Matthew Chapter 24: Signs of the End and the Coming of the Son of Man

Matthew chapter 24, often called the Olivet Discourse, records Jesus’ teaching about the destruction of the temple, the signs of the end times, and His second coming. Delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives during His final week before the crucifixion, this chapter emphasizes vigilance, endurance, and trust in God’s sovereign plan amidst trials. It addresses both the immediate future (the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70) and the ultimate future (Christ’s return), blending near and far eschatological events. Using the English Standard Version (ESV) for scriptural references, this article explores Matthew 24, breaking it into key sections and providing cross-references to deepen its meaning.

Context and Setting

Matthew chapter 24 follows Jesus’ confrontations with religious leaders and His lament over Jerusalem (Matthew 23), occurring during Passover week, days before His crucifixion (Matthew 26). As Jesus leaves the temple, His disciples marvel at its grandeur, prompting His prediction of its destruction (Matthew 24:1-2). On the Mount of Olives, they privately ask, “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3, ESV). Matthew, written primarily for a Jewish audience, presents Jesus as the Messianic King who will return to judge and reign (Matthew 1:1; 24:30). The chapter prepares disciples for trials and informs the church’s eschatological hope, leading into further parables on readiness (Matthew 25).

Key Sections and Themes

1. The Signs of the End Times (Matthew 24:1-14)

Jesus predicts the temple’s total destruction, saying, “There will not be left here one stone upon another” (Matthew 24:2, ESV), fulfilled in AD 70 when Rome razed Jerusalem. The disciples’ question prompts Jesus to describe signs preceding the end: false messiahs deceiving many, wars, famines, and earthquakes as “birth pains” (Matthew 24:5-8, ESV). Disciples will face persecution, hatred, and betrayal, with false prophets leading many astray (Matthew 24:9-11). Yet, “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13, ESV). Jesus declares, “This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world… and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14, ESV).

Cross-References:

Significance: Jesus’ prophecy about the temple’s fall validates His authority and warns of judgment on unfaithful Israel. The “birth pains” signal escalating trials, applicable to both AD 70 and the end times, urging endurance. The global proclamation of the gospel highlights God’s redemptive plan before final judgment, calling disciples to persevere in mission despite opposition.

2. The Abomination of Desolation and Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:15-28)

Jesus warns, “When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place… then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Matthew 24:15-16, ESV). This desecration, linked to Daniel 9:27, likely refers to Roman defilement of the temple before its destruction, though some see a future fulfillment. The urgency is stark: flee without delay, as “there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world” (Matthew 24:21, ESV). False christs and prophets will perform signs, deceiving many, but Jesus advises caution (Matthew 24:23-26). His return will be unmistakable, “like lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west” (Matthew 24:27, ESV).

Cross-References:

Significance: The “abomination of desolation” signals imminent judgment, blending AD 70’s historical event with eschatological tribulation. The call to flee underscores the severity of the crisis, while warnings against false messiahs protect believers from deception. Jesus’ vivid description of His return assures its clarity, distinguishing it from fraudulent claims and bolstering hope.

3. The Coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:29-31)

Jesus describes cosmic signs after the tribulation: “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven” (Matthew 24:29, ESV), echoing Old Testament imagery of divine intervention. “Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man,” and all tribes will mourn as they see Him “coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30, ESV). Angels will gather His elect “from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” with a trumpet call (Matthew 24:31, ESV).

Cross-References:

Significance: The cosmic signs and Son of Man’s coming depict Jesus’ glorious return, fulfilling Messianic prophecies and asserting His divine authority. The mourning of tribes suggests universal recognition of His judgment, while the gathering of the elect assures salvation for His people. This vision encourages believers to hope in Christ’s triumph amidst trials.

4. The Timing and Call to Vigilance (Matthew 24:32-51)

Using the fig tree’s budding as a sign of summer, Jesus says, “When you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates” (Matthew 24:33, ESV). He adds, “This generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34, ESV), likely referring to the temple’s destruction within the disciples’ lifetime. Yet, the day of His return is unknown: “Concerning that day and hour no one knows… but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36, ESV). Like the days of Noah, people will be unprepared, so Jesus urges, “Stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:37-42, ESV). He compares Himself to a thief, coming unexpectedly, and a master testing his servants’ faithfulness (Matthew 24:43-51). Faithful servants are blessed, but the unfaithful face judgment, “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:51, ESV).

Cross-References:

Significance: The fig tree parable teaches discernment of signs, particularly for Jerusalem’s fall, while the unknown timing of Christ’s return demands constant readiness. The Noah analogy and servant parables stress accountability, rewarding faithfulness and punishing negligence. Jesus’ call to “stay awake” urges believers to live purposefully, prepared for His return at any moment.

Theological Themes

Matthew 24 weaves together several key themes:

Application for Today

Matthew 24 calls us to trust Jesus’ promise of His return, living with hope despite trials. The signs of wars and persecution remind us to endure faithfully, sharing the gospel globally. Warnings against deception urge discernment, grounding us in Scripture. The unknown timing challenges us to stay vigilant, serving God daily without complacency. The parables of readiness inspire us to be faithful stewards, prepared for Christ’s sudden appearing. As we reflect, may we watch, work, and wait for our King’s glorious return.

Conclusion

Matthew chapter 24 reveals Jesus as the prophetic Messiah who foretells the temple’s fall and His second coming. Through signs, warnings, and calls to vigilance, He prepares His disciples for trials and judgment, urging faithful endurance. As we study Matthew 24, may we trust His sovereign plan, proclaim His gospel, and stay awake for the Son of Man’s return.

Matthew 23 - Matthew 25