Matthew 24:4-14 (Mark 13:5-13; Luke 21:8-19)

The Synoptics are in remarkable accord as they present Jesus’ answer to the disciples.  Let us note the content of the text and then give some explanations.

Mt 24/Mk 13/Lk 21	Event
4/5/8a	Warning: be not led astray
5/6/8b	Many will come claiming to be the Christ
6/7/9	You will hear of wars, rumors; but the end is not yet
7/8a/10-11a	Nation will rise against nation, earthquakes, famine
/  /11b	Pestilence, terrors, great signs in the heavens
8/8b/	This is only the beginning of travail
/  /12a	But before all these things …
9/9/12b-13	You will be delivered up, killed, hated, but for a testimony
14a/10/	The gospel must first be preached to all nations
/11/14-15	When you stand before kings, don’t worry about what to say; the Holy Spirit will put the words in your mouth
10/12-13a/16-17	Many will stumble; family members will deliver up each other; you will be hated for My name’s sake
/  /18-19	Not a hair will perish; by patience you will win souls
11/  /	There will be many false prophets
12/  /	The love of many will grow cold
13/13b/	He that endures to the end will be saved
14b/  /	Then shall the end come

·        This is a list of general prophetic signs that fit all future times.  Jesus was specific: these things do not portend the end.  These events fit the first century as well as the ages that have rolled by since Jesus’ ascension.

·        Deception (being led astray) is fundamental to the entire time.

·        Sorrows in Mt. 24:8 is the term for birth pangs.  In other words it indicates something more difficult yet ahead followed by a glorious event.

·        Endurance indicates salvation because it is a mark of genuine faith.  God keeps those who believe; they cannot be taken from His hand.  Thus true believers will be faithful to the end.

·        Jesus says this gospel of the kingdom will be preached to the end of the world.  As John the Baptist had pointed to the One who would come after him, so the good news that the King is coming again will be preached world-wide and then the end will come.  This accords with Rev. 14:6-7.

These predictions accord with Deut. 28 (note v47-68) when God warned Israel of the consequences of disobedience.  This is not a mean or grumpy god exacting punishment on humanity.  It is the faithful God keeping His word.  These events should always be a call to turn to the faithful God who is also gracious and will forgive those who approach Him by faith in His Son, the Savior of the world.