The Signs of the End Times
Jesus begins by warning about false messiahs, wars, famines, and earthquakes. See to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come (Matthew 24:6).

Persecution and Apostasy
Believers will face persecution, and many will fall away from the faith. Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name (Matthew 24:9).

The Abomination of Desolation
Jesus refers to a specific event that will signal the beginning of great tribulation. So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (Matthew 24:15).

The Coming of the Son of Man
Jesus describes His return as unmistakable and visible to all. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:27).

The Importance of Readiness
Jesus emphasizes the need for vigilance and preparedness. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come (Matthew 24:42).Stay Informed and Discerning
Be aware of the signs of the times and test all teachings against Scripture to avoid deception.

Strengthen Your Faith
Prepare for potential persecution by deepening your relationship with Christ and standing firm in your faith.

Live with Urgency
Share the Gospel with others, knowing that the time is short and the return of Christ is imminent.

Cultivate Watchfulness
Develop a lifestyle of prayer and spiritual alertness, always ready for Christ’s return.1. Jesus
Jesus is the central figure in Matthew 24, delivering the Olivet Discourse. He speaks to His disciples about the signs of the end times and His second coming. The Greek name "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous) is used, which is derived from the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation."

2. The Disciples
The disciples are the immediate audience of Jesus' discourse. They come to Him privately to ask about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. The Greek term "μαθηταί" (mathētai) refers to learners or followers.

3. False Christs
Jesus warns about false Christs who will come in His name, claiming to be the Messiah. The term "ψευδόχριστοι" (pseudokhristoi) is used, meaning false anointed ones or false messiahs.

4. False Prophets
Jesus also warns about false prophets who will arise and deceive many. The Greek term "ψευδοπροφῆται" (pseudoprophētai) refers to those who falsely claim to speak on behalf of God.

5. The Elect
The elect are those chosen by God, whom Jesus mentions will be gathered from the four winds at His coming. The Greek word "ἐκλεκτοί" (eklektoi) means chosen or selected ones.

6. The Son of Man
This is a title Jesus uses for Himself, referring to His role in the end times. The term "υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου" (huios tou anthrōpou) is a messianic title with roots in Daniel 7:13-14.

7. Noah
Jesus references Noah in the context of the days leading up to the flood, drawing a parallel to the unexpected nature of His return. The Greek name "Νῶε" (Nōe) is used, corresponding to the Hebrew "Noach."

8. The Faithful and Wise Servant
Jesus uses this figure in a parable to illustrate the importance of being watchful and prepared for His return. The Greek terms "πιστός" (pistos) and "φρόνιμος" (phronimos) describe the servant as faithful and prudent.

9. The Wicked Servant
In contrast to the faithful servant, the wicked servant is one who is unprepared and acts irresponsibly, illustrating the consequences of neglecting readiness for the Lord's return. The Greek term "κακός" (kakos) means evil or wicked.1. Temple
Reference: Matthew 24:1-2
Description: Jesus and His disciples were leaving the temple when the disciples pointed out its buildings. Jesus then prophesied the destruction of the temple, saying, "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." The Greek word for temple here is "ἱερόν" (hieron), referring to the sacred precincts and buildings of the temple complex in Jerusalem.

2. Mount of Olives
Reference: Matthew 24:3
Description: Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives when His disciples came to Him privately to ask about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. The Mount of Olives is a ridge located east of Jerusalem, significant in biblical prophecy and eschatology. The Greek term used is "Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν" (Oros tōn Elaiōn), meaning the Mount of Olives.1. Destruction of the Temple Foretold
Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem: "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." (Matthew 24:2). The Greek word for "thrown down" is καταλυθήσεται (kataluthēsetai), indicating complete destruction.

2. Signs of the End of the Age
Jesus describes signs that will precede the end times: "For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many." (Matthew 24:5). The Greek word for "deceive" is πλανήσουσιν (planēsousin), meaning to lead astray.

3. Wars and Rumors of Wars
Jesus warns of conflicts: "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must happen, but the end is still to come." (Matthew 24:6). The Greek word for "alarmed" is θροεῖσθε (throeisthe), meaning to be troubled or frightened.

4. Famines, Earthquakes, and Pestilences
Natural disasters are mentioned: "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." (Matthew 24:7). The Greek word for "earthquakes" is σεισμοί (seismoi), which can also mean commotions or upheavals.

5. Persecution of Believers
Jesus speaks of persecution: "Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name." (Matthew 24:9). The Greek word for "persecuted" is θλίψουσιν (thlipsousin), meaning to oppress or afflict.

6. The Great Apostasy
A falling away from faith is predicted: "At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another." (Matthew 24:10). The Greek word for "fall away" is σκανδαλισθήσονται (skandalisthēsontai), meaning to stumble or be offended.

7. Increase of Wickedness
Lawlessness will abound: "Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12). The Greek word for "wickedness" is ἀνομία (anomia), meaning lawlessness or iniquity.

8. The Gospel Preached to All Nations
The global proclamation of the Gospel: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14). The Greek word for "nations" is ἔθνεσιν (ethnesin), referring to ethnic groups or peoples.

9. The Abomination of Desolation
A significant prophetic event: "So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel..." (Matthew 24:15). The Greek word for "abomination" is βδέλυγμα (bdelygma), meaning something detestable.

10. The Great Tribulation
A period of unprecedented distress: "For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again." (Matthew 24:21). The Greek word for "tribulation" is θλίψις (thlipsis), indicating severe affliction or distress.

11. The Coming of the Son of Man
The return of Christ: "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn..." (Matthew 24:30). The Greek word for "mourn" is κόψονται (kopsontai), meaning to lament or wail.

12. The Gathering of the Elect
The gathering of believers: "And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds..." (Matthew 24:31). The Greek word for "elect" is ἐκλεκτούς (eklektous), meaning chosen or selected ones.2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Discusses the man of lawlessness and the events leading up to the Day of the Lord.

Revelation 6:1-17
Provides a parallel account of the end times, including the opening of the seals.

Daniel 9:24-27
Offers insight into the prophecy of the seventy weeks and the abomination of desolation.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Encourages believers to be alert and sober, living as children of the light. Pray for Discernment
Ask God for wisdom to understand the times and recognize false teachings.
Pray for Strength
Seek God’s strength to endure trials and remain faithful amidst persecution.
Pray for Readiness
Request a heart that is always prepared for Christ’s return, living in holiness and expectation.
Pray for Evangelistic Opportunities
Ask God to open doors for sharing the Gospel with urgency and love.

As we study Matthew 24, let us be encouraged to live with a sense of urgency and readiness, always looking forward to the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

1. What is the significance of Jesus' prediction about the Temple's destruction?

2. How do the signs of the end of the age affect your understanding of global events?

3. How can we apply Jesus' warning about false Christs and prophets in our context?

4. What does the "abomination of desolation" reveal about the severity of the end-times tribulation?

5. How does Jesus' depiction of His return inspire hope and awe?

6. What lessons can we draw from the Parable of the Fig Tree about recognizing the signs of the times?

7. How can we practice watchfulness in our faith journey as instructed by Jesus?

8. What are some practical ways to apply the call to readiness for Christ's return in our daily lives?

9. How does Jesus' teaching about the end of the age impact your perspective on current world events?

10. How can we discern true from false teachings in light of Jesus' warnings?

11. In what ways does Jesus' discourse on His second coming affect your understanding of biblical prophecy?

12. How does the Parable of the Fig Tree underscore the nearness of Christ's return?

13. How does the unpredictability of Jesus' return challenge us to live faithfully each day?

14. How can we use Jesus' warnings to guide our responses to spiritual deception?

15. How can the promise of Jesus' return encourage us amidst trials and tribulations?

16. How does Jesus' discourse on His second coming deepen your longing for His return?

17. How can we encourage others to stay vigilant and prepared for the Second Coming?

18. What are some ways we can ensure our faith and actions align with Jesus' call for watchfulness?

19. How does the cosmic description of Christ's return shape your understanding of His majesty and power?

20. How can we draw hope from the promise of the gospel being preached to all nations before the end?