Our Lord's "Olivet Discourse" found in Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; and Luke 21, gives us a very clear picture of what the future holds for those who follow Him. Though John does not record the teaching from the Mount of Olives, he does tell us about the Lord's encouragement for the present and His promise for the future in John 14:1-6 where he writes, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John's excursion into the realm of the "throne room on high" in Revelation further establishes the new home for the saints...for all who call upon the Lord and follow Him. His promised return evokes a prayer on the lips of all believers, "Amen! Come Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)
For our study this Sunday, April 23rd, in Matthew, we are looking through the veil and into the future as Jesus speaks very succinctly about what lies ahead. He speaks about the Destruction of the Temple, both the physical temple in Jerusalem and the Temple of His own body. The bigger picture He paints is the language of pain and suffering on behalf of the whole world (John 3:16) quickly followed on the third day of His rebuilding of this Temple, in His Resurrection from the dead.
Since, like us today who would like to see signs (we best not be too critical of the people in that day who wanted a sign), Jesus tells the disciples what must take place. Many horrendous events will take place over a lengthy period, however He says, "the end is not yet." (24:6) This is followed by the "gospel of the kingdom being proclaimed throughout the whole world...and then the end will come." (vs.14)
The next big event will be "...the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel." (vs.15). See link: https://www.gotquestions.org/abomination-desolation.html. A Great Tribulation will take place for 3 1/2 years when God pours out His wrath on the anti-christ and all who follow him. Just prior to the revealing of the "anti-christ" the Apostle Paul describes how the Church will be "caught up" (harpazō), in the Greek from which we get "raptured." (1 Thess. 4: 17). The Bride of Christ will be spared the last 7 years (3 1/2 of fake peace and 3 1/2 of terrible destruction).
After those 7 years prior to which the Church has been raptured, Christ will return and victoriously establish His 1,000 year reign on His throne in Jerusalem.
Jesus further explains the coming kingdom in the parable of "The Fig Tree" (vss.32-35) and He challenges us all to remain faithful in light of His imminent return (24:36-25:30).
The closing words of the "Olivet Discourse" concern judgment wherein Jesus describes the people who remain after the "Great Tribulation" will be placed in two groups: those whom He calls "Sheep" (the righteous) and those whom He calls "Goats" (the cursed). It is interesting that both animals look similar but their character is called into question. The "Sheep" are very trusting animals while the "Goats" are by nature very rebellious and independent. It is the "Sheep" who are invited to come into fellowship with the King while the "Goats" are sent into "eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." (25:31-46)
As believers, we are to keep focused on the soon coming of our Lord, remain faithful in all that has been given us to do, and share the gospel of the kingdom with all people in every corner. Whether that corner is small (our own family, friends and neighbors) or across the nation and around the world, it is the "Talent" we have been given while the "Master" is away. Remember, He is coming back soon and He deserves our very best effort. Lets not become lackadaisical in our commitment to Jesus, but rather remain faithful to the end.
If you knew for sure that Jesus was coming for you next week, what changes would you make in your life?
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