When the subject of eschatology is brought up, the discussion will almost always bring a variety of opinions and theories. Details and timelines can be debated but the Bible is clear in that Jesus will return one day to judge all humanity, reward His followers, and set up His eternal kingdom. The Ascension of Jesus is mentioned briefly at the end of Luke and then later in more detail by Luke in Acts 1:9-11. At the supernatural sight of Jesus rising into the heavens the disciples are “looking intently” trying to follow where He was going. (I can only imagine what that must have been like. I suppose Enoch and Elijah could provide us some helpful insight.) As the disciples were staring, two angels posed a question as to why they were staring. This question was followed by a promise: “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (ESV) Paul’s account of Jesus’ return (Second Advent) is found in I Thessalonians 4:13-18. The words of Jesus in Matthew 24-25 from the Mount of Olives give us some details regarding the end of the age.
I note in the New Testament the First Century church lived with the expectation that Christ may possibly return at any moment. Their living with expectancy compelled the church to keep at its work to spread the gospel with a sense urgency. We know when we are expecting company or someone in authority to arrive, we always strive to put our best foot forward as if we are readying for an inspection. If we read beyond today’s focal passage to Matthew 25, Jesus speaks to our readiness in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Some were prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom but sadly others were not. Those who were ready were welcomed to the wedding feast, while those who were unprepared were shut outside.
Chapter 24 begins with Jesus departing the temple and travelling with the disciples to the Mount of Olives. He had earlier spoken “woes” to the scribes and Pharisees for their opposition to Him. He also predicts in verse 2 that the temple will be utterly destroyed. In verse 3 we see the disciples asking Jesus when these things will happen and what are the signs of the end of the age? The last days began with His incarnation and will end at His second coming. Jesus’ answer is largely warnings and encouragement to live responsibly and courageously despite persecutions and trials. Jesus said later in Matthew 24:36 that only the Father knows the day and hour of these events. The prevailing wisdom of the day was that the Messiah would be a military leader to free them from Roman dominance. Jesus continues with a warning that many opportunists will appear making messianic claims. The false teachers will seek a following by spreading lies. The disciples needed to “watch out”, be alert, and grounded in the truth. In verse 6 in addition to false teachers, the end times will be marked with conflict and violence. There will be wars and rumors of many more wars that will stoke fear. These things must happen, and they are indicative of the sinful fallen world we live in. These events make way for future events that set the stage for His return. Even though these events will intensify, Jesus tells them not to be alarmed. As the song reminds us that we know who holds the future in His hands. The process is likened to the process of giving birth (v.8). The labor pains intensify and become more frequent until the birthing is complete. After the pain and suffering of labor there is great joy for the gift of newborn life.
In verses 9-28 Jesus descriptively tells His disciples that as the time of His return draws closer persecution would increase, and false prophets and messiahs would attract a following in greater numbers. People would be seeking answers that lead them false conclusions.
Verses 29-32 begin with a reference to the words of Isaiah and Joel. The darkness and shaking of the heavens depict an undoing of God’s creation. These seemingly cataclysmic events immediately precede the greatest sign of all – the appearance of the Son of Man in the sky above. All the people or possibly tribes of the earth will recognize that their opportunity to repent has past and their judgment is to follow. The first time Jesus came in humility and vulnerably as the Suffering Servant, but this time He will arrive with great power and great glory. At the same time there is great sorrow, we read in verse 31 that the elect will joyfully hear the angels shout and trumpet announcing the King’s return. Christ will gather His people from the ends of the earth. The image is more than I can conceive thinking of what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians that the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers.
In verse 32 Jesus draws from the example the fig tree. Each year the new leaves and growth indicate that summer is soon to come. Likewise, we watch the signs mentioned in Matthew 24 and we know the time will come. We also must realize that the timing is all in God’s hands. The farmer cannot hurry the growth process and we cannot know or influence when Jesus will return. We must wait and we must be patient. While we wait, we must be prepared, because today could be the day!
Verses 42-44 - Even with all the signs described here, the exact hour when these events will culminate is unknown to everyone but the Father. Jesus tells His followers not to be fearful, but they must be prepared. Jesus says, depending on the translation for believers to: be alert, stay awake, keep watch, be vigilant… When we live that way, we will point others toward Him, helping them to understand what His return means. This speaks to how we use the time we are given. We are stewards of each opportunity presented to us. Once we waste that time it can never be reclaimed. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:19 “Be very careful, then, how you live -not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” (NIV, 1984) Jesus illustrates His point in verse 43. No one would leave their house unattended with the doors unlocked if they knew a thief was coming. The homeowner would keep watch and make ample preparations to repel the thief. (I can’t help but think of the character of Kevin in the movie, Home Alone.) In the same way as we wait for Jesus, we are not sitting and waiting with our hands folded. The church has been given a kingdom task to do. We have a Great Commandment and Great Commission to fulfill.
The lesson commentary uses the idea of being prepared for a pop quiz in school. “Even though we don’t know the exact time, we can prepare for Jesus’ coming. In a sense, He has done for us what no teacher who gives pop quizzes would typically do. He’s given us a heads up. He’s told us it will happen – and what we can do to prepare. Like students who are prepared when the pop quiz comes, we can live in a way that assures we won’t be ashamed when He arrives.” (BSFL Sr Adult Leader Guide, 88)
