1. What does the Bible say? Matthew 24 Precedent of Jesus’ teaching: Jesus routinely spoke in metaphor (parables; Matt. 13:10+) Jesus, however, also readily explained his teachings to those who asked (Matt. 13:18+, Matt. 15:15) Context of Matt. 24: Matt. 23:36 all these things will come upon this generation. Matt. 23:37 – Jesus laments over Jerusalem Matt. 24:1-2 – Jesus prophecies the destruction of the temple to the disciples. The disciples’ two-part question: 1.Matt. 24:3 Tell us, when will these things be, 2.and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? Based on the manner in which we have seen Jesus teaching, is He likely to give a confusing (and impenetrable) answer, or answer the disciples’ questions?

2. What does the Bible say? Matthew 24 “Tell us, when will these things be” Which things? Those to which Jesus had just referred Those things that would come upon this generation (23:36) The destruction of the temple (24:1) This may also be referred to as “the end of the [Jewish] age” Through vs. 28, Jesus is definitely speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem (including judgment on that generation and the destruction of the temple): See that no one leads you astray… You will hear of wars… See that you are not alarmed… …the end is not yet They will deliver you up to tribulation… …put you to death… …you will be hated. …this gospel…will be proclaimed throughout the whole world…(Acts 8; Acts 17:6)

3. What does the Bible say? Matthew 24 This is very interesting because Jesus admonishes them NOT to confuse the destruction of Jerusalem with His return (v. 23-26). Vss. 29-31 – These are the most confusing verses of the passage because of their apocalyptic language. We MUST think like the Jewish people! They did not think so literally as we do (Matt. 27:46 > Ps. 22) Phrase in Matt. 24:Comparable Passage & meaning: “the sun shall be darkened”Isa. 13:10, 19 – Babylon would be overthrown “stars shall fall from heaven”Isa. 34:4-5 – Destruction of Edom “Son of man coming in the clouds” Isa. 19:1 - Egypt “send forth his angels”Angels (Gr. Aggelous) is used to announce the arrival of something (Matt. 11:10; Lk. 7:24)