STUDY No. 49 - A PASSAGE FOR STUDY -

THE PROPHECY OF HIS COMING

It is a fairly long chapter but you will need to read it a couple of times to start with.
It is a good idea with this passage to write down your responses to the following points:

1. What are the main divisions of the chapter, as far as you can see?
2. Try to find a caption for each.
3. Work in turn on each section you have chosen, and then write out an overall statement describing verses 1 to 51.
4. Write down ten names of persons, groups, descriptions of persons or larger groups mentioned.
5. Write down ten places, names of places or locations that are mentioned.
6. Write down as many promises made by Christ as you can find in this chapter.
7. Write down as many lessons of personal profit that you should remember in this chapter.
8. Write down any sins you can find that should be avoided in your life.
9. Write down as many warnings as you can find that you should heed in these present days.
10. Write down as many signs or indications you can find before the Lord comes again.

Question*: If some of these events are to be taken as symbolic and some literally, by what means do we make the distinction? [Answer at foot of page]

Here are some comments on Matthew 24 by a respected bible student of many years' standing. They will not meet with the approval of all bible students.
[This will indicate the answer to the question above.]

Verse(s)...........

1-2
This judgement was executed in AD. 70.

3
Key questions. We must remember that these disciples' thinking revolved around the glorious age of the Messiah on earth. When will He come? They knew little of His coming for the Church. This according to Paul was a special revelation.
(1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18;
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 3:10).

4-5
During the first half of the Tribulation.

6-7
Wars and rumours of wars - true today?

8
Beginnings of sorrows - onset of birth pangs, a new order under Israel's Messiah King.

9-10
Seems to be a particular reference to 144,000 at this special period of bestial persecution.

11-12
False prophets associated with Israel.

13
Salvation is always a gift and has quality of permanence.

14
Striking parallel between this and Revelation 6:1-11.

15
We have come to the middle of the Tribulation. Daniel 9:27.

16-28
We are given details through to the end of it. The eagles or vultures will be unleashed in connection with the soon appearing of the Lord of glory with His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13).

29-31
THE SECOND ADVENT OF JESUS CHRIST

29
At the close of the Great Tribulation there will be terrifying disturbances in the heavens ... the sun & the moon.

30
We are not told what the sign will be, but some believe the SON OF MAN Himself is the sign. See Acts 1:11 - "...shall so come .. as ye have ... "   same way / same place.

31
Wonderful moment! The sacrificial Lamb will descend as the conquering Lion. The despised carpenter comes as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ will be unmistakable - sudden, public, universal and glorious!

"He and I in that bright glory, One deep joy shall share:
Mine, to be for ever With Him, His, that I am there."

36-44
THE DAY AND THE HOUR UNKNOWN
The days however, we are told, will be like those before the Flood. The majority of people will be indifferent, going through the normal routines of life as if they will live forever, becoming more and more wicked.

45-51
THE PARABLE OF THE WISE AND EVIL SERVANTS
We see here the true servants are behaving themselves in view of His coming, not just believing that He is coming; whilst the evil servants are living as if they never expect Him. One might wonder... are they His? (2 Timothy 2:19)