Understanding Matthew 24
Matthew 24 is a chapter filled with
prophetic things. Much of the prophesy of this chapter
is yet unfulfilled. Much of it has been fulfilled already. But all of it is of
great interest and is very instructive. Whenever we approach this or any other
portion of Scripture, we should do so with deep humility, realizing that we are
reading, studying, and seeking to understand the Word of God. Therefore, we
must earnestly pray for the illumination, direction, and teaching of the Holy Spirit,
who alone can give us understanding in the Word of Truth.
I suppose that there has been more
disagreement among true gospel preachers about the proper interpretation of
Matthew 24 than most any other passage of Holy Scripture. That is very regrettable.
Yet, men who truly love Christ, his Word, and the gospel of his grace sometimes
find it impossible to labor together in the cause of Christ because one holds
to one interpretation of this passage and one another. I do not pretend to have
the answers to all the questions that are raised about the
prophesies contained in these verses. In fact, I do not think that our
Lord intended for us to fully comprehend them until they come to pass.
Otherwise, he would not have answered the disciples’ question, “When shall these things be?”, so ambiguously. The question itself
reveals a weakness and an improper curiosity in these disciples, even as it
reveals a weakness and an improper curiosity in those who are overly concerned
about prophetic issues today. (See Acts 1:6-8.)
The
simple fact is, prophecy cannot be fully and
clearly understood until the thing foretold has come to pass. (Compare Acts
Without question, this entire
chapter is the answer that our Lord gave to the question the disciples asked in
verse three: “When shall these things
be?” It is a question which related to three things specifically:
1. The Destruction of
2. The Second Coming of Christ.
3. And the
End of the World.
Some
parts of this chapter deal with one of these things, some another, and some the
third. But much of what our Lord said in response to the disciples’ question
may be applied to two of those events; and some of his answers must be applied
to all three.
GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH of DANVILLE
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor Telephone 606-236-8235
PRACTICAL ANSWERS TO AN IMPRACTICAL
QUESTION
Matthew 24:1-14
Though they were curious about when
he would destroy Jerusalem and the temple, when he would come again, and when
the end of the world would be, our Lord knew that it was far more important for
his disciples to know both what to expect in this world and what was expected
of them. Rather than directly answering their question, the Master seized the
opportunity to teach seven important, practical lessons.
1. We must never judge God’s blessings, or God’s
works by external things (vv.1-2). When our Lord left the temple, his
disciples turned back to see that spectacular building, and came to show it to
the Lord. To them it was a glorious thing to behold. To him it was a sad sight.
His Father’s house had beome a den of thieves and must soon be destroyed. How
much like these disciples we are. We delight in the temporal prosperity of the
church, her buildings, her wealth, her numbers, and those things that impress
men. That is a great mistake. All that is external will perish. Only that which
is wrought of God is substantial.
2. We must exercise great care not to be deceived by false prophets and
false religion (vv.4-12). “Take heed
that no man deceive you” is the Lord’s response to
the disciples’ question. Do not take it lightly. It is absolutely wrong to try
to make the things described in these verses fit any single period of time.
These things could be applied to every age, including the one in which we live.
Therefore, this warning is as needful today as it was in the New Testament era
and as it shall be in the ages of time that may yet come. I cannot imagine a
more needful warning. Satan knows how easily men and women are deceived. We
must take heed not to be deceived by false Christs (v.5), the opposition we
endure from the religious world around us (vv.6-11), the many false prophets
satan raises up to destroy our souls (v.11), or the apostasy of others (v.12).
3. We must not expect to see
the triumph of the gospel and the
5. We must endure all these
things in faith (v.13). We must continue looking to Christ; and if we are
truly his we shall. Grace will keep us still! “The righteous shall hold on his way.”
6. We must
learn to look upon this world and everything in it like scaffolding to a
building. This world exists only for the building of God’s church and
kingdom. Like scaffolding, it must come down, once the building is complete.
7
It is our duty and privilege to
preach the gospel in all the world (v.14). This is
the means by which God will save his elect And this
will be the basis of divine judgment in the last day (II Cor.
GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH of DANVILLE
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor Telephone 606-236-8235