Session 4: Trust God’s Timing
Question 1:
When have you seen for yourself that “timing is everything”?
THE POINT
Jesus is certain to return even though we don’t know exactly when.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
Is your timing ever a bit off? On one of my first international mission trips to Africa, I had a major case of jet lag. My sense of timing was completely off. My sleeping patterns were so off that my days and nights were mixed up.
When it comes to Christ’s return, it often feels like our timing is off. People see a political leader causing havoc and wonder if he is the antichrist. Sometimes a heavy season of wars, earthquakes, or disasters have some believers absolutely convinced that Jesus’ second coming is just around the corner. Unfortunately, church history is littered with a long line of “misfires” about Christ’s return. Some of these misfires are created by heretical teachers hoping to gain a following. On other occasions, a misfire occurs because well-meaning believers get caught up in their zeal about end times and misread contemporary events.
What did Jesus have to say about the timing of His return? He addressed this in Matthew 24, a passage we will examine as we continue looking into what He said about the end days.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Matthew 24:32-33
32 “Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, recognize that he is near—at the door.
Jesus closed this section of His discourse with three practical admonitions built around three illustrations. (We will study the third one in the next session.) Jesus began with a parable about a fig tree, using it as a transition from describing what the end will be like to answering the disciples’ initial question: “When will these things happen?” (v. 3).
As we consider the point Jesus was making with the fig tree, we also should remember to let the parable stand on its own. With parables we may be tempted to unnecessarily push their details and add elements that Jesus never intended. Some have tried to make the fig tree out to be a complicated analogy rather than a simple point. We should also not approach Bible interpretation attempting to impose on it a structure that tries to fit everything within our own system of beliefs; we should let the Bible speak for itself.
Observers of nature knew just what Jesus was talking about. The fig tree puts out its leaves and green fruit in the late spring, reminding everyone “that summer is near.” Therefore, Christ was simply assuring believers that although they can’t know the specific time of His return, they can know the general time by watching the signs.
Christ began the parable by saying, “Learn this lesson from the fig tree.” The word for “learn” in this setting means to accept the truth of a teaching and seek to apply it to your life. The word is also sometimes used of something that becomes a lifelong habit. Christ wanted His disciples to know the lesson of the fig tree and apply it in their inmost being.
Question 2:
What does Jesus’ willingness to share the signs of His return say about Him?
The point of the fig tree is that we can get a general idea that Jesus’ return is soon. When the end is near, the Bible’s prophetic passages will fit exactly into the history of that day. A common problem with each generation of believers is the temptation to force end times prophecies into the events of their day. A wise observer of history could understand that when the preceding signs occur, that means Christ’s return is near, even though the specific time will be a mystery.
There is some debate as to the specific meaning of the phrase “all these things” in verse 33. Some believe it referred specifically to the destruction of Jerusalem. A more likely interpretation is that Christ was referring to the signs of His second coming He already mentioned in verse 24. Regardless of the precise meaning, the hope of Christ’s return will strengthen believers’ trust in God amidst the difficulties of life.
Matthew 24:34-35
34 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Jesus put the disciples on alert to the importance of what He was saying by declaring, “Truly I tell you.” He wanted them to pay close attention to His next statement: “This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place.” But who exactly was included in this generation?
Some students of Scripture believe “this generation” referred to the people who rejected Christ when He was on earth. Others believe that, in light of other Matthew 24 references to the destruction of the temple, Jesus was referring to the generation that would be alive in AD 70. In more recent times, however, some have contended it refers to the people who will be alive when the events of Matthew 24–25 tied to the second coming of Christ occur.
It’s quite possible Jesus had in mind both the destruction of the temple and the events preceding His return. The events mentioned in verses 4-20 point to the destruction of the temple, but the events described in verses 21-31 are more cataclysmic and refer to the time of Christ’s return.
Skeptics have alleged that Christ made a mistake. Some assume that, since Jesus said in verse 36 that even He didn’t know the time of His coming, then maybe He was offering His best guess. They erroneously claim that Jesus misfired with His “guess” about the timing of His return. This spurious reasoning misses both Christ’s point and the authority of Scripture.
However, Jesus gave a strong statement of His self-understanding and the reliability of His teaching. Christ underscored His own faithfulness when He said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Christ had emphasized this truth earlier in His Sermon on the Mount (see 5:18). Jesus’ words are also reminiscent of Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.”
It’s impossible to alter or negate what God has said in His Word. We would do well to remember that Jesus’ words are firmer than earth’s bedrock, and as sound as the foundations of heaven (see Matthew 7:24-27). Nothing is more certain than Christ’s words.
Whatever is touched by sin will pass away, but no sin or imperfection is to be found in the Word of God. “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). It will remain pure and perfect because “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). God’s Word will endure even after “heaven and earth … pass away.”
Question 3:
When has God’s Word proven true in your life?
Matthew 24:36-41
36 “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels of heaven nor the Son—except the Father alone. 37 As the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be. 38 For in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah boarded the ark. 39 They didn’t know until the flood came and swept them all away. This is the way the coming of the Son of Man will be. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding grain with a hand mill; one will be taken and one left.
Verse 36 serves as a strong reminder to deter us from setting specific dates for the second coming of Christ. Unfortunately, this word from Jesus goes against all the curious leanings of humanity. We want to know all the specifics and details! But there are some things we just don’t need to know. Those missing details were meant to keep us alert and better prepared.
Question 4:
How is it helpful that Jesus didn’t give us a specific time or date for His return?
Jesus illustrated the attitude of nonbelievers during the end of the age by using one of the most familiar stories from the Old Testament. “The days of Noah” was one of the darkest periods in human history. God’s judgment came in force, but it didn’t come without warning. The people in Noah’s day had many years to observe Noah building the ark. They had plenty of time to hear Noah’s testimony concerning the coming judgment. But they didn’t recognize the warning until it was too late. Because no one paid attention, they were caught unprepared. They went about their daily routine without any regard for the judgment headed their way.
We should never become so immersed in this present time and our present lives that we forget about eternity. That’s exactly what happened to the people in Noah’s day, and Jesus’ words warn us not to follow their example. Those who heed Jesus’ warnings and watch for the signs will be saved, but those who ignore the warnings will find sudden judgment before they realize what’s happening.
This passage makes one thing clear: The end times will mean a clear separation between believers and unbelievers. One group will face judgment and condemnation, and the other will rest securely in the glory and presence of Christ. Until that unknown moment arrives, let’s do all we can to see that others join us in Christ’s presence forever.
Question 5:
How can our attitudes and actions express trust in God’s timing?
Engage
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
God’s timing is perfect, but sometimes it’s hard to trust that. In your journal, recreate the chart below and then fill in your answers.
Areas where it’s EASY for me to trust God’s timing
Areas where I have DIFFICULTY trusting God’s timing
How can you find ways each day to trust God more and more with the items in the difficult column?
LIVE IT OUT
For many of us, when we want to know something, we want to know it now! We want every blank filled in, every detail explained. When it comes to the return of Christ, no educated guess will do. In what ways can you better trust Him with the unknown?
Trust God’s timing. What are you anxious about? Ask God to help you trust His timing and let go of your anxiety. Read Psalm 46:10. Then spend some time being still and focusing on the truth that God is God. Ask Him to help you be OK with not having all the answers, because you know He does.
Make Bible study a priority. Heaven and earth will pass away, but Jesus’ words will never pass away. If Bible study isn’t already a part of your daily routine, schedule a time and place and add it in. Spend at least ten minutes each morning studying the Word before you look at your phone.
Adopt a missionary. Gather friends or your small group and adopt a missionary together. Pray for that missionary. Write letters. Send supplies and gifts. By supporting missionaries, you help them stay strong in sharing the gospel.
When it comes to Christ’s return, it often feels like our timing is off. Unfortunately, church history is littered with a long line of “misfires” about Christ’s return. Regardless of the precise timing, the hope of Christ’s return will strengthen believers’ trust in God amidst the difficulties of life. [Lifeway Adults (2021). (p. 103). Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]
Question 1:
When have you seen for yourself that “timing is everything”?
THE POINT
Jesus is certain to return even though we don’t know exactly when.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
Is your timing ever a bit off? On one of my first international mission trips to Africa, I had a major case of jet lag. My sense of timing was completely off. My sleeping patterns were so off that my days and nights were mixed up.
When it comes to Christ’s return, it often feels like our timing is off. People see a political leader causing havoc and wonder if he is the antichrist. Sometimes a heavy season of wars, earthquakes, or disasters have some believers absolutely convinced that Jesus’ second coming is just around the corner. Unfortunately, church history is littered with a long line of “misfires” about Christ’s return. Some of these misfires are created by heretical teachers hoping to gain a following. On other occasions, a misfire occurs because well-meaning believers get caught up in their zeal about end times and misread contemporary events.
What did Jesus have to say about the timing of His return? He addressed this in Matthew 24, a passage we will examine as we continue looking into what He said about the end days.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Matthew 24:32-33
32 “Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, recognize that he is near—at the door.
Jesus closed this section of His discourse with three practical admonitions built around three illustrations. (We will study the third one in the next session.) Jesus began with a parable about a fig tree, using it as a transition from describing what the end will be like to answering the disciples’ initial question: “When will these things happen?” (v. 3).
As we consider the point Jesus was making with the fig tree, we also should remember to let the parable stand on its own. With parables we may be tempted to unnecessarily push their details and add elements that Jesus never intended. Some have tried to make the fig tree out to be a complicated analogy rather than a simple point. We should also not approach Bible interpretation attempting to impose on it a structure that tries to fit everything within our own system of beliefs; we should let the Bible speak for itself.
Observers of nature knew just what Jesus was talking about. The fig tree puts out its leaves and green fruit in the late spring, reminding everyone “that summer is near.” Therefore, Christ was simply assuring believers that although they can’t know the specific time of His return, they can know the general time by watching the signs.
Christ began the parable by saying, “Learn this lesson from the fig tree.” The word for “learn” in this setting means to accept the truth of a teaching and seek to apply it to your life. The word is also sometimes used of something that becomes a lifelong habit. Christ wanted His disciples to know the lesson of the fig tree and apply it in their inmost being.
Question 2:
What does Jesus’ willingness to share the signs of His return say about Him?
The point of the fig tree is that we can get a general idea that Jesus’ return is soon. When the end is near, the Bible’s prophetic passages will fit exactly into the history of that day. A common problem with each generation of believers is the temptation to force end times prophecies into the events of their day. A wise observer of history could understand that when the preceding signs occur, that means Christ’s return is near, even though the specific time will be a mystery.
There is some debate as to the specific meaning of the phrase “all these things” in verse 33. Some believe it referred specifically to the destruction of Jerusalem. A more likely interpretation is that Christ was referring to the signs of His second coming He already mentioned in verse 24. Regardless of the precise meaning, the hope of Christ’s return will strengthen believers’ trust in God amidst the difficulties of life.
Matthew 24:34-35
34 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Jesus put the disciples on alert to the importance of what He was saying by declaring, “Truly I tell you.” He wanted them to pay close attention to His next statement: “This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place.” But who exactly was included in this generation?
Some students of Scripture believe “this generation” referred to the people who rejected Christ when He was on earth. Others believe that, in light of other Matthew 24 references to the destruction of the temple, Jesus was referring to the generation that would be alive in AD 70. In more recent times, however, some have contended it refers to the people who will be alive when the events of Matthew 24–25 tied to the second coming of Christ occur.
It’s quite possible Jesus had in mind both the destruction of the temple and the events preceding His return. The events mentioned in verses 4-20 point to the destruction of the temple, but the events described in verses 21-31 are more cataclysmic and refer to the time of Christ’s return.
Skeptics have alleged that Christ made a mistake. Some assume that, since Jesus said in verse 36 that even He didn’t know the time of His coming, then maybe He was offering His best guess. They erroneously claim that Jesus misfired with His “guess” about the timing of His return. This spurious reasoning misses both Christ’s point and the authority of Scripture.
However, Jesus gave a strong statement of His self-understanding and the reliability of His teaching. Christ underscored His own faithfulness when He said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Christ had emphasized this truth earlier in His Sermon on the Mount (see 5:18). Jesus’ words are also reminiscent of Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.”
It’s impossible to alter or negate what God has said in His Word. We would do well to remember that Jesus’ words are firmer than earth’s bedrock, and as sound as the foundations of heaven (see Matthew 7:24-27). Nothing is more certain than Christ’s words.
Whatever is touched by sin will pass away, but no sin or imperfection is to be found in the Word of God. “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). It will remain pure and perfect because “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). God’s Word will endure even after “heaven and earth … pass away.”
Question 3:
When has God’s Word proven true in your life?
Matthew 24:36-41
36 “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels of heaven nor the Son—except the Father alone. 37 As the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be. 38 For in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah boarded the ark. 39 They didn’t know until the flood came and swept them all away. This is the way the coming of the Son of Man will be. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding grain with a hand mill; one will be taken and one left.
Verse 36 serves as a strong reminder to deter us from setting specific dates for the second coming of Christ. Unfortunately, this word from Jesus goes against all the curious leanings of humanity. We want to know all the specifics and details! But there are some things we just don’t need to know. Those missing details were meant to keep us alert and better prepared.
Question 4:
How is it helpful that Jesus didn’t give us a specific time or date for His return?
Jesus illustrated the attitude of nonbelievers during the end of the age by using one of the most familiar stories from the Old Testament. “The days of Noah” was one of the darkest periods in human history. God’s judgment came in force, but it didn’t come without warning. The people in Noah’s day had many years to observe Noah building the ark. They had plenty of time to hear Noah’s testimony concerning the coming judgment. But they didn’t recognize the warning until it was too late. Because no one paid attention, they were caught unprepared. They went about their daily routine without any regard for the judgment headed their way.
We should never become so immersed in this present time and our present lives that we forget about eternity. That’s exactly what happened to the people in Noah’s day, and Jesus’ words warn us not to follow their example. Those who heed Jesus’ warnings and watch for the signs will be saved, but those who ignore the warnings will find sudden judgment before they realize what’s happening.
This passage makes one thing clear: The end times will mean a clear separation between believers and unbelievers. One group will face judgment and condemnation, and the other will rest securely in the glory and presence of Christ. Until that unknown moment arrives, let’s do all we can to see that others join us in Christ’s presence forever.
Question 5:
How can our attitudes and actions express trust in God’s timing?
Engage
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
God’s timing is perfect, but sometimes it’s hard to trust that. In your journal, recreate the chart below and then fill in your answers.
Areas where it’s EASY for me to trust God’s timing
Areas where I have DIFFICULTY trusting God’s timing
How can you find ways each day to trust God more and more with the items in the difficult column?
LIVE IT OUT
For many of us, when we want to know something, we want to know it now! We want every blank filled in, every detail explained. When it comes to the return of Christ, no educated guess will do. In what ways can you better trust Him with the unknown?
Trust God’s timing. What are you anxious about? Ask God to help you trust His timing and let go of your anxiety. Read Psalm 46:10. Then spend some time being still and focusing on the truth that God is God. Ask Him to help you be OK with not having all the answers, because you know He does.
Make Bible study a priority. Heaven and earth will pass away, but Jesus’ words will never pass away. If Bible study isn’t already a part of your daily routine, schedule a time and place and add it in. Spend at least ten minutes each morning studying the Word before you look at your phone.
Adopt a missionary. Gather friends or your small group and adopt a missionary together. Pray for that missionary. Write letters. Send supplies and gifts. By supporting missionaries, you help them stay strong in sharing the gospel.
When it comes to Christ’s return, it often feels like our timing is off. Unfortunately, church history is littered with a long line of “misfires” about Christ’s return. Regardless of the precise timing, the hope of Christ’s return will strengthen believers’ trust in God amidst the difficulties of life. [Lifeway Adults (2021). (p. 103). Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]