"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

Chapter Twenty-Four

This chapter records the beginning of the Olivet discourse, prompted by questions following Jesus' prediction of the destruction of the temple (1-3). It involves the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 A.D., though many also see intertwining references to the Second Coming of Christ (4-51).

POINTS TO PONDER
REVIEW QUESTIONS
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  1. What are the main points of this chapter?
    - The destruction of the temple foretold - Mt 24:1-3
    - The sign when things would soon occur - Mt 24:4-28
    - Events after the tribulation in those days - Mt 24:29-35
    - The need to be prepared and productive - Mt 24:36-51
  2. What questions were prompted by Jesus' prediction? (3)
    - "When will these things be? What will be the sign...?"
  3. What did Jesus say would not be the sign? (4-13)
    - False christs, wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, persecution, lawlessness
  4. What would happen before the "end" would come? (14)
    - The gospel preached in all the world (cf. Mk 16:15; Ro 10:16-18; Col 1:23)
  5. What would be the sign for those in Judea to flee? (15-16; cf. Lk 21:20-21)
    - The abomination of desolation (Jerusalem surrounded by armies)
  6. What would happen immediately after the tribulation of those days? (29-31)
    - Cataclysmic events involving celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars)
    - The sign of the Son of Man, His coming on clouds of heaven, gathering the elect
  7. Where else is language like this used to describe judgment upon a nation?
    - Against Babylon, Egypt, Edom, Assyria Isa 13:6-13; 19:1-2; 34:4-6; Nah 1:1-5
  8. What would not pass away before these things would be fulfilled? (34)
    - The generation of people when Jesus lived on the earth
  9. Why did Jesus stress the importance of preparation and productivity? (36-51)
    - No one knows the day or hour
    - The Son of Man will come unexpectedly
    - His servants will be judged by their faithful service