Matthew 24:15–35: The Coming of the Son of Man
Introduction
In Matthew 24:3, Jesus’ disciples had asked him two questions: “Tell us, when will these things be [i.e., that the temple will be destroyed; Matt. 24:2], and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” In Matthew 24:4–14, Jesus gave a general exhortation to his disciples not to be led astray or to be deceived by those who claim to be the christ, or by the tumult of the nations, or by outright persecution. That is, Jesus warned his disciples not to interpret any of those events as the “sign of [his] coming and of the end of the age.” As he begins to explain how the destruction of the temple will come about, he makes a stunning claim for how to understand the events that would unfold in the coming years: as tribulation comes, we can be certain that Jesus Christ is reigning triumphant in heaven.
Discussion Questions
1. What is the “abomination of desolation” (v. 15; Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11)? How is the abomination of desolation connected with the end of the temple’s sacrificial system (Dan. 12:11)? Why will the coming of the abomination of desolation bring great tribulation for the disciples (vv. 16–22)? How will it trigger false christs and false prophets who would seek to draw away Jesus’ disciples (vv. 23–26)? How will the disciples know that Jesus truly has returned (vv. 27–28)?
2. Why do many commentators understand vv. 29–31 as a reference to Christ’s final return? What are some reasons for understanding this passage as a description of Christ’s coming to his throne in heaven? If so, how should we understand the “cosmic disorder and darkness” (France) in v. 29? How does Daniel 7:13–14 help us interpret the “coming” of the Son of Man in v. 30? What does the trumpet gathering in of the elect signify in v. 31?
3. Why does the growth of leaves on a fig tree signal the near arrival of summer (v. 32)? What exactly is “near” in v. 33 (ESV: “he,” although the word does not appear in the Greek)? How might we understand “this generation” in v. 34 if vv. 29–31 refers to the final coming of Christ? How would we understand this if vv. 29–31 refers to the vindication and exaltation of Christ? Why does Jesus insist upon the eternal trustworthiness of his words (v. 35)?
4. Why does the New Testament place such an emphasis on Christ as the temple of God (John 2:18–22; cf. Matt. 26:61)? How, then, is the church the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16–17)? Why does the New Testament place such an emphasis on the exaltation and vindication of Jesus (1 Tim. 3:16)? What is your role in helping to bring the proclamation of the gospel throughout the whole world, to gather his people into the church by faith?
