Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:13-39.
Memory Verse: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
INTRODUCTION:
As the personal ministry of Christ on earth was drawing to a close, the disciples heard Him pronounce harsh woes upon the Scribes and Pharisees because they were such hypocrites. They were rejecting Christ and His teachings (as their disobedient fathers rejected the prophets of old); and at the very time Christ was speaking to them, they were plotting to silence His reproofs.
With wonder and amazement, the disciples heard Christ say to the Jews, “‘Your house is left to you desolate,’” and that they (the unbelieving Jews) would not see Him again until they could say, “‘“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”’” (Matthew 23:38-39).
For the last time, and as He did so, the disciples asked Him to look again at the goodly stones and gifts adorning the temple that Herod built (over a period of 46 years). They had been greatly impressed with the outward beauty of the temple but failed to comprehend the meaning of Christ’s words of rejection. Jesus then informed them that the temple would be destroyed completely – not one stone left upon another.
This prophecy of the temple’s destruction further confused the disciples’ thinking. When they reached the Mount of Olives to the east, where they could view the temple, they asked Jesus when the destruction of the temple would take place and about His return. He first warned them against deception. There would be no “secret return.” His return would be as evident “‘For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.’” (Matthew 24:27).
LESSON QUESTIONS:
- What prophecy did Jesus give in Matthew 24:2? When was it fulfilled, and how?
- What further reference did Jesus make to His prophecy of Matthew 24:2, indicating even greater destruction? Matthew 24:15. What prophecy of Daniel did Christ have in mind, as referring to such abomination and desolation of the temple and city of Jerusalem?
- What parallel can be drawn from Jerusalem’s destruction in A.D. 70, and the final destruction of this age? How only may there be a way of escape and safety? Luke 21:34-36.
- With reference to Jerusalem’s destruction, what did Jesus say about the final scattering of the people of Israel? Luke 21:24. How long was Jerusalem to be under the rule of others (“trampled by Gentiles”)?
- What has been happening during the past several decades, indicative of Israel’s restoration?
- What are the two great events for which signs were asked of Jesus in Matthew 24:3? Are they to be simultaneous in occurrence?
- What are several signs Jesus gave of His coming and the end of this age as listed in Matthew 24 and Luke 21? Which ones might Jesus have wanted to stress above all others?
- What is descriptive of the spiritual condition prevalent in the end of this age? Matthew 24:12; 2 Timothy 3:13. Who will really be saved? Matthew 24:13.
- What did Jesus say about false Christs and prophets, and of His return to earth? Matthew 24:23-27. See 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
- What comparisons did Jesus make in Matthew 24:37-39 and Luke 21:29-31? What command did He give? Luke 21:28.