In 2025 we're working our way through the gospels and invite you to join us as we seek to learn from Jesus. Find all our notes, from this year and past years, at the Faith Food tab. And if you'd like ideas for suggested pacing, download our March calendar. Welcome, friends, we're so glad you're journeying with us. Let's grow together!

Our notes on Matthew 24 include:

An Overview: Topic, Themes, and Summary.
An Outline Of our thoughts and questions.
Exploration Of generations.
A Reflection On the heart of Jesus' message.
An Invitation to Respond to the all-knowing God.

Matthew 24

Potter image by xxx_Zephyr_xxx at Pixabay

Overview

General Topic

Jesus speaks about His return.

Key Themes

Prophecy. Warning. Faithfulness.

Summary

Jesus, at the disciples' request, describes signs of the end times. Essentially, the message is this: it will be unbelievably difficult, but hold on. Do not be deceived. Remain faithful and you will be saved.

Outline

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, ! a connection, and x a cross reference. Researched answers are in italics. *R communicates that in-depth research follows.

On the Destruction of the Temple (Matthew 24:1-2)

The disciples admire the temple structures, but Jesus warns them they are only temporary. (Fleeting, a mist.)

x You don't know what will happen tomorrow. Your life is like a fog. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away. James 4:14 ERV
x If it is not the LORD who builds a house, the builders are wasting their time. If it is not the LORD who watches over the city, the guards are wasting their time. Psalm 127:1 ERV (This verse is a crucial consideration in our dream following guide.)
x Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever. Isaiah 40:8 ERV (See our Isaiah 40 notes.)
x You also are like living stones, and God is using you to build a spiritual house. You are to serve God in this house as holy priests, offering him spiritual sacrifices that he will accept because of Jesus. I Peter 2:5 ERV (Connect with your identity as a stone.)

On Signs of the End Times (Matthew 24:1-35)

The disciples ask, "When will the temple be destroyed? How will we know the end is near?"

*This now, and not yet time frame is consistent throughout prophecy. (See our research on "That Day".)

Jesus answers, "Don't be lead astray. Many will convincingly try to deceive you.
There will be numerous conflicts. Wars fought and threatened.
DO NOT FEAR.
This unrest must happen.
Natural disasters like famine and earthquakes will mark the beginning.

! Yet, from the Noah story, we know God knows when to stop destruction. (Hear more in the BEMA podcast episode: "His Bow in the Clouds".)

You will be hated: imprisoned, punished, killed, and despised because you believe in Me.

x If the world hates you, remember that they hated me first. John 15:18 ERV

Many of you will divorce Me, turning instead to false hope offered by false teachers.

! For more on the idea of divorcing God, see our research on Isaiah 50:1.

Because of the vastness of depravity, many will lose their capacity to love.

🎶Tell me, when did I lose my first love? / Where did the fire and passion go? Burn in me Your holy fire / Give me back my lost desire / And restore in me the love I felt for you🎵 ("First Love" performed by Avalon)
x Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Revelation 2:4 KJV

ENDURE AND BE SAVED.

🎵Might feel like Friday, but your Sunday is coming🎶("Sunday's Comin'" performed by Zach Williams)

When the good news of God's kingdom has reached every nation, then the end will come.

! Spreading the gospel, or good news of a new king, was common practice in the cultural times of the Bible. Throughout the nation, news of who this king was and promises of what his rule would bring would spread, instilling hope and confidence in kingdom citizens. - Marty Solomon in Asking Better Questions of the Bible (pp. 133-135)
*This is different than what we are taught the gospel is today. Yet, our "gospel message" is necessary for kingdom access.
x Jesus went everywhere in the country of Galilee. He taught in the synagogues and told the Good News about God's kingdom. And he healed all the people's diseases and sicknesses. Matthew 4:23 ERV

When you see the sign Daniel described, run for the mountains (if you are in Judea.)

? What is the "terrible thing"?

x "Then the future ruler will make an agreement with many people. That agreement will continue for one week. The offerings and sacrifices will stop for a half of a week. And a destroyer will come. He will do terrible, destructive things [and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation], but God has ordered that destroyer to be completely destroyed. Daniel 9:27 ERV [KJV]
x The northern king will send his army to do terrible things to the Temple in Jerusalem. They will stop the people from offering the daily sacrifice. Then they will do something really terrible. They will set up that terrible thing that causes destruction [abomination that maketh desolate]. Daniel 11:31 ERV [KJV]
x "The daily sacrifice will be stopped. There will be 1290 days from that time until the time that the terrible thing that destroys [abomination that maketh desolate] is set up. Daniel 12:11 ERV [KJV]

Don't gather your possessions. Don't look back. Run!

x Remember what happened to Lot's wife. Luke 17:32 ERV
x Lot's wife was following behind him and looked back at the city. When she did, she became a block of salt. Genesis 19:26 ERV

It will be hard on women with young children.

x Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:1 KJV (See our Isaiah 54 notes.)
* Symbolically, women represent belief systems (See Bible Tools article.). So this could be describing someone who is young, not yet rooted, in their faith. (See more about symbolic usage of the word 'women' in Isaiah 3 and 4.)
* Literally, it's difficult because you're worried about your children (that which you labor to produce). You'll tend to make choices to protect them instead of yourself. (! Put on your own oxygen mask, then assist others.) (See research on "children".)

It will be hard if it happens in winter or on Sabbath.

? Why hard in winter or in Sabbath? *Because it's hard to motivate someone who is depressed (season of winter) or at ease (Sabbath). (See more on Winter and idleness.)

It will be the hardest time the world has ever experienced and will ever experience.
God, in His mercy, will keep this time short. Otherwise, no one would survive and so He can help His chosen.
There will be many convincing false prophets and people who proclaim to be the Messiah.
DO NOT BELIEVE THEM.

! One teacher. One Father. One leader. (See our invitation to respond to Matthew 23.)

They are trying to sift you away.

x And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31-32 KJV

HEED MY WARNING.
Many will try to pull you away, persuading you to join the "Messiah".
DO NOT JOIN THEM.
You will know it is Me. You won't be able to miss My return.
Follow the logical signs.

? Why is the carcass with vultures hovering over it a metaphor for Jesus' return.

The NIV says it more as an isolated statement. Just as you see vultures near a carcass, so will you see these sings at Jesus' return.
This is a common depiction of the aftermath of a battle. - NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible.
*Wherever death/destruction is gather those who feed on it, symbolically too.
! Birds can symbolically represent demons. - Bible Study Tools

*It says nothing about us being raptured yet. Instead, it gives us instructions for how to get through.

When the hard times end, the sky will darken, altering the celestial bodies.

x The fourth angel blew his trumpet. Then a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck. So a third of them became dark. A third of the day and night was without light. Revelation 8:12 ERV
x The skies will be dark. The sun, the moon, and the stars will not shine. Isaiah 13:10 ERV (See Ezekiel 32:7, Joel 2:10, and our Isaiah 13 notes.)
x The sun will be changed into darkness, and the moon will be as red as blood. Then the great and fearful day of the LORD will come! Joel 2:31 ERV (See Revelation 6:12.)
x And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree. Isaiah 34:4 KJV (See Zephaniah 1:15, Revelation 6:13, and our Isaiah 34 notes.)

Next, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.

The ensign of banner of God. NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible
x And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. Isaiah 11:12 KJV (See our Isaiah 11 notes.)
x Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. Isaiah 49:22 KJV (See our Isaiah 49 notes.)
x And then a great wonder appeared in heaven: There was a woman who was clothed with the sun, and the moon was under her feet. She had a crown of twelve stars on her head. Revelation 12:1 ERV
x I will work wonders in the sky above. I will cause miraculous signs on the earth below. There will be blood, fire, and thick smoke. The sun will be changed into darkness, and the moon will be as red as blood. Then the great and glorious day of the Lord will come. Acts 2:19-20 ERV

Third, all the people on earth will mourn.

? Why are we mourning? Wouldn't we be rejoicing to see Jesus Christ coming on the clouds? Is it out of fear because we are uncertain about what is happening?
? Or is it because in His presence we recognize our own unrighteousness, much like Isaiah when He enters the throne room of God who said, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts" Isaiah 6:5 KJV (See our Isaiah 6 notes.)
x So they show that what Isaiah said about them is true: 'You people will listen and listen, but you will not understand. You will look and look but you will not really see. Matthew 13:14 ERV

Fourth, all will see the Son of Man coming in great glory and power.
Fifth, the trumpet will sound.

Summoning people with a trumpet was common from a militaristic standpoint. NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible
x And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem. Isaiah 27:13 KJV (See our Isaiah 27 notes.)
x And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south. Zechariah 9:14 KJV
x In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. I Corinthians 15:52 KJV
x For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: I Thessalonians 4:10 KJV
x And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. Revelation 8:2 KJV
x But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. Revelation 10:7 KJV
x And the seventh angle sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15 KJV

Sixth, angels will disperse throughout the earth.
Seventh, the angels will gather the chosen.

! As in Parable of the Tares, found in Matthew 13:24-43...
! ...and the Parable of the Net, found in Matthew 13:47-50. (See our Matthew 13 notes.)

As budding trees signal summer's nearness, so do these events signal the beginning of the end.

x Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. James 5:9 KJV

It will happen before the passing of this generation.

? But it hasn't happened yet, and surely they have all died. So, what is Jesus saying here? *R
x Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in this kingdom." Matthew 16:28 ESV
x I assure you: All these things will come on this generation! Matthew 23:36 HCSB
The temple was destroyed in 40 years, which, biblically, is considered one generation. NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (? But what about the other prophecies?)

TRUST ME: The physical world will die, but My words are eternal.

x For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18 KJV

On Living in a State of Readiness (Matthew 24:36-44)

Don't get stuck trying to nail down the precise time of these events: no one but God knows.
Just like in Noah's time, people will lead normal lives right up to the second that destruction comes.

! Listen to "His Bow in the Clouds", a BEMA podcast episode, to hear more about the times of Noah. Includes discussions on hyperbole, creation reset, rest, and God's purpose through all of it.
x She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. Proverbs 31:14 KJV (See our notes on Proverbs 31:14.)
! Jesus is our ark! Do you have a seat? (Read "What Does Jesus Have to do with Noah's Ark?" at Ark Encounter to learn more.)

BE READY ALWAYS.

x I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day or night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence. Isaiah 62:6 (Explore cross references of Isaiah 62:6.)

You cannot plan for His arrival, so keep your temple maintained.

? How? Remember there is one Teacher, one Father, one Leader. (See Matthew 23:8-10 and our reflection and invitation to respond to the chapter.)

On Servant Behavior and Consequence (Matthew 24:45-51)

Represent your Master well.

! We bear His name! (Read more about this in our research on Matthew 23:16-22 and Matthew 5:34-35.)
! Protect your King! (See our ant-related post about this.)

Encourage one another.

x When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." John 21:15 ESV
x She gets up while it is still dark and prepares food for her family and feeds her servant girls. Proverbs 31:15 NCV (See our notes on this verse. This link is the start of the notes. Here are links to the second and concluding prats.)

Faithfully do the work God's laid out for you and you will be entrusted with more.

x Honor your [*heavenly] father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 CSB
x Serve eagerly as if you were serving your heavenly master and not merely serving human masters. Ephesians 6:7 GW
x And the work of righteousness shall be peace; And the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17 KJV (See cross references.)
x But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
x Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the LORD; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the LORD for abundant food and fine clothes. Isaiah 23:18 NIV (See cross references and our thoughts on this verse.)

BUT, if you if you neglect, mistreat, or abuse the flock He's entrusted to you so you can pursue your own desires, then Jesus will come to you unexpectedly.
You will be cast out to be among those who rebel against God.

! Several translations say that the unfaithful servant will be cut to pieces, which reminds me of the story of the Levite prostitute in Judges 19.

Exploration

Jesus said the end times would happen within the generation, but clearly it didn't. So, what did He mean? (Matthew 24:34)

Identifying a Generation

Literally, the generation living at the time of Jesus. Which was fulfilled by the temple being destroyed within a Biblical generation, or 40 years.
Without any real authority, some people stretch generation to mean a specific people group - like the Jews or Christians. As in, then end times will happen while the Jews (or Christians) are still a distinct people group.
Could also mean this present sinful generation.
Prophetically, it references the generation that sees these signs. When the signs are witnessed, a generation does not pass away before Jesus returns.

Understanding Fulfillment

In a way, this prophecy was fulfilled when the temple was destroyed, about 30 to 40 years after Jesus' death.
Also, the word fulfillment means the beginning of this prophecy. So, the destruction of the temple fulfills the first part of Jesus' prophecy.

*Thoughts: Either Jesus' prophecy has already happened with the destruction of the temple, or the generation which sees the signs will not pass before Jesus returns. Regardless, I love the following verse that reminds us not to get tied up in the timing of it, (Matthew 24:36) but instead to always be ready. Serve faithfully, Christian, and know your Master is coming.

Sources:

Biblia, Matthew 24:34 NET footnotes.
Bible Hub, Matthew 24:34 commentaries.
Enduring Word, "Matthew 24 - Jesus' Olivet Discourse" notes.
NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Matthew 24:34 notes.

Reflection

I, like you, have heard so many of these verses quoted in isolation. Hurled as warnings. Flexed as support for end time predictions. I want to step away from all of that and pause in an attempt to unearth the heart of the matter: What is Jesus actually trying to tell us? I think it's this:

Do not rely on manmade structures. Whether buildings, wisdom, or systems. They will all crumble. Only God's ways remain.
Only trust His teachings. While others will be inspirational and people will flock to them, stay in God's word. Believe only Jesus' teachings. Listen to the Spirit within you.
Life is hard. Endure. So many effects of evil will try to tear us away in natural (i.e., earthquakes and famine), relational (i.e., persecution and hatred), spiritual (i.e., convincing false signs and wonders) ways. Don't let them. Keep your eyes on Jesus; make Him the apple of your eye. Listen for the great cloud of witnesses cheering you on. Keep running.
Share the good news of God's Kingdom with everyone. Never ashamed, but with love, because you know its truth and benefits.
Protect your flock. Flee from evil, and encourage them to do the same.
Trust in God's mercy. He will come for you.
Remain faithful. Keep doing the work God's given you regardless of what's going on around you, what level of persecution you endure, or how determinedly people try to pull you away. Don't lose yourself in chasing vain theories or in presuming understanding. Instead, live each day in faithful, devoted, loving, obedience to your Master as you serve His people.

These are the lessons I'm taking away from this chapter. These are the lessons I believe Jesus is trying to plant in our hearts. Remain in Him no matter what. Trust Him to carry you through.

Respond

Connect

God alone is all-knowing.

Reflect

What questions about God do I wrestle with?
Ultimately, what do I really need to know?
Am I truly living in the peace and assurance that God loves me, claims me, and is working everything for good?

Act

Arise, lay your doubts before your Father.
Arise, leave uncertainty behind.
Arise, walk in the trust of God your Father.

The Song I'm Singing: "The Answer" performed by Jeremy Camp. 🎵I know the answer, to every question / The one solution, to every fear / I know my help and / where it comes from / Jesus, He is the answer🎶

In Closing

Father God there are so many unknowns in this life, so many hardships we endure, so many distractions that pull us away from You. But You, God, You are faithful. You are true. You are our rest. When we find ourselves sinking in this present evil reality, may we remember who You are. May we remember that only You are good. May we remember that You are the only true answer to every question. May we trust You. Then, may we use Your strength to climb from the miry pit and into Your infinitely loving arms.

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Matthew 24 | The Wolfe Notes