The Signs of Christ's Coming, Part 2 (Matthew 24:4–5) John MacArthur

The Olivet Discourse: Understanding Matthew 24 and 25

Introduction to the Alet Discourse

• Matthew chapters 24 and 25 are known as the Olivet Discourse, a sermon by Jesus on the Mount of Olives focusing on His second coming.

• Jesus came to Israel as their Messiah but faced rejection; this discourse occurs shortly before His crucifixion.

Final Judgment Pronouncement

• In Matthew 23:37, Jesus laments over Jerusalem's rejection of prophets, marking His last public address to Israel with a pronouncement of judgment.

• He condemns false leaders and followers, emphasizing that their house is left desolate, yet promises future restoration in verse 39.

Disciples' Anticipation of the Kingdom

• The disciples likely felt hope from Jesus’ promise of return as Messiah after hearing about impending judgment.

• They believed they were on the brink of witnessing the Messianic Kingdom due to their understanding of Old Testament prophecies.

Misinterpretation of Prophetic Timelines

• The disciples expected immediate fulfillment of prophecies regarding tribulation followed by the establishment of God's kingdom.

• Their eschatological view lacked awareness of a significant gap between Christ’s first and second comings, which was not revealed in Old Testament texts.

Illustrating Prophetic Fulfillment

• Isaiah 61 illustrates dual aspects of Messiah's work—preaching salvation and enacting vengeance—showing how they were perceived as simultaneous events.

• In Luke 4, Jesus reads from Isaiah but omits references to vengeance, indicating a separation between His first coming (salvation focus) and second coming (judgment focus).

Signs Leading Up to Christ's Return

Questions from the Disciples

• The disciples inquire about signs indicating when these prophetic events will occur, reflecting their anticipation for immediate action from Jesus.

Indicators for Future Events

• Jesus outlines various signs such as wars, famines, persecution (Matthew 24:4–14), indicating these are just beginnings leading up to greater tribulations.

Birth Pains Analogy

• Verse 8 describes these signs as "the beginning of birth pains," suggesting they intensify towards Christ’s return rather than being spread throughout history.

Endurance Through Trials

• Verse 13 emphasizes that those who endure through these trials until "the end" will be saved; this refers specifically to those alive at the end times facing tribulations.

Global Preaching Before End Times

• Verse 14 states that before "the end" comes worldwide preaching of the Gospel—a phenomenon not seen prior to AD 70 or currently fulfilled globally.

Abomination of Desolation

• Verse 15 references Daniel’s prophecy regarding an abomination in the temple signaling imminent tribulation; this event marks critical timing related to Christ’s return.

Great Tribulation Foreseen

• Verse 21 warns about unprecedented tribulation occurring at “the end,” aligning with Daniel's predictions about severe trials preceding final judgment.

Conclusion: Recognizing Signs and Generational Fulfillment

Observing Signs for Awareness

• Verses 32–34 use a fig tree analogy where observing leaves indicates summer is near; similarly, recognizing signs indicates proximity to “the end” for that generation witnessing them.

Understanding the End Times: Signs of Christ's Return

The Future Perspective of the Olivet Discourse

• The generation alive during the unfolding signs will witness Christ establishing His kingdom.

• While some signs occur now, they will intensify in scale and severity during the end times.

Current Global Issues as Birth Pains

• Present-day issues like war, earthquakes, famine, and persecution are mere precursors to greater tribulations ahead.

• These events are described as "birth pains," indicating a period of intense suffering before God's kingdom is established.

Prophetic Language and Audience

• Jesus speaks directly to future generations using "you" to indicate relevance for those living at that time.

• This prophetic privilege allows God’s messengers to address people not yet born, similar to Old Testament prophets.

Signs Indicating Christ's Coming

• The beginning of birth pains includes various signs leading up to Christ's return and the establishment of His kingdom.

• Deception is identified as the first sign among six significant indicators of impending tribulation.

Escalation of Deception in End Times

• Deception will reach unprecedented levels; false Christs will emerge claiming authority and leading many astray.

• As lawlessness increases, societal chaos will create a fertile ground for deception and false leadership.

Characteristics of False Messiahs

• Many individuals will claim to be Christ or deliverers during desperate times, deceiving large numbers of people.

• These false leaders may perform great signs and wonders, further misleading even the elect if possible.

The Antichrist: Culmination of Deception

• The ultimate deceiver known as Antichrist will arise, embodying all previous deceptions with immense power from hell.

• He will establish a covenant with Israel, showcasing his deceptive prowess by appearing as their savior.

Biblical Consistency on End Times Events

• Various scriptures align regarding the rise of deception before Christ’s return; this theme recurs throughout biblical prophecy (e.g., Daniel 9:27).

Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance

• Believers are urged to remain alert against deception in these last days while finding hope in Christ’s eventual victory over evil.