Primary Text: Matthew 24:32-51
Memory Verse: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” Mark 13:31-33
Introduction:
The subject of the destruction of Jerusalem gradually drops out of sight in the second main division of the Olivet Discourse. After revealing to His disciples the horrible ordeals through which His people must pass before the final, full establishing of God’s Kingdom, He turned their attention to teachings that would strengthen His church’s stability through the age of darkness:
To paint the picture graphically, Jesus used not only direct prophecy, but also a series of parables to illustrate these divine truths about the end of the world. Three parables and two highly visual portraits are taught by Jesus in Matthew 24: (1) The Fig Tree; (2) The Sign of Noah; (3) Workers in the Field; (4) The Goodman of the House; (5) The Faithful and Unfaithful Servant. Presenting His teachings in this manner would have likely made them more unforgettable.
Jesus used the “fig tree” to illustrate the season for the Second Coming of the Son of Man.
“Watchfulness” is the primary aspect of the illustration of “Noah,” which shows that the most hideous nemesis employed by Satan against those of true faith is worldly complacency. Lulled into a false sense of security by the delay of Christ’s coming, we too may fall victim to spiritual lethargy, and center our lives on merely living out our lives on this earth. Eternity can fade from view, and we can merely live each day for the joy we may extract from it, as though there is no greater hope or joy.
Jesus addressed the importance of “readiness” in the parable of the “Porter” (assigned the duty of watching), the “Master of the House” (ready at every watch of the night), the “Wise versus the Unfaithful Servant” (the unwise servant who gave up on his master’s return and gave in to debauchery, drunkenness, profligacy and brutality).
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What did Jesus’ reference to a fig tree illustrate? Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33
- In context, what does the phrase “these things” refer to in Luke 21:31?
- What important characteristics does Jesus want of His followers who are awaiting His return? Matthew 24:36; 26:41; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-36’ Colossians 4:2
- What evil was rampant during the days of Noah? Luke 17:26-30
- How is the attitude and actions of people in these days similar to the people in Noah’s time? Can 2 Timothy 3:1-7 be aptly applied to our age?
- What evils should a “faithful servant” guard against? 1 John 2:15-17; Acts 20:30-31
- Where should the “faithful servant” put their efforts? Colossians 3:1-4; Ephesians 6:11; Titus 3:1
- Why does Jesus compare the coming of the Son of Man to a “thief”? Matthew 24:43-44; 25:13; Mark 13:35-37; Luke 12:46; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10
- What does it mean to “stand before the Son of Man”? Luke 21:36; Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10