Matthew 24. In verse 3, the disciples asked Jesus three questions about the future. Each section of the eschatological discourse answers one of those questions.
Matthew 24:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be,
and what will be the sign of your coming
and of the close of the age?”
- Jesus had predicted a generation in which ethnic Jews would kill, torture, and persecute his true followers (23:34-36). The disciples asked when will these things happen. Jesus answered “this generation”! Within 40 years, the Jewish persecution of Christians would end with the desolation of the temple and the destruction of Jerusalem [70 AD] (15-22; 32-35).
- The disciples assumed that the destruction of Jerusalem would be the end of the age. Jesus taught that the age would last a much longer time, with many signs appearing and disappearing throughout the age, like labor pains (3-14).
- The disciples did not want to miss Christ’s second coming. Jesus taught that the coming could not be missed. It would be sudden, climactic, and unmistakable (23-31; 36-44).
LORD, make us wise servants, who take care of our master’s household until you return.
“you also must be ready” (24:44)
Devotions 