A View of the Future

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Many true followers of Jesus expected Him to set up His kingdom on earth right away. Perhaps if Israel had accepted Him as King, He would have. Now Jesus talks with His disciples about His second coming and the end of the age.

The Lord Jesus tells them His Kingdom is now postponed and the large and beautiful temple Herod was building will be destroyed. “Not one stone will be left on another.” The traumatized disciples then asked Him:

(1) “When will this happen?”

(2) “What shall be the sign of Your coming?” (Answered in vs. 23-51.)

(3) “What shall be the sign of the end of the world?” (Answered in vs. 9-22.)

To answer the first question, look at history. Not more than 40 years in the future, Jerusalem will be destroyed in a.d. 70. Today you can walk among the fallen stones yourself.

Jesus answers the disciples’ next two questions chronologically and logically. First, He assures them the world will never come to an end, but there will be an end to an age. Deception will characterize this period, called the Tribulation. The Antichrist will set himself up as the only authority. False christs, rumors of wars, famines, diseases, and earthquakes characterize today’s church age, but they will intensify as the Tribulation nears.

Signs Marking the Beginning of the Tribulation (24:9-14)

During the Tribulation, the gospel of the Kingdom will again be preached like it was by John the Baptist. Today we preach the gospel of God’s grace, but the gospel of the Kingdom (also one of grace) has a different emphasis. During the Great Tribulation people will know they are close to the end. Therefore, the urgent message will be, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is near!”

The Cross of Jesus Christ has always been the only basis on which God saves people. Before Jesus died and rose again, people were saved on credit. One day Jesus died and paid their debt. We are all sinners needing a Savior.

The Great Tribulation (24:15-22)

Jesus said the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy—the abomination of desolation—signals the Great Tribulation. This will be a time like no other. Nothing before or after will compare to it in the history of the world.

Using the simile in Revelation 6, the red horse of war, the black horse of famine, and then the pale horse of death will ride during that period, and the population of the earth will be decimated.

However, God is still in control of the events and the timetable. The Great Tribulation will be shortened “for the elect's sake.” God will not let mankind commit suicide.

Jesus Assures Us He’s Coming Back (24:23-31)

When Jesus comes again it will be as public as lightning (unlike the Rapture of the church, when no one knows the hour). Everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. What a glorious sight. When Jesus came the first time, He laid His glory aside. But at His second coming, His shekinah may hover over the earth as a sign He’s on His way.

This view Jesus gives us of the future from the perspective of the Mount of Olives staggers the mind and thrills the soul. Do you see why you must turn to Him today? Trust Him with every detail of your future—and the world’s future. He’s the Sovereign of the universe, and He will either be your Savior or your judge.

1. How would Jesus have known what was going to happen to the temple in the future? What conclusion should we draw about His identity from this?

2. Even though it may not always be obvious, the church acts as a force for restraining evil in the world. What are some ways your church can fulfill this mission?

3. How can belief in the promised return of Christ change the way we think about the problems we face today?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s complete teachings on Matthew 24:3-14, Matthew 24:14-32 and Matthew 24:32—25:30.