Matthew 24 Unlocking the difficult text Matthew 24

Matthew 24 Unlocking the difficult text

Matthew 24 End of Time… Or End of Jerusalem?

Matt. 24: Four Part Study ¨ The Time Text – (v. 34) ¨ The Transition Text – (vv. 35, 36) ¨ The Lord’s Coming – (vv. 28 -31) ¨ Matthew 24 and The Context

Matthew 24 The Lord’s Coming in vv. 28 -31 The Third Key To Proper Understanding

Review

Review ¨ The Time Text (v. 34) – The “end” under consideration (everything before this verse) would be fulfilled before that generation passed

Review ¨ The Time Text (v. 34) – The “end” under consideration (everything before this verse) would be fulfilled before that generation passed ¨ The Transition Text (v. 36) – Referring to and dealing with another subject

Review ¨ The Time Text (v. 34) – The “end” under consideration (everything before this verse) would be fulfilled before that generation passed ¨ The Transition Text (v. 36) – Referring to and dealing with another subject – Another time, day, judgment

Review ¨ The Time Text (v. 34) – The “end” under consideration (everything before this verse) would be fulfilled before that generation passed ¨ The Transition Text (v. 36) – Referring to and dealing with another subject – Another time, day, judgment

Review ¨ The Time Text (v. 34) – The “end” under consideration (everything before this verse) would be fulfilled before that generation passed ¨ The Transition Text (v. 36) – Referring to and dealing with another subject – Another time, day, judgment

The Difficulty (vv. 27 -31)

The Difficulty (vv. 27 -31) ¨ Chronological order? – Second coming and destruction of Jerusalem spoken of alternately throughout chapter?

The Difficulty (vv. 27 -31) ¨ Chronological order? – Second coming and destruction of Jerusalem spoken of alternately throughout chapter? ¨ How can vv. 27 -31 refer to the destruction of Jerusalem? – Lord’s coming is mentioned specifically in v. 27

The Difficulty (vv. 27 -31) ¨ Chronological order? – Second coming and destruction of Jerusalem spoken of alternately throughout chapter? ¨ How can vv. 27 -31 refer to the destruction of Jerusalem? – Lord’s coming is mentioned specifically in v. 27 ¨ The language of vv. 29 -31

The Difficulty (vv. 27 -31) ¨ Present study designed to… – Deal with these difficulties and questions – Show that text is not as difficult as it may seem – Show that it does fit into the time-table of v. 34

The Difficulty (vv. 27 -31) ¨ Failure to understand language

The Difficulty (vv. 27 -31) ¨ Failure to understand language – That was highly symbolic, figurative, prophetic and apocalyptic

The Difficulty (vv. 27 -31) ¨ Failure to understand language – That was highly symbolic, figurative, prophetic and apocalyptic – That was typical of O. T. prophets

The Difficulty (vv. 27 -31) ¨ Failure to understand language – That was highly symbolic, figurative, prophetic and apocalyptic – That was typical of O. T. prophets – That Jesus’ disciples were well acquainted with

First: The Coming of v. 27

First: The Coming of v. 27 ¨ The text: – “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ” (v. 27)

First: The Coming of v. 27 ¨ The text: – “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ” (v. 27) ¨ This does in fact refer to the 2 nd coming – But not a SIGN of the event under consideration (vv. 4 -34)

First: The Coming of v. 27 ¨ The text: – “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ” (v. 27) ¨ This does in fact refer to the 2 nd coming – But not a SIGN of the event under consideration (vv. 4 -34)

The CONTRAST of v. 27

The CONTRAST of v. 27 ¨ Connection between vv. 23 -26 and v. 27 – “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. (vv. 23 -26) For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will th ecoming of the Son of Man be. ” (v. 27)

The CONTRAST of v. 27 ¨ Connection between vv. 23 -26 and v. 27 – “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. (vv. 23 -26) For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will th ecoming of the Son of Man be. ” (v. 27)

The Context of v. 27

The Context of v. 27 ¨ The Disciples Question (v. 3) – When the destruction would take place

The Context of v. 27 ¨ The Disciples Question (v. 3) – When the destruction would take place ¨ Warning of premature signs (v. 4, 6, 8) – Caution against deception by misleading signs

The Context of v. 27 ¨ The Disciples Question (v. 3) – When the destruction would take place ¨ Warning of premature signs (v. 4, 6, 8) – Caution against deception by misleading signs ¨ An explicit but approximate sign (v. 14) – (Ac. 2: 5; 8: 4; 11: 19; 8: 26 -40) (Co. 1: 5, 6, 23)

The Context of v. 27 ¨ The Disciples Question (v. 3) – When the destruction would take place ¨ Warning of premature signs (v. 4, 6, 8) – Caution against deception by misleading signs ¨ An explicit but approximate sign (v. 14) – (Ac. 2: 5; 8: 4; 11: 19; 8: 26 -40) (Co. 1: 5, 6, 23) ¨ The Actual Sign (v. 15) – The Roman army surrounding Jerusalem

The Prophecy of v. 23 -26

The Prophecy of v. 23 -26 ¨ Refers to actual siege of Jerusalem – Not the earlier period mentioned in verses 4 -13

The Prophecy of v. 23 -26 ¨ Refers to actual siege of Jerusalem – Not the earlier period mentioned in verses 4 -13 ¨ No personal coming at this destruction – One sign - the cry of false christs to deceive - “Look, here is the Christ”

The Prophecy of v. 23 -26 ¨ Refers to actual siege of Jerusalem – Not the earlier period mentioned in verses 4 -13 ¨ No personal coming at this destruction – One sign - the cry of false christs to deceive - “Look, here is the Christ” – “Do not believe it” (v. 23, 26)

The Prophecy of v. 23 -26 ¨ Refers to actual siege of Jerusalem – Not the earlier period mentioned in verses 4 -13 ¨ No personal coming at this destruction – One sign - the cry of false christs to deceive - “Look, here is the Christ” – “Do not believe it” (v. 23, 26) – During this time he would not appear in person but rather in judgment

The CONTRAST of v. 27

The CONTRAST of v. 27 ¨ When Christ comes personally… – No cry or announcement will be needed

The CONTRAST of v. 27 ¨ When Christ comes personally… – No cry or announcement will be needed – No deception will be possible

The CONTRAST of v. 27 ¨ When Christ comes personally… – No cry or announcement will be needed – No deception will be possible – Not a local event but universal - seen by all

The CONTRAST of v. 27 ¨ When Christ comes personally… – No cry or announcement will be needed – No deception will be possible – Not a local event but universal - seen by all – As conspicuous as lightning - witnessed by all

The CONTRAST of v. 27 ¨ When Christ comes personally… – No cry or announcement will be needed – No deception will be possible – Not a local event but universal - seen by all – As conspicuous as lightning - witnessed by all – East to West - not just Jerusalem

The CONTRAST of v. 27 ¨ When Christ comes personally… – No cry or announcement will be needed – No deception will be possible – Not a local event but universal - seen by all – As conspicuous as lightning - witnessed by all – East to West - not just Jerusalem – So conspicuous it will need no announcement

The CONTRAST of v. 27 ¨ When Christ comes personally… – No cry or announcement will be needed – No deception will be possible – Not a local event but universal - seen by all – As conspicuous as lightning - witnessed by all – East to West - not just Jerusalem – So conspicuous it will need no announcement – Won’t need to rely on testimony of others

The Coming of v. 27

The Coming of v. 27 ¨ Not a sign of the event discussed (v. 4 -34) – Rather a CONTRAST to this event

The Coming of v. 27 ¨ Not a sign of the event discussed (v. 4 -34) – Rather a CONTRAST to this event – Explaining why they should not believe the claims of the personal coming of Christ at the destruction of Jerusalem

The Coming of v. 27 ¨ Not a sign of the event discussed (v. 4 -34) – Rather a CONTRAST to this event – Explaining why they should not believe the claims of the personal coming of Christ at the destruction of Jerusalem ¨ Why would many be deceived? – Jews considering themselves God’s chosen people would expect divine deliverance

The Coming of v. 27 ¨ Not a sign of the event discussed (v. 4 -34) – Rather a CONTRAST to this event – Explaining why they should not believe the claims of the personal coming of Christ at the destruction of Jerusalem ¨ Why would many be deceived? – Jews considering themselves God’s chosen people would expect divine deliverance

Language of vv. 28 -31

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Failure to understand = false conclusions – Conclude that this must refer to the 2 nd coming

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Failure to understand = false conclusions – Conclude that this must refer to the 2 nd coming – But verse 34 will not allow this

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Failure to understand = false conclusions – Conclude that this must refer to the 2 nd coming – But verse 34 will not allow this – Must look for another application of text • Not difficult when Scripture interprets Scripture

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ V. 28 - Fitting description of destruction of Jerusalem – Dead body draws vultures (carrion eaters)

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ V. 28 - Fitting description of destruction of Jerusalem – Dead body draws vultures (carrion eaters) – O. T. often uses term “eagle” to describe a foreign nation coming upon Jewish nation as punishment for her sins • (Deu. 28: 49 -58) (Hos. 8: 1) (Hab. 1: 5 -8)

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ V. 28 - Fitting description of destruction of Jerusalem – Dead body draws vultures (carrion eaters) – O. T. often uses term “eagle” to describe a foreign nation coming upon Jewish nation as punishment for her sins • (Deu. 28: 49 -58) (Hos. 8: 1) (Hab. 1: 5 -8) – Foreign army would come against Jerusalem because of her deadness in the sight of God

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ V. 28 - Fitting description of destruction of Jerusalem – Dead body draws vultures (carrion eaters) – O. T. often uses term “eagle” to describe a foreign nation coming upon Jewish nation as punishment for her sins • (Deu. 28: 49 -58) (Hos. 8: 1) (Hab. 1: 5 -8) – Foreign army would come against Jerusalem because of her deadness in the sight of God – Deliverance will not come

The Sign v. 30

The Sign v. 30 ¨ “the sign of the Son of man in heaven” – to semeion tou huiou tou anthropou en ouranoi – KJV and ASV translations

The Sign v. 30 ¨ “the sign of the Son of man in heaven” – to semeion tou huiou tou anthropou en ouranoi – KJV and ASV translations ¨ Doesn’t say “a sign in heaven” – Rather “the sign of the Son of man”

The Sign v. 30 ¨ “the sign of the Son of man in heaven” – to semeion tou huiou tou anthropou en ouranoi – KJV and ASV translations ¨ Doesn’t say “a sign in heaven” – Rather “the sign of the Son of man” ¨ “In heaven” defines locality of the “Son” – No sign was to appear “in heaven”

The Sign v. 30 ¨ “the sign of the Son of man in heaven” – to semeion tou huiou tou anthropou en ouranoi – KJV and ASV translations ¨ Doesn’t say “a sign in heaven” – Rather “the sign of the Son of man” ¨ “In heaven” defines locality of the “Son” – No sign was to appear “in heaven”

Language of vv. 28 -31

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – Describing the overthrow and destruction of nations as punishment for their sins

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – Describing the overthrow and destruction of nations as punishment for their sins – With no reference to the end of the world

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – Describing the overthrow and destruction of nations as punishment for their sins – With no reference to the end of the world – Destruction of Babylon (Isa. 13: 1, 6 -13, 1922)

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – Describing the overthrow and destruction of nations as punishment for their sins – With no reference to the end of the world – Destruction of Babylon (Isa. 13: 1, 6 -13, 1922) – God’s judgment of Egypt (Ez. 32: 1 -10)

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – Describing the overthrow and destruction of nations as punishment for their sins – With no reference to the end of the world – Destruction of Babylon (Isa. 13: 1, 6 -13, 1922) – God’s judgment of Egypt (Ez. 32: 1 -10) – Judgment of Idumea (Isa. 34: 1 -10)

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – Describing the overthrow and destruction of nations as punishment for their sins – With no reference to the end of the world – Destruction of Babylon (Isa. 13: 1, 6 -13, 1922) – God’s judgment of Egypt (Ez. 32: 1 -10) – Judgment of Idumea (Isa. 34: 1 -10) – Judgment against Judah (Zeph. 1: 1 -18)

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – (Joel 2: 10, 11, 28 -32) (Ac. 2: 16 -21)

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – (Joel 2: 10, 11, 28 -32) (Ac. 2: 16 -21) • Overthrow of Mosaic authority and inauguration of the new order under Christ

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – (Joel 2: 10, 11, 28 -32) (Ac. 2: 16 -21) • Overthrow of Mosaic authority and inauguration of the new order under Christ ¨ Nothing in this refers to the 2 nd coming

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – (Joel 2: 10, 11, 28 -32) (Ac. 2: 16 -21) • Overthrow of Mosaic authority and inauguration of the new order under Christ ¨ Nothing in this refers to the 2 nd coming ¨ Jesus uses language well known to His disciples to foretell… – The end and destruction of fleshly Israel

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – (Joel 2: 10, 11, 28 -32) (Ac. 2: 16 -21) • Overthrow of Mosaic authority and inauguration of the new order under Christ ¨ Nothing in this refers to the 2 nd coming ¨ Jesus uses language well known to His disciples to foretell… – The end and destruction of fleshly Israel – The triumph of His own reign

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Language of O. T. prophets – “It is only natural that in speaking to Jews, He would use language they were familiar with as descriptions of the fall of great powers. These Jews would recognize such language, and men today would have little problem with it if they were more familiar with the utterances of the prophets. ” • (Johnny Stringer, Signs of Thy Coming: A Study of Matthew 24)

“Coming in the Clouds”

“Coming in the Clouds” ¨ “Son of Man coming in the clouds” (v. 30) – Does not affirm His personal coming

“Coming in the Clouds” ¨ “Son of Man coming in the clouds” (v. 30) – Does not affirm His personal coming – Compare O. T. prophetic usage of this symbol

“Coming in the Clouds” ¨ “Son of Man coming in the clouds” (v. 30) – Does not affirm His personal coming – Compare O. T. prophetic usage of this symbol ¨ Judgement upon Egypt (Isa. 19: 1) – “The burden against Egypt. Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud, and will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, and the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. ”

“Coming in the Clouds” ¨ Symbolizes a “coming” in power – Not necessarily in person

“Coming in the Clouds” ¨ Symbolizes a “coming” in power – Not necessarily in person – In judgment, in triumph, in the cause one represents (Mt. 26: 64)

“Coming in the Clouds” ¨ Symbolizes a “coming” in power – Not necessarily in person – In judgment, in triumph, in the cause one represents (Mt. 26: 64) ¨ Word translated “coming” - erchomai – Not same word found in vv. 3, 27, 39

“Coming in the Clouds” ¨ Symbolizes a “coming” in power – Not necessarily in person – In judgment, in triumph, in the cause one represents (Mt. 26: 64) ¨ Word translated “coming” - erchomai – Not same word found in vv. 3, 27, 39 – Word in v. 30 (erchomai) does not demand personal presence

“Coming in the Clouds” ¨ Symbolizes a “coming” in power – Not necessarily in person – In judgment, in triumph, in the cause one represents (Mt. 26: 64) ¨ Word translated “coming” - erchomai – Not same word found in vv. 3, 27, 39 – Word in v. 30 (erchomai) does not demand personal presence – Word in vv. 3, 27, 39 (parousia) does refer to His personal coming

Language of vv. 28 -31

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Verse 30 stands in contrast to verse 29 – V. 29 - The fall of one system of authority

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Verse 30 stands in contrast to verse 29 – V. 29 - The fall of one system of authority • The old order of Jewish religion

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Verse 30 stands in contrast to verse 29 – V. 29 - The fall of one system of authority • The old order of Jewish religion • Former authorities “cast down” from heaven (their position of power)

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Verse 30 stands in contrast to verse 29 – V. 29 - The fall of one system of authority • The old order of Jewish religion • Former authorities “cast down” from heaven (their position of power) • Thus the powers of the heavens were shaken

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ Verse 30 stands in contrast to verse 29 – V. 29 - The fall of one system of authority • The old order of Jewish religion • Former authorities “cast down” from heaven (their position of power) • Thus the powers of the heavens were shaken – V. 30 - The rise of another system of

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ The New order under Christ - Now more obvious and effective (vv. 30 -31)

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ The New order under Christ - Now more obvious and effective (vv. 30 -31) – Vindication of His word and authority (v. 30) • Ruin of the temple, destruction of the holy city, and the end of fleshly Israel - the “sign” or clear indication of His rule or authority in heaven

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ The New order under Christ - Now more obvious and effective (vv. 30 -31) – Vindication of His word and authority (v. 30) • Ruin of the temple, destruction of the holy city, and the end of fleshly Israel - the “sign” or clear indication of His rule or authority in heaven – The mourning of the tribes (v. 30 b) • A natural experience for the “tribes” of Israel because of the end of their special relationship with God

Language of vv. 28 -31 ¨ The New order under Christ - Now more obvious and effective (vv. 30 -31) – Vindication of His word and authority (v. 30) • Ruin of the temple, destruction of the holy city, and the end of fleshly Israel - the “sign” or clear indication of His rule or authority in heaven – The mourning of the tribes (v. 30 b) • A natural experience for the “tribes” of Israel because of the end of their special relationship with God – The continued triumph of His cause (v. 31)

He will send His angels…

He will send His angels… ¨ Greek term “angels” means messengers – Does not always refer to heavenly beings

He will send His angels… ¨ Greek term “angels” means messengers – Does not always refer to heavenly beings – John the Baptizer (Mt. 11: 10) (Mk. 1: 2)

He will send His angels… ¨ Greek term “angels” means messengers – Does not always refer to heavenly beings – John the Baptizer (Mt. 11: 10) (Mk. 1: 2) – Messengers sent by John (Lk. 7: 24)

He will send His angels… ¨ Greek term “angels” means messengers – Does not always refer to heavenly beings – John the Baptizer (Mt. 11: 10) (Mk. 1: 2) – Messengers sent by John (Lk. 7: 24) – Messengers sent by Jesus (Lk. 9: 52)

He will send His angels… ¨ Greek term “angels” means messengers – Does not always refer to heavenly beings – John the Baptizer (Mt. 11: 10) (Mk. 1: 2) – Messengers sent by John (Lk. 7: 24) – Messengers sent by Jesus (Lk. 9: 52) – Men sent by Joshua into Jericho (Js. 2: 25)

He will send His angels… ¨ Greek term “angels” means messengers – Does not always refer to heavenly beings – John the Baptizer (Mt. 11: 10) (Mk. 1: 2) – Messengers sent by John (Lk. 7: 24) – Messengers sent by Jesus (Lk. 9: 52) – Men sent by Joshua into Jericho (Js. 2: 25) ¨ Men who would carry the gospel message – Gather the elect through the trumpet call of

Matthew 24 Unlocking the difficult text