Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Matthew 24

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Description

Welcome to Focus On The Message – the first component of our Following Jesus discipleship program. This web page contains the lessons for:

Matthew 24

Purpose

Follow this link for information about these key aspects of our training: Purpose, Goals, Habits, Ministries, and Assignments.

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Matthew 24

This chapter has 4. lessons. You should ideally cover one chapter (with all of its lessons) in a week, but please don’t let a week go by without completing at least one lesson.

Lesson 1: The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times – Part 1

• Matthew 24:1-14 – Bible Gateway
  • Matthew 24:1-14; Mark 1:1-13; Luke 21:5-19

Checkout the following:

• • The Bible Project: Day Of The Lord (00:06:02)
  • The Destruction of Jerusalem
    • Megalim Institute: A Temple in Flames The Final Battle for Jerusalem and the Destruction of the Second Temple – YouTube (00:15:34)

Topics to explore:

• • What key events from Matthew 23 precede this passage?
  • Jesus is leaving the temple following the events of Matthew 23.
    • He had previously issued both a rebuke and a warning.
    • His disciples marvel at the beauty of the Temple and Jesus predicts its destruction.
    • The disciples ask:
      • When will this happen?
      • What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?
  • Jesus predicts:
    • Many will come in Jesus name and deceive many.
    • Don’t be alarmed at wars and rumors of wars – these must happen but the end is still to come. 
    • False Christs, false prophets, wars, natural disasters, persecution.
    • Gospel preached to all nations, divine support during arrest and trial.
    • Betrayal, encouragement to stand firm to the end.
    • Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
    • Be on guard. You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death.
    • Many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.
    • Many false prophets will appear and deceive many.
    • Because of the increase of wickedness the love of most will grow cold.
    • The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
    • The gospel must first be preached to all nations and then the end will come.
  • Summary:
    • Watch out for false Christs and false prophets. Don’t be deceived!
    • Don’t be alarmed by wars and natural disasters – they are just the beginning of birth pains.
    • Be on guard for persecutions – arrests and trials.
    • Stand firm to the end!

Additional resources to check out:

• • Matthew for Everyone, Part 2 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • 32. Signs of the Times [Matthew] – Tim Mackie  – YouTube (00:54:52)

Training assignment (do this yourself, and use it to help train someone else):

• • Read the main passage and related passages above.

Lesson 2: The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times – Part 2

• Matthew 24:15-28 – Bible Gateway
  • Matthew 24:15-28; Mark 13:14-23; Luke 21:20-24
  • Daniel 9 (NIV) – “seventy sevens”; “abomination that causes desolation”

Checkout the following:

• • The Bible Project: Day Of The Lord (00:06:02)
  • Bible Project: Son Of Man – YouTube (00:05:31)
  • Bible Project: Apocalyptic Literature (06:58)
  • The Destruction of Jerusalem
    • The Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem – YouTube (00:06:25)
    • The Sack Of Jerusalem: The Destruction of a People – YouTube (00:05:41)
    • Megalim Institute: A Temple in Flames The Final Battle for Jerusalem and the Destruction of the Second Temple – YouTube (00:15:34)

Topics to explore:

• • Key Points
    • When you see the abomination that causes desolation standing where it does not belong.
    • Let those in Judea flee to the mountains.
    • Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to get anything out.
    • Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak.
    • Dreadful for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
    • Pray it won’t take place in winter.
    • Days of distress unequaled from the beginning until now and never to be equaled again.
    • For the sake of the elect the days have been shortened.
    • False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive event the elect if possible.
  • Note the Contrast
    • Don’t be alarmed by wars, natural disasters, persecution, betrayals, etc.
    • Be alert when you see:
      • The abomination that causes desolation – Mark 13:14; Matthew 24:15
      • Jerusalem surrounded by armies – Luke 21:20
    • Get out!
      • Don’t try to salvage any possessions
      • It will be a time of great distress.
      • Don’t be deceived by false Christs and false prophets.
      • This specific advice makes sense for people in a city under siege, but not so much for impending worldwide judgment. Where wo