Matthew 24:1–14: The Beginning of the Birth Pains
Introduction
As Jesus prepares to go to the cross, he must prepare his disciples for his departure. In Matthew 24, Jesus begins what has been called the “Olivet Discourse,” where Jesus addresses a number of issues that relate to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, as well as to the end of the age and the return of Christ. In this section, Jesus braces his followers for the difficulties that lie ahead of them; however, he also assures them that his powerful presence will protect them along the way. As Jesus enjoys one of his last private discussions with his disciples, he encourages them to persevere by the power of Christ.
Discussion Questions
1. What did Jesus warn in Matthew 23:38–39 about the fact of Jerusalem and Jerusalem’s temple? How significant is it for Matthew to tell us that Jesus “left the temple” (v. 1)? How does this act parallel the departure of the glory of the Lord from the temple back in Ezekiel 10? What do these departures from the temple signify about the future doom of those temples? How do they prepare Christ’s disciples for a new temple that he would raise up at his resurrection?
2. What are the disciples trying to learn from Jesus in their question in v. 3? What is Jesus’ primary concern about his disciples (v. 4)? What role will false christs play in the future (v. 5)? How might wars and rumors of wars discourage Christ’s people (v.6)? How might the tumult of the nations and of the earth through wars and natural disasters alarm Christ’s people? How do these signs relate to the final return of Jesus?
3. How will the world treat Christ’s people after his departure (v. 9)? How will formerly-professing believers within the church treat those who remain faithful to Christ (v. 10)? How will false prophets and teachers affect the church (v. 11)? How will the faithfulness and love of believers be affected (v. 12)? What does Jesus promise for the individual (v. 13)? What does Jesus promise about the spread of the gospel through the world (v. 14)?
4. What part of this passage concerns you? What do you see in the world that matches what Jesus warns about here? What part of this passage encourages you? What do you see in your own life, or in the wider world, that encourages you about the coming of Christ? What is one way that you can faithfully serve Jesus to bring the gospel to the wider world? How do Jesus’ words in these passages encourage, provoke, or strengthen you?
