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).
- 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
- What questions were prompted by Jesus' prediction? (3)
- "When will these things be? What will be the sign...?"
- What did Jesus say would not be the sign? (4-13)
- False christs, wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes,
persecution, lawlessness
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- What would not pass away before these things would be fulfilled? (34)
- The generation of people when Jesus lived on the earth
- 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