Primary Text: Matthew 24:1-12; Mark 12:41-44
Memory Verse: And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” Matthew 24:4-5
Introduction:
Included conspicuously with the major events leading up to trial and death of Christ, the Son of God stopped to watch those who were giving offerings in the temple. It seems there was only one with whom He was impressed that day, and it was the widow who put in a scant amount. Before proceeding to speak prophetically about His second coming, He made a profound object lesson of this widow’s giving. While covering just a few verses, it is perhaps the most profound teaching on giving in the Bible. It is appropriately covered with this lesson because there has been no more covetous age than the one in which we live; pride and greed are at their very worst.
Jesus’ lament over the spiritual degradation of Jerusalem is reminiscent of the prophet Jeremiah’s sorrow that inspired the book of Lamentations. There has always been, and will continue to be, a special place in God’s heart for Israel. Jesus’ grief is deep and genuine, for He knows that for a long, dark season, God’s favor would be turned away from them. Through the church of true believers, God continues to reach out to them.
As Jesus spoke of the signs that would indicate the nearness of His return, He paints a dark portrait of a world roiling in global disasters and harrowing despair. Our Lord described a world in crisis on every front, with not a single geographic area untouched by unrest and devastation. Wars, famines, natural disasters on a greatly increased scale, religious deception, and the harsh persecution of those believing in the true God would descend like a midnight blanket upon all of mankind.
But Jesus’ prophecy also contained the powerful and positive comfort that God would draw near to His people, giving them courage, divine grace, and His enduring protection. The end-time church will be granted special wisdom to mark and avoid spiritual deception, and to endure the vilest and most personal hatred and rejection. It is a critical age for God’s faithful in Christ to encourage one another and stand unified.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What important lesson is to be learned by the widow’s mite given cheerfully? Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
- What sorrow did Jesus express when He lamented over Jerusalem? Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 19:41-44
- Why is it very likely that Jesus’ prophecy about the total destruction of the temple seemed odd to His disciples? Matthew 24:1-2; Mark 13:1-2; Luke 21:5-6
- What was the warning Jesus gave His disciples about false Messiahs and spiritual deception in the last days? Matthew 24:3-5; Mark 13:5-6; Luke 21:7-8
- Describe what Jesus meant by an increase of natural disasters and tribulations on a worldwide scale. Matthew 24:6-8; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:9-11
- What action did Jesus say the world would take against His church close to His second coming? Matthew 24:9; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12
- For discussion: Do you believe we are already seeing global hatred building against the Church of God more today than in times past?
- What was promised by the Lord for those who, in the end times, would remain true to the faith despite the rejection of family and society? Matthew 24:10-12; Mark 13:10-12; Luke 21:13-18