnitude never seen before. So what reference would the disciples have for the "abomination of desolation"? A great question, and I am glad you asked. Shadows and examples of Christ were laid out by the prophets, the Seed of the Woman in Genesis, the Ram that replaced Isaac, the Passover Lamb, the Tabernacle, the Son of David, etc... There is also an example of, a foreshadowing of the antichrist in the prophecies of the OT as well, which was historically fulfilled in part by Antiochus Epiphanes. He was of the declining Greek Empire, foretold by Daniel, and written of historically in Maccabees during the Intertestamental period, the period beginning after the last OT prophet and finishing with the first NT prophet, the first prophet to Israel in about 400 years time was John the Baptist. He breaks the silence. But back to Antiochus, he is a forerunner of the final antichrist, a typical, a pattern, and Jesus tells us there will be many antichrist that come, in fact, the spirit of antichrist was even there then. 

Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who has been labeled the "Antichrist of the Old Testament", caused an altar to be set up in the Jewish Temple and on this altar he placed an idolatrous image of Zeus (cf 2Macc 6:2). In addition, he turned the priest's chambers into brothels, creating the "abomination that causes desolation". In other words, the Temple was desolate to pious Jews because of the desecration of the altar which destroyed its true purpose. They had no desire to worship in such a polluted environment and thus the Temple was deprived of Jewish worshippers. Just so will the Antichrist establish an abomination in the sanctuary, a demonic counterfeit worship (Da 9:27-note; Da 12:11-note). Even more blatantly defiant of God, the Antichrist will command worship of himself and his image! (2Th 2:3,4, Rev 13:14-note, Rev 13:15-note) God will allow this gross evil because He is using this devilish man to fulfill His purging and purifying purpose in the nation of Israel. While the infinitely good and holy God does not cause evil, in His infinite wisdom and omnipotence is able to bring good out of what others mean for evil. (cf Ge 50:20, Ro 8:28-note)

Henry Morris adds "It is believed that Epiphanes, aided by traitorous Jews, sacrificed a sow on the altar and erected a statue of Zeus in the temple at Jerusalem. The motive behind this act was his ambition to unify the great empire extending all the way to India, left him by his father, by compelling all people in the empire to adopt the Greco/Roman system of culture and pantheistic religion." - Precept Austin

More on Daniel 8

Let the reader understand - In Daniel 9:26 above you see that after 62 weeks, which followed the 7 weeks for a total of 69 of the 70 weeks prophesied by Daniel, Messiah will be cut off, and this is a way of saying, "killed", which was Jesus' death on the cross. It says then, "the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary", so now we know that the final antichrist will come from the same people who destroyed the temple and the city. Jesus has just told them prior to this that the temple will be torn down, not one stone to remain upon another, and this was carried out by Rome. The final antichrist will come from somewhere in the area of what was once called the Roman empire. It's interesting that this starts with a Roman general, Titus, tearing through Jerusalem, and it's going to come full circle back to a Roman antichrist, a little horn that arises from a ten nation confederacy. He will be intelligent, cunning, talk of peace, and yet be a powerful military mind as well. He will push back the king of the north, and make an alliance with Israel which he will break, and he will be the mark of the last 7 years, and the tyrannical force of the second half of this week of years. He, Satan, and the false prophet will dominate the world, set up an abomination in the temple, and he will set up his throne in Israel as well. Why? Because he knows that this was the land God promised to His people, and the place of His footstool, where God had made Himself known, and the antichrist wants to be God, to usurp the place of the true God.  

More explanation of the Empires and the fourth, Rome

“Thus he said: ‘As for the fourth beast,

there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth,

which shall be different from all the kingdoms,

and it shall devour the whole earth,

and trample it down, and break it to pieces.

24 As for the ten horns,

out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise,

and another shall arise after them;

he shall be different from the former ones,

and shall put down three kings.

25 He shall speak words against the Most High,

and shall wear out the saints of the Most High,

and shall think to change the times and the law;

and they shall be given into his hand

for a time, times, and half a time.

26 But the court shall sit in judgment,

and his dominion shall be taken away,

to be consumed and destroyed to the end.

27 And the kingdom and the dominion

and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven

shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;

his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,

and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’ Daniel 7: 23-27

Flee to the mountains - When you see this abomination set up in the temple, run, don't stop for anything, don't go back for any material thing, it's not worth it. Don't stay and fight, it's useless, flee to the mountains. 

13And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15Then from the mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent.… Revelation 12: 13-15

Alas for women who are pregnant - It is going to be hard enough to care for yourself, but He offers hope, that you may petition the Lord that it not be in winter or on the Sabbath. The worse physical conditions and the holy day of rest, that you have good weather and are rested. 

Then there will be great tribulation - This is the time of Jacob's trouble, the last 42 months of the final week of years, 3.5 years. There is no time in history before or till that day, nor that will happen again that compares. The persecution is so severe that these days are cut short for the sake of the elect. Don't flatter yourself, no human resolve will hold up to these days, they are filled with the delusional, the violent, and those that will turn you in for a cracker. Tenderness and natural affections will be gone, it is a world under siege, a world where they will rejoice over the dead bodies of those that warned them of the wrath to come. It is a world that will worship the antichrist and sacrifice it's young. The religion of Babylon will give way to antichrist, his image, and he will be the new Nimrod, the final world tyrant. He will even fake his death and resurrection, so much is his desire to take the place of God. 

11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. Revelation 13: 11-18

Look, here is the Christ - Again, and still people try to find more false Christs. Don't believe anyone when they tell you he is in the desert or in such a place. Look how big that church is or this movement, don't fall for it, the coming of the true Christ will be a surprise and unmistakable. 

Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather - When you are looking for a dead body, if you are out hunting in areas that are vast and open, and you shoot a deer, but it's not a good kill shot, it's going to run. Now it may get a good ways from you, and especially if you shoot a predator, the vultures will circle it in the air, and if you lift your eyes from looking on the ground then you will see the vultures and that will faithfully lead you to your kill. The sign of Jesus coming will be without comparison, like nothing you have ever seen. Look at the end of this passage:

…29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ 30 At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.… Matthew 24: 29-31

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