The Doctrine of Eschatology: Matthew 24
Chris Hefner
Three Reasons to be Encouraged by Mt. 24
- First, be encouraged that Jesus prepared his followers for what was to come.
- Second, be encouraged that much of what Jesus said would happen has indeed happened.
- Third, be encouraged by the already, not yet tension of Matthew 24.
Matthew 24 Highlights:·
- 24:1-3—Note who brought up the topic.
- 24:4-14—Note the intertextual Jewish apocalyptic imagery; negative signs and positive sign.
- 24:15-20—The abomination of desolation
- 24:21-28—More apocalyptic imagery; fulfilled in the past or yet to be
- 24:29-31—The Second Coming
- 24:32-35—Read the fig tree; this generation; the permanent assurance of God’s Word
- 24:36—Jesus’ self-imposed limitation
- 24:37-39—As in the days of Noah
- 24:40-42—Taken and left; be ready
- 24:43-44—As a thief in the night; be ready
- 24:45-51—The faithful and wise servant will be found serving
Theological Takeaway: Reading Matthew 24 in light of the rest of Matthew (especially the theme of the kingdom) reminds us that the King came and is coming again.
Worship Takeaway: We must worship the King whose prophecies came true meaning that his future promises will come true as well.
Evangelistic Takeaway: It is our job to warn our neighbors and the nations to be ready for the return of Christ.
Relational Takeaway: Let us be the faithful and wise servants who are ready for the Master’s return.
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