Category: Matthew 24

Before the Beginning of Sorrows

On By TimIn Last Days, Matthew 24Leave a comment

Jesus answered them, “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Matthew 24:4–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are just about at the point of mass deception on this timeline. That would be before the beginning. Jesus did give this intel in a private briefing to a few of His disciples. They wanted to know what signs would come with the end of the age.

The deception we experience today isn’t even what comes in the “beginning of sorrows.”

Make no mistake, the governments of the world are aligning in unity quickly. They are already practicing the precursors and cover stories to obfuscate the things Jesus said.

  • Deception.
  • Wars. Rumors of wars.
  • Nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
  • Famine.
  • Epidemics.
  • Earthquakes.

Each of these is actively propagandized, even in the United States. Pay attention to what is happening.

UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena formerly known as UFOs) will bring the new Jesus. These will bring our so-called space brothers. The story will be that the massive disappearance of people happened because they are not fit for the next evolution of humanity. These are removed by the brothers who seeded life on the earth.

The mass movement of troops isn’t preparation for war. Outfitting neighborhood police departments with military-grade gear isn’t normal.

Need I say Ukraine… anyone?

Look at the empty shelves at the grocery store. There are things that are periodically hard to find. Food supply lines are being disrupted. That is usually the cause of most famine in our world. People are starved not because there is no food. It is purposefully kept from them.

CV-19 introduced us to the age of the pandemic. That certainly guarantees that more pandemics will not be unexpected.

Did you know earthquake data from the US often doesn’t match location and intensity as other governments’ sources? This link is old but explains the problem.

We aren’t even at the beginning of sorrows.

At the risk of TL;DR… That is possible to be to your own detriment.

The point of the beginning of sorrows will be marked by a mass disappearance of a lot of people. Christians call this the rapture. The powers-that-be already have a cover story prepared. You have been groomed to accept it as true by popular movies, TV, fiction, and music. Falling for it may very well be the impetus that seals the fate of those caught up in it. What I mean is that most people are not going to think any of this suspicious and will dutifully go along with the story they are told.

Jesus is coming.

He is coming to judge the world. The judgment will come after the wrath of God is poured out on the world that is ambivalent toward Him. Even before all of that, Jesus is coming to whisk His own church away.

In a harmonized account of the briefing, Jesus drops a hint about this at the end of what He says.

When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When we go up, they will come down.

There is still time for you. You can repent (change your mind) and believe Jesus. Believe that He rose again to save you. Confess your sins.

You don’t have to obey the Ten Commandments, be a good person, give to the poor, or do any other things… Save believe Jesus died and rose again for you as He is your only way to God.

Of course, if you’re just gonna wait it out, I’d say good luck. But there is no such thing. You could listen to a favorite band… And a cool song. But, really… Trust Jesus.

The Olivet Discourse: 02 – The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

On By TimIn Israel, Last Days, Luke 21, Mark 13, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse2 Comments

Continuing from the previous post, there are things to keep in mind. The first is the perspective of the author and the ideas he chooses to convey. Here is the foundation text beginning with the account in Matthew.

Jesus departed from the temple and was leaving when His disciples came to show Him the temple buildings.
Jesus answered them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

Matthew 24:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As Matthew starts, he relates the impetus for the conversation, the temple is mentioned, but no attention is given to describing it. The group was leaving the temple, and the disciples wanted to show Him the buildings. Imagine the change in the conversation. One moment it was about the temple; The next, destruction is foretold. This conversation was probably still in public, as the group had not yet come to the Mount of Olives. There may have been others privy to this part of the conversation.

Let’s examine the other synoptic accounts.

As He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what great stones and what great buildings are here.”
Jesus answered him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

Mark 13:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Already one can discern some differences. Mark doesn’t just relate the gist of the conversation. He relates what is said. That is the action that is occurring. We also see the usage of the title Teacher.

Look at the mention of the great stones. Though the temple wasn’t yet complete, the stones they were looking at were 10 to 12 feet long. It was Herod’s goal for the temple mount to be a massive 1600 by 900 feet edifice soaring to nine stories in height. The walls were to be up to 16 feet thick. All this still wouldn’t match the glory of Solomon’s temple, had it been finished. Its destiny was to be toppled.

We come to Luke.

As some spoke of how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts, He said, “As for these things which you see, the days will come when not one stone shall be left on another that will not be thrown down.”

Luke 21:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Like Matthew, Luke relates the impetus of the conversation. He too points out the stones. He also mentions the gifts. These are the decorative items donated by others to adorn the temple. Herod gave a golden vine that had bunches of grapes that were as tall as a human.

All three accounts, though differing, are conveying the same basic information. The temple’s beauty would come to be ruined.

The stylistic differences also become apparent in how the content is conveyed. Matthew draws attention to the temple building as if the reader is already familiar with it. Mark’s style is about title and action. He gives a bit of detail, perhaps as his audience may need help to understand how great the stones are, as if such are unfamiliar with it. Luke points to the ornate decorations and gifts. It’s a bit of humanity, and the artistry is of great interest to a Greek.

This is also a perfect example of what not to see. The disciples were concerned with the outward beauty of the temple. Absent from the conversation is what went on inside it. The temple was certainly the focal point of life in Jerusalem at the time. Its beauty was certainly something to admire.

Considering the words here, perhaps there is an underlying message to keep a light touch on the things of this world, as they will fade away. Perhaps to keep what is inside of the temple kosher instead of fixating on the outward appearances.

The Olivet Discourse: Introduction

On By TimIn Luke 21, Mark 13, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse1 Comment

This is an introduction to my own attempt to discover the similarities and distinctions of the presentation of the Olivet Discourse (first post) as given in the synoptic gospels. The Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as they present themselves similarly in the things they record of Jesus’ ministry on Earth.

The first thing to keep in mind is the distinctiveness of the authors as different people with differing mindsets. Each also had a distinct audience in mind. So, it can be said that each Gospel has a distinct purpose for a distinct audience. One sees this intent recorded by the selective events each author chooses to include, and how they are related to the audience.

Matthew

Matthew’s Gospel is intended to speak to the Israeli, a person who is familiar with the Old Testament. Matthew details the prophecies recorded in the Old Testament that characterize Israel’s Messiah, and how these are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Therefore, Jesus is portrayed as that Messiah, the King of the Israelis. This is evidenced from the outset, as his gospel opens with the genealogy of Jesus, which would be of utmost importance to an Israeli. Especially as it relates to the Messiah, the Son of David.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham:

Matthew 1:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Herein, one sees that Jesus is the rightful heir to the kingdom of David. It is the opening of the book that establishes the credentials of Jesus as that heir. The promises of the Messiah from the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, beginning with His family tree.

Sum it up this way, Matthew is written to Israelis and is for Israelis.

Mark

Mark is not written to the Israeli or even to those familiar with the Old Testament. Instead, his audience is those people who understand power and authority. That is, those citizens and leaders in the Roman Empire. These folks would be unfamiliar with Judaism and the promises of the Messiah. Mark does not start with the birth of Jesus. He doesn’t start with Jesus’ credentials.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:
“Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.”
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.'”

Mark 1:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He starts with activities for people who understand action. Here is Jesus, the servant of the Lord sent by God to do what God has sent Him to do. With the emphasis on doing, Jesus did what was asked of Him. Because this book records the actions of Jesus, it records more of Jesus’ miracles than does Matthew, Luke, or John.

Mark is summed up as written to the Roman and the authorities in Rome.

Luke

Luke wanted to appeal to intellectuality. The Greeks of Luke’s day were of the intellectual mindset, loving art, philosophy, and literature. It is with that intent that the humanity of Jesus is emphasized. He is like any other human. Yet, He is not, as He is the perfection of humanity. And Luke would give an orderly account.

Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things which are most surely believed among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.

Luke 1:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

One can trust that what Luke wrote is an orderly account. It is not the writings of an eyewitness, but as an investigator who has collected and recorded others’ eyewitness testimonies. The humanity of Jesus is emphasized by the focus of events that demonstrate that. Luke’s gospel relates to the reader a very human Jesus.

Luke is summed up as written to the Greek.

John

John was an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. The things recorded are for the purpose of establishing Jesus as the eternal God who became a man.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created.

John 1:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

From the very opening words, Jesus is presented as the Creator – God. John intends the reader to believe. The book is written with that purpose.

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

John 20:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

John stated he is selective in what he has recorded. His goal is personal, it is for the reader to believe.

John writes to believers.

A Point to Consider

With these things in mind, the first point I would like to ponder is that the gospel of John has no recording of the Olivet Discourse. Of course, I understand that the Bible is given to us with a framework of design. Therefore, we must also consider certain points of silence. It is this one that I want to consider and challenge my own thinking.

Maybe, John didn’t record the Olivet Discourse because it wasn’t intended for believers, specifically church-age believers. Let me explain. We have it recorded by three folks who were not eyewitnesses. It is recorded in differing ways, with different ideas emphasized. Given the inherent audiences of the gospels, perhaps the ideas written in the discourse in the Synoptics would be for the unbelieving Israeli, those who love action and authority, and the intellectual. All of which would be unbelievers, given that John’s gospel is written for believers. John’s gospel would exclude such ideas as the church-age believers wouldn’t be present.

Could that hint to church-age believers being removed before these things happen?

The Eagles Will be Gathered Together

On By TimIn Israel, Last Days, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse7 Comments

It was something said by Pastor Greg tonight (would love to link to video, but is near impossible.) He held his Bible up and said there were things in it he didn’t understand. He said he understood much, and as he grew in wisdom, his understanding grew. Yet there were some things he didn’t get.

I was sitting on a bench in the back of church. My friends Dan on my right, Brian on my left. I showed them this verse.

Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Matthew 24:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I said I don’t understand that.

I read the immediate context before…

“So, if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert,’ do not go there; or, ‘Look, He is in the private chambers,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Matthew 24:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Nothing immediately stood out for an explanation.

A bit of background… At the moment, I am endeavoring to search out the similarities and differences in the synoptic accounts of the Olivet Discourse. (For those less technical-minded, that would be Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 where Jesus spoke to a small group of disciples about the end of the age.)

As it were, I peeked at the Faithlife Study Bible notes for that verse, and they were a bit lot short on the subject. The only note indicated that the word eagles is better understood as vultures. I kind of knew that.

The software I use had an annotation that pointed me here:

They asked, “Where, Lord?”
He replied, “Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”

Luke 17:37 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Checking the immediate context for better understanding…

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating, drinking, marrying, and were given in marriage until the day when Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.
“Likewise as it was in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built. But on the day that Lot departed from Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from heaven and destroyed them all.
“So will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away. And likewise let him who is in the field not return to the things behind.
Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two men will be in one bed; the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain together; the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two men will be in the field; the one will be taken and the other will be left.”

Luke 17:26–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Now I know that what I didn’t understand is somehow connected to the second coming of the Messiah and not the rapture. This is clear by the very next statement in Scripture. They asked, “Where Lord?”

They are asking where the people taken will end up. I have to admit, it isn’t a pretty sight. Many have used this portion of Scripture to demonstrate the rapture. It’s not here. This is more as judgment. And I daresay, the judgment of a specific kind for a specific group of people. The ones taken are going to end up as food for vultures and other animals.

Arriving back in Matthew 24, it is clearly seen that that immediate context is also speaking of the second coming and not the rapture. (If one reads a bit backward in Luke 17, we also see the use of flashing lightning as a typification of the second coming. Yet… The immediate contexts in both passages speak of some not-so-good things for them.

As I thought about this throughout this evening and am now reclined in bed (it’s really late,) another particular piece of Scripture gnaws at the back of my mind, so to say.

Here, God is speaking of the defeat of Gog, and how there will be 7 months of cleansing the land of the dead bodies that resulted from that defeat. But before that, there’s this:

You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.

Ezekiel 39:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That’s the judgment against Gog. There is going to be a banquet for vultures and other animals. I hate to be graphic, but this is what the Bible clearly says.

My heritage is to Me as a speckled vulture; the vultures all around are against her. Come, assemble all the beasts of the field, bring them to devour.

Jeremiah 12:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It will be after God defeats Israel’s enemies.

As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God: Speak to every kind of fowl and to every beast of the field: Assemble and come. Gather on every side to My sacrifice that I sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. You shall eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the officials of the earth as though of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan. You shall eat fat until you are full and drink blood until you are drunk from My sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. Thus you shall be filled at My table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all the men of war, says the Lord God.

Ezekiel 39:17–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is something different than the other judgments. This is for those who actively oppose Israel, whether government officials or not. It’s for those who wanted her spoils.

It’s at the end of the age. It’s a sacrificial meal from God to the birds and beasts. Those specifically working to defeat Israel are the kibble.

Harmonizing the Tribulation of Those Days

On By TimIn Israel, Jesus, Last Days, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse, Prophecy, Rapture, Redemption, Return of JesusLeave a comment

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days, ‘the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Matthew 24:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“But in those days, after that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers that are in heaven will be shaken.’
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven.

Mark 13:24–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“There will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming on the inhabited earth. For the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the harmony of these presentations of the special briefing that Jesus gave His disciples at the end of the age, there are similarities that can be harmonized. All three are describing a time of great tumult, with signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and the heavens being shaken. We also see Jesus coming in the clouds.

To understand the coming in the clouds, we must delve into the old testament. We find over the many mentions of clouds associated with God it came in the form of divine intervention for His people. During the exodus, God led the Israelites in a pillar of cloud by day. When the cloud descended on the tent of meeting, it signified the presence of God. God coming in the clouds is a powerful and symbolic way to demonstrate divine intervention, divine judgment, or divine provision for the preservation of His people.

In this ‘sign’ we see ALL three. There is also another truth in the harmony that isn’t discussed. That is, Jesus is referring to Himself as God. If one understands the trial with the high priest, Jesus was asked if He was the Messiah, the Son of God. In His reply, He affirmed the questions the priest asked and claimed He is God. This is understood when we know the identity of Who comes in the clouds. Jesus said it would be Him by the title He chose for Himself. This title is also a direct reference to all of this.

I saw in the night visions, and there was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. There was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The differences are also important. Let’s poke at some of these.

The first is the introductory phrase to this time. In the Matthew and Mark account, the audiences’ attention is drawn toward the period after these distresses. More things would happen on Earth and in the heavens, and then the Son of Man would appear. The elect would be gathered, and a kingdom established (The latter part is inferred.) Both accounts seem to give a contemporaneous account of events.

Now note how Luke explains it, paying special attention to where he wants the audiences’ attention drawn. From the outset, Luke is asking his reader to understand the time before these events occur. This is clearly understood by this phrase “of what is coming on the inhabited earth.” Luke describes the same events that will happen, not contemporaneously.

Then we encounter the last sentence. “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.” Luke is a gentile writing to gentiles. He is admonishing them to pay attention to when these things begin to happen. We also have the use of a unique word, ‘redemption.’

Matthew and Mark are drawing attention to the time of God’s intervention, judgment, and preservation of His people. Perhaps it could be redemption. Yet they did not use the word. I think it is because the attention of the reader is being drawn to two different events. Luke is drawing attention to redemption that occurs before the harmonized disasters that are described.

Considering redemption and the way the word is used in the New Testament, we can readily see the references of the majority of forms in the graphic. There are two other uses, one reference meaning ransom/release is cited in Hebrews 11:35 (Red.) The other is referencing an event and is the one word from Luke 21:28 we are discussing, ‘Redemption.’