[A talk given at
Grace Church Haywards Heath on 7 May 2017 with extended notes and Bible
references added]
Read Matthew 24v1-34
Being a cub scout
When facing a difficult challenge, different personalities
tend to lean towards one of two ways in preparing. Some bury their heads in the
sand. So, GCSE’s are on the way. But they act as if they’re not really going to
happen. And of course, when they inevitably come around, the head in the sand
group feel just a little panicky.
The other group live by the cub scout motto “be prepared.”
Their revision timetable was put together with colour coding and minute detail
six months ago. They’ve been doing test papers for weeks, and have their shiny
new pencil case and readily sharpened pencils at the ready.
Well with regard to future history, Christ’s return, final
judgment and what lies beyond, Jesus would have us be cub scouts rather than
head buriers. And so he has given us much in scripture to enable us to be ready
for what comes. And that’s why we’re studying these subjects this month.
But as we do, we do need to come cautiously. You see in his
wisdom Jesus has revealed some of these things in a slightly hidden way. No
doubt this is to keep us on our toes – aware the things he teaches could take
place at any time, and using our imaginations to think on how wonderful they
might be.
A question and an answer
Today we’re considering future history. What exactly can we
expect between today and the day Christ comes back?
That’s the question the disciples ask to begin our passage.
Jesus has just told them their temple will one day be destroyed. Look at their
response – verse 3.
In my view Jesus answers them in three stages: First,
in verses 4-14 he teaches what will take place throughout history. His focus is on
the generation of the disciples themselves, referring to them as “you”
throughout (see also v34). However he is looking beyond that generation too.
What they experience will be “the beginning of birth-pains” (v8) implying these
things will continue until this world order gives birth to the next at his
return (see Rom 8v18-23). The “you” therefore becomes representative of
the experience of all disciples who are encouraged to stand firm until “the end.”
Now some argue that “the end” in mind here is the
destruction of Jerusalem in AD70 for its rejection of the Messiah. Certainly
Jesus has that in mind in Matthew 23v35-39 and, as we will see from verse 15 of
this chapter. However, the “coming” of the Son of Man in verses 27-30 must refer
to his return in judgment marking this as “the end” in mind. Four key arguments
support this: (1) Throughout Matthew “the end” refers
to the time of final judgment when angels gather God’s people to him as in v31 (13v39-40,
49, 28v20). (2) Verses 27 and 30 stress the Son of Man will be visible
to all. This is not a coming in the metaphorical sense of sending judgment by
causing Rome to sack Jerusalem. (3) Verses 36-44 liken this coming to the
coming of the flood, teaching that it will be a universal not local judgment,
and that it won’t be on everyone, but separate believers from unbelievers. (4)
Jesus says it will be unexpected, coming like a thief in the night (v42-43).
But in v15-28 he explicitly states what will signal that the destruction of
Jerusalem is about to take place. So it cannot be “the end” he has in mind.
Second, verses 15-28 do then deal with AD70. How
Jerusalem would be destroyed. Jesus point is that his disciples should not wait
around thinking he will return then and save them as passages like Zechariah 14
imply. Instead they should run for the hills (v16). The implication is that
these prophetic texts refer not to AD70, but to a future hostility to God’s
people that they will be delivered from at Christ’s return (see Rev 20v7-10 and
the talk “what to expect at Christ’s return). Nevertheless, AD70 is significant
in marking the most significant step towards that day. Ending the era of Jewish
exclusivity in God’s purposes, it begins the time of the Gentiles in which the
gospel is going to go to the nations (v14, and Luke 21v24).
Third, verses 29-31 then deal with what will take place at the end of
history - which
could be at any time after that. At that point we’ll dip into the book of
Revelation and learn some of the things it teaches will happen just before the
end. For now we should note that some argue the “coming” in verse 30 is not the
return of Christ as it is in verse 27, but the ascension of Christ into heaven
as it is for the Son of Man in Daniel 7v13. They note the greek words
translated “coming” in the two verses are different. Against this view we
should consider: (1) We are told he will return just as he went (Acts 1v11) so
the imagery from Daniel 7 should not be presumed to refer to the ascension. (2)
We have already seen that in his flow of thought Jesus has his return in
judgment in mind. (3) The two greek words for “coming” are used interchangeably
in verses 36-44 for the return of Christ in judgment – one refers to his
arrival, the other to the manner of his arriving. (4) Christ’s arrival was not
visible to anyone but those in heaven, yet Jesus says his “coming” will be seen
by those on earth (v30).
What can we expect
throughout history?
We can now try to answer this question. Jesus points out
four things in verses 4-14 – and gives us an exhortation with each so that we
know what this should mean for us.
(1) Religious deception (v4-5).
You may have heard the term “anti-Christ.” That’s the sense
here. It describes any who falsely claim to be God’s Messiah – or undermine the
truth about him.
Take a look at verse 24. Jesus says such people will even
perform “great signs and wonders.”
Well, most religions lay claim to miracles to support them. Christian cults can
do too.
But the spirit of anti-Christ is at work outside of
religions too. It is seen in the rationalism of our age that denies God or the
deity of Christ, and teaches its own mythology – that the human race is the
saviour, and will one day bring about a perfect renewed world.
What is Jesus word then to us here? Verse 4: “Watch out.”
We need to learn discernment. We mustn’t assume that because
a teacher within the church can heal or claims to follow Christ, that they are
trustworthy. We must sieve all we hear by scripture.
(2) Disastrous events (v6-7).
Wars, rumours of wars, famines, earthquakes. Luke includes
diseases. I don’t need to spell out these things in our own day. The media make
us more aware of them than people have ever been before.
And they can be very unsettling can’t they? A number of
people have said in recent years that they feel the devil is winning. We wonder
whether God is in control. We worry about what this might mean for us and our
children. But what does Jesus say?
Can you see, verse 6? We need not be alarmed. These things
are not a surprise to Jesus. No, they “must”
happen. In fact, in Revelation 6v1-8 all the events of verses 4-14 happen
because Jesus – the Lamb, opens the seals of a scroll that details the events
of the end of history. In other words, these things will happen until then by
his will and purpose. Indeed, they are called out by his angels (Rev 6v1).
Why? Well there may be some sense of the battle between the
kingdoms of light and darkness stirring up the whole creation. But Revelation
hints at three key reasons why these things must be: First, because sin is serious. They are
preliminary judgments on our race for its rejection of God. Two, because
people need shaking. They are a merciful means of God waking people up to their
need of him – although Revelation 9v20 tells us most will not turn from their
sin even when these things intensify. Third, they must come because they enable
believers to shine. The sense is that just as Jesus’ glory was shown by his
endurance despite hardship, so his disciples must follow his way. And as we
keep going despite these things, the genuineness of our faith is seen – to
God’s credit. Revelation 7 describes how all believers are “sealed” as
belonging to God so that they are kept safe from these things in the sense that
they persevere in faith and so through death pass to heaven.
The point for us is that we shouldn’t be surprised when such
things happen. They don’t necessarily mean Jesus is about to arrive. In verse
6, he says “the end is still to come.” These
are simply “the beginning of birth pains”
(v8).
Time to pause and think about giving birth. Labour is hard.
Painful. Even excruciating. But you know what could happen if you go straight
to hospital as soon as they start: “Sorry, you are only 1 centimetre dilated.
You’ve got a long way still to go.” And so you go home again, bracing yourself
for the long haul.
That’s the sense here. These things don’t necessarily mean
the new creation is about to come to birth. It may still be some time. But we
can endure these hardships nevertheless, because we know they will end. We know
something of the joy the trials of history will give birth to.
(3) Christian compromise (v9-12).
Verse 9 speaks of persecution. Disciples will be hated
because of Jesus. But it doesn’t end there. Look at the result in verses 10-12.
We’ve had it easy in the UK for the last 500 years. But make
no mistake. Persecution is the norm for Christians. That’s why so much of the
New Testament deals with it. And we need to prepare ourselves as we see it
heading our way in the UK.
And do consider the detail here. It is the religious
deception, v12, that leads to an “increase
of wickedness” within society, that leads to the love of most who follow
Christ “growing cold.” No doubt this
described a particular falling away in the first century, but when these labour
pains intensify we can expect the same in other periods of history too.
We should not be surprised as the Christian worldview is
rejected in our own society, that wickedness is on the increase. Nor should we
be surprised at the compromise this brings from those within the church. It’s
the parable of the sower: Some shoots wither because of trouble and
persecution. Others are choked by the things of life and enticement of wealth
(Matt 13v1-23).
And what is
Jesus’ word to us - verse 13? “The one who stands firm to the end will be
saved.”
If you feel your love is growing cold. Repent of it. Ask God
to revive you. Determine to stick with Jesus. Stand firm.
(4) Worldwide witness (v14).
This is the only reason Jesus gives for the delay. He has
more people to be born, hear the gospel and believe. He taught that the kingdom
of heaven is like a small mustard seed that grows to become a big tree in which
bird can make their nests. It’s like yeast being worked through dough (Matt
13v31-33). The sense is that before the end the church will fill the earth with
people from all nations sheltering in it. And no doubt at times it will
therefore have quite an influence on those nations. But unlike some, I don’t
see Jesus teaching us to expect a sort of golden age in which a large part of
the world is Christianized before the end (see the discussion of the millennium
in “what to expect when Christ returns”). Rather he teaches the kingdom will
always be hindered by weeds (Matt 13v24-30).
Jesus doesn’t give a word of exhortation here. It comes
later when he urges the disciples to prove faithful servants. We are to keep
speaking – keep witnessing – no matter how hard things become (24v45).
I’ve always been stunned by the folly of the trenches in the
first world war. I’ve often wondered what would motivate the soldiers at the
whistle, to charge out of the trench into machine gun fire knowing it would
almost certainly mean their death.
I guess they had little choice. But the noblest amongst them
did it for king and country. They saw something bigger than them. They did it
because they loved their sovereign and they knew that by this means the war
would end more quickly and peace be established.
Well so it is with our witnessing. We speak of Christ even
if it brings hostility because we love him. We want to honour him. And we know
that this is his means of bringing an end to the tribulations of history and
bringing in the new world.
But…We’re not quite done for today. Back to the image of
labour pains I’m afraid. The thing about labour pains, is that near the end things
up a gear. You experience the same labour pains – but more frequent and more
intense.
What to expect at the end
of history
Of the final stage one Mum wrote online: “You
think you know pain? Its a whole other level. Contractions are a walk in the
park in comparison.”
Well, verse 12
seems to hint at this. It implies a stage when wickedness will particularly
increase and the love of most Christians will grow cold. The increased severity
is also pictured in the dramatic language of verse 29 that is said to “immediately”
follow the distress of AD70.
Such language is used
figuratively in the Old Testament to denote the destruction of cities and
kingdoms. Signifying an awesome act of God, the sense is that these means of
God’s blessing in providing light are removed for the peoples involved as they
are no more. In modern parlance, their “lights went out.” Luke 21v24-25 imply
the language refers to events after the times of the Gentiles dominate
Jerusalem and just before Christ’s return.
Most
likely the “immediately” is therefore a prophetic term akin to the “soon” of
Revelation 22v7, 12 and 20. This fits the change to visionary language and the
references to Daniel. If so, it would simply be saying that Jerusalem’s
destruction inaugurates the final period of human history known as the time of
the Gentiles that leads up to the return of Christ. From that point on then, he
could return at any time, and to stress this the entire church age is telescoped
together as if one moment.
Verses
32-33 support this understanding. The point is that as the signs of summer are
being seen on the tree we know summer is “near.” In context the “near” must be
equivalent to the word “immediately.” “All these things” (v33) are therefore
the things that come before the end – ie. those of verses 4-28, but
particularly as seen during the lifetime of the apostles. That’s why Jesus
could say that every one of those things would happen in his generation. The
things that will mark the entire church age (v4-14) had all been experienced
within a few decades, as had the destruction of Jerusalem (v15-28). From that generation on
then, the summer of Christ’s return (v29-31) is to be understood to be “near”
or arriving “immediately.” With the image of the thief, we must recognize he
could come at any time, being “right at the door” (v33).
But what
exactly can we expect around this time? Here we must venture into the book of
Revelation. Can I say my reflections are tentative? Interpretations of the book
vary so widely none should be too dogmatic about their conclusions. However, my
conviction is that the book is not intended to chart various events throughout
history that can pinpointed. The numerous websites telling us how the events of
today fulfil its specifics are, I think, potentially harmful and certainly
distracting. Instead, it seems to me that Revelation tells us the general
things to expect throughout history and especially at the end.
(1) Religious deception: My understanding of
the book is that Satan is kept from deceiving the nations now so that people
are converted (see the discussion of the millennium in “what to expect when
Christ returns”). But we’re told that just before the end he will be unleashed
(Rev 20v1-7).
That will lead to the rise of a supreme anti-Christ character
(“the beast”) in the image of Satan (“the dragon”), just as Christ is the image
of God. He will somehow rule over the world and its leaders and, with Satan, receive
its worship, with a key individual reigning with him and promoting his
deception (“the second beast”) like the church does the gospel (Rev 13).
This will cause a great increase in sin fuelled by a
corrupt, immoral and materialistic empire or world order figuratively described
as Babylon, which contrasts the society of the church – described as the new
Jerusalem. Babylon is patterned on Rome as the first century centre of idolatry
and depravity, but most likely refers to all ungodly society throughout history
culminating in a final unified society that spans the earth and is hostile to
God’s people (Rev 17-19).
If we think this sounds a bit far fetched it is worth
reflecting that had Hitler and Stalin united, something close to this would
have happened in the 20th century. And this testifies that it need
only take a couple of decades for these sort of things to become a reality. The
New Testament presents the return of Christ as only ever one generation away.
(2) Disastrous events: We are told that God
will however cause this wicked system to collapse and be destroyed, perhaps
with literal environmental judgements like those sent upon Egypt. This destruction
is detailed in Revelation 19 but may also be the subject of the trumpet
judgments in Revelation 8-9. They seem to be in response to the persecution of
God’s people through the church age, and more intense than the events of
chapter 6. This would make them precursors to the return of Christ on the
opening of the seventh seal (8v1-6) rather than, as some think, another way of
describing the judgments spanning the church age.
(3) Christian compromise: It is in this
context that this evil ruler will gather the nations against God’s people – possibly
coming from the north and with a focus on the actual city of Jerusalem, which
may have become prominent after a large conversion of Jews (described in 19v1-21
and again in 20v7-9). And the world’s hostility will leave the church essentially
dead in its witness (Rev 11v7-10). The love of most will have grown cold (as 2
Tim 3v1-9).
2 Thessalonians 2v4-8 describes
this evil ruler as “the man of
lawlessness” noting that he will "set
himself up within God's temple." This seems a final fulfillment of “the abomination that causes desolation”
first fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes in 167 BC (as foreseen in Dan 11v31) and
then the Roman armies in AD 70 (as predicted in Matthew 24v15, fulfilling Dan
9v27). The difference is that now God’s “temple” is the church (Eph 2v19-22). This
implies the anti-Christ may try to force Christians to worship him, which may
in turn mean that great deception and apostasy may find something of a foothold
within the church.
(4) Worldwide mission: The sense may be that
the nations will be especially provoked because the church will testify that
the destruction of the Babylonian world order is a judgment. And it’s quite possible that
in this context a number may come to Christ because of what they witness (Rev 18v9-20). Whether or not
there will be a large conversion by the Jewish community just before he returns
is debated. But it is suggested in Zechariah 12v10-14 in the context of God
coming to deliver his people when their oppressors besiege Jerusalem. Indeed, Matthew
24v29-30 can be translated “the people of
the land” which would mean Jesus is directly referring to Zechariah 12. Romans
11v25-32 also suggests a mass turning to Christ by the Jews: (1) by the
suggestion that when the full number of Gentiles have been converted, Israel’s
hardening to the gospel will cease; (2) by the promise that when Jesus comes
from “Zion” (which could be the new Jerusalem in heaven) he will turn godlessness
away from the Jews; (3) by the declaration that God’s love for Israel endures even
whilst they are his enemies; and (4) by the way Paul patterns Israel receiving
mercy on the chronology of a period of Gentile disobedience being followed by
their receiving mercy.
And so the end
It is then, in response to the final persecution of his
people, that we are told that Christ will return, raising the dead and
destroying all who have stood against him (20v7-15). But that is out topic in “what
to expect when Christ returns.”
For now, if it is spring, take a look out of the window and
see if you can spot a budding branch. It speaks of summer being close. And
returning to Matthew 24v32-35, Jesus makes just that point. The things he
outlined to his disciples – things that can be seen in every generation, are buds
signalling that our everlasting summer is near. When we see them, we are therefore
to look up expectantly. We are intended to get a little excited – to wonder “could
this be it,” and then ask ourselves “am I really ready.”
The fact is, all the things Jesus notes have intensified in
the last hundred years or so. False religion and Christian cults have
multiplied. Environmental disasters have become more severe. Persecution has
become much more widespread, accompanied by a rapid turning from the faith in
historically Christianized countries; and the gospel has gone to the world,
making huge advances in Africa and Asia, with reports of an unprecedented
acceptance amongst Jews too. Of course it is quite possible this is just a
momentary intensification of labour pains, with birth still a long way off. But
it’s also possible that it’s the start of the main event. Whatever the case, it
should cause us to look up and know that summer is nearer than it has ever
been.