| |
Some speculate Jesus’ warnings were to be interpreted for the people of that time and others speculate they are future events. We know that the apostles would suffer incredible persecution after Jesus resurrected and sent the Holy Spirit. So, it is fitting that some of what Jesus is speaking of was for them. The temple would surely be destroyed as predicted.
The future events, namely, the abomination of desolation, false prophets, the tribulation, and signs from heaven all must happen before Christ’s second coming. Many today argue about the exact timing of such events.
Old Testament professor Bruce Waltke has an interesting take on the coming of the Son of Man. Let’s look at Matthew’s version of that passage.
“Soon after the trouble of those days, the sun will grow dark, the moon will no longer shine, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers in space will be driven from their courses. [30] Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky; and all the peoples of earth will weep as they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [31] The great trumpet will sound, and he will send out his angels to the four corners of the earth, and they will gather his chosen people from one end of the world to the other.
[32] “Let the fig tree teach you a lesson. When its branches become green and tender and it starts putting out leaves, you know that summer is near. [33] In the same way, when you see all these things, you will know that the time is near, ready to begin. [34] Remember that all these things will happen before the people now living have all died. [35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:29-35 GNB
Waltke argues that because Jesus explicitly states in verse 34 that “all these things will happen before the people now living have all died,” the dramatic language describing the coming of the Son of Man is not speaking of a future time, but of a time during the disciples’ lives. When would that time be? When did people weep over the Son of Man coming on the clouds with power and great glory? In Acts 2, directly after Jesus’ ascension into the clouds, Peter gives an impassioned sermon, and we find a reaction very similar to what Jesus is describing.
“All the people of Israel, then, are to know for sure that this Jesus, whom you crucified, is the one that God has made Lord and Messiah!” [37] When the people heard this, they were deeply troubled and said to Peter and the other apostles, “What shall we do, brothers?” [38] Peter said to them, “Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God’s gift, the Holy Spirit.
[39] For God’s promise was made to you and your children, and to all who are far away—all whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” [40] Peter made his appeal to them and with many other words he urged them, saying, “Save yourselves from the punishment coming on this wicked people!” [41] Many of them believed his message and were baptized, and about three thousand people were added to the group that day.
Acts 2:36-41 GNB
Whether this was the fulfillment of the coming of the Son of Man or not, the important thing to remember is that Jesus is coming back. Just as surely as the temple was destroyed, and the wheat and tares grow up together, He will return to judge the unrighteous and rescue His children. The most intriguing verses, to me, are these…
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
Matthew 24:36 NASB
“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:42 NASB
“For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.
Matthew 24:44 NASB
What is our response to this chapter? Please, do not let your response be, “I need to figure out the timing!” Yes, we should stay alert and watch for the signs as Jesus commands, but no one knows the day and hour. How many “prophets” have tried to predict the end of the world or Jesus’ return? Why do we even waste our breath speculating and arguing this kind of stuff? Before He ascends, Jesus gives the proper response for this kind of information.
Jesus said to them, “The times and occasions are set by my Father’s own authority, and it is not for you to know when they will be. [8] But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:7-8 GNB
Be ready. Stick to the plan. Stay faithful and watchful, being good stewards of your resources for the kingdom. Expect that He is coming anytime and live that way! Apply yourself in all diligence to His kingdom work in preparation for His return! This is the response I believe Jesus is looking for from His people.
1 Chronicles 1 - The Workman clan descends upon Columbia City once a year. As…