SESSION 2
Know What’s Coming
Question 1:
When have you been glad to discover you were not alone?
THE POINT
Even in the darkest times, God has not abandoned His people.
THE PASSAGE
Matthew 24:15-22
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
For any child, it is a horrible feeling when he turns around and can’t find his parent. I was shopping with my energetic son when he decided to do some exploring on his own. When he looked around, he could not find me and he was scared. A store employee comforted him and asked what my name was. Suddenly, I heard my name come across the store intercom, telling me to retrieve my son.
My son was relieved when I came up to the counter. I was troubled to think he might have believed I had left him. You may have had a similar experience—as a child or a parent! Many parents have briefly lost a child in public. Maybe you have a memory from your childhood when you lost sight of your parent or another adult and you felt lost and alone.
Unfortunately, many of us have also gone through painful moments when we felt abandoned by God. As we continue our study on what Jesus said about His return, we will see that God will never forsake us as the end draws near.
MATTHEW 24:15-16
15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place” (let the reader understand),
16 “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
KEY WORDS: Abomination of desolation (v. 15)—Refers to a desecration of the holy temple or altar in Jerusalem with pagan worship as predicted by the prophet Daniel.
The word rendered abomination appears over 120 times in the Bible; in every case, the word refers to something detestable. The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) used the same Greek word to refer to things such as unclean animals (Lev. 11:10-13), magic and divination, (Deut. 18:12), idols (Jer. 4:1), and all things abhorrent to God (Rev. 17:4-5; 21:27). The ultimate abomination, though, is “the abomination of desolation,” a horrible and devastating activity that is idolatrous at its core and an affront to the holiness of God.
The phrase abomination of desolation was first used in the Book of Daniel. No Old Testament book has more end times teaching than the Book of Daniel. Daniel’s use of the word abomination referred to the desecration of the temple of Jerusalem (Dan. 9:27). Many scholars have noted that at least a partial fulfillment of this prophecy occurred in 176 BC. A Greek ruler named Antiochus IV Epiphanes set up an altar to Zeus above the altar of burnt offerings in the Jerusalem temple. Antiochus IV also did something especially egregious to Hebrews by sacrificing an unclean animal—a pig—on the temple altar.
Since Jesus was speaking almost two hundred years after those events, He was pointing to another, future event. Many Bible scholars believe Jesus was referring to the destruction of the temple in AD 70. It is said that when the Romans destroyed the Jewish temple, they raised their pagan flag above the rubble. 1 Jesus’ words, “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains” also lends support to this view since Jews fled at the time of the Roman invasion in AD 70. (The more explicit wording in Luke 21:20-24 appears to support this view.)
The word flee is related to the English word fugitive, a person who takes flight to escape danger. The mountains likely refer to the region southeast of Jerusalem that contains many caves of refuge. While these caves were sometimes favorite places for robbers to dwell, they also were safe retreats for those who were fleeing danger. Some writers, including Eusebius, indicate that many first-century Jews did just that as the Roman army advanced on Jerusalem—they fled the city and took refuge in a city in Macedonia called Pella. 2
Many scholars also see Jesus’ words as a reference to a future event involving the antichrist. The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy will occur when the antichrist does something very similar to what Antiochus Epiphanes did. Revelation 13:14 foretells the antichrist making an image that people are forced to worship. For one to turn the temple of God into a place of false worship is truly an “abomination.” Second Thessalonians 2:4 lends support to this view: “He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God.”
One thing is clear: Jesus wanted His disciples—and us!—to know what is coming. And when God’s temple is desecrated, we can know the end is coming.
Question 2:
What are some of the things we often hear about the end times?
MATTHEW 24:17-20
17 A man on the housetop must not come down to get things out of his house,
18 and a man in the field must not go back to get his coat.
19 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days!
20 Pray that your escape may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.
Jesus pointed out in this section that the end times will bring destruction so quickly that believers must waste no time in taking cover. A friend of mine told me the story of his house being destroyed by a tornado several years earlier. Warning of the coming storm came so quickly that he did not have sufficient time to gather belongings from his home. That kind of scenario is the essence of what Christ was saying about the need to flee when the abomination of desolation stands in the holy place.
“A man on the housetop must not come down to get things out of his house.” Most first-century houses had outside stairways that led to the upstairs flat roof. These flat roofs were especially useful as places of social gathering during hot months. It has been said humorously that one could walk across Jerusalem on the roofs of houses. Apparently, some people built their houses next to the walls of the city. When they saw an opposing army, immediate flight was vital.
Jesus stressed the difficulty and need for immediate flight with two other examples. The person working “in the field” did not need to delay, even “to get his coat.” This coat was likely the outer cloak, which was essentially used as sleeping gear. Christ’s point was that times will become so difficult that people will not be able to go back even for what was perceived as the necessities of life.
Jesus’ second example was “pregnant women and nursing mothers.” This does not imply a “curse” on women who are with child; it simply describes the added difficulty of traveling and fleeing while pregnant or handling infant children. I remember watching my dear wife getting up carefully and walking slowly when she was close to giving birth to our children. It would have been her undoing if she had the stress of quickly leaving our house because of a crisis. Christ’s words were simply highlighting how difficult it will be to move as quickly as necessary during the crises of the end times when one is with child.
Jesus mentioned another scenario that could prove challenging at the end: the weather. “Pray that your escape may not be in winter.” He knew that cold and harsh climates would undoubtedly make travel harder in any scenario, so he encouraged prayer. The pending unmitigated terror awaiting believers calls for a single-minded commitment to fleeing. We are encouraged to pray for very specific and seemingly unimportant things such as the weather.
To His Jewish disciples, Jesus also called them to pray that their escape would not be “on a Sabbath.” Faithful Jews did not travel more than half a mile on Sabbath days. That would also add the complication of having the city gates closed, all the stores shut down, and access to any transportation unavailable.
When it becomes apparent that the end times have arrived, the distress that accompanies those days will come suddenly. Jesus’ words should encourage us to be prepared.
Question 3:
How do you typically react when faced with the sudden onset of trouble?
MATTHEW 24:21-22
21 For at that time there will be great distress, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again.
22 Unless those days were cut short, no one would be saved. But those days will be cut short because of the elect.
KEY WORDS: The elect (v. 22)—Literally, “the chosen.” Refers generally to those chosen by God for rendering special service to Him.
While many scholars see the verses preceding this as a reference to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70, verse 21 points to events beyond that. Surely the “great distress” in verse 21 cannot be applied only to the destruction of Jerusalem. We know from history that we have undergone more horrific events since then. “It is probably best, therefore, to understand this period of great distress, or ‘the great tribulation,’ as it is more commonly known, as the entire period beginning with the devastation of 70 AD and continuing on until Christ’s return.
This unequaled future will be trouble and tribulation “that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again.” No period in history fits the description of the events that will occur during this time. While some view Jesus’ words as an Old Testament Hebrew idiomatic phrase that refers to something that is extremely unusual, others see references to this cataclysmic tribulation period throughout the Book of Revelation. (See Rev. 6–11.)
Christ was describing a time when evil will reign with a great maliciousness. As the return of Christ draws nearer, all bonds of evil will be broken, restraints will be put aside, and lawlessness will flood the earth. God will move in judgment while terrible catastrophes will sweep the earth. Things will be so dark that people will seek deliverance through death (Rev. 9:6). Hardships often lead people to look to God for help, but that will not be the case during this time of great tribulation. “The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk. And they did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts” (vv. 20-21).
As difficult as these portions of Scripture are to read, we must be deeply grateful for the mercy of God. Jesus said God is going to “cut short” the days of tribulation. The phrase cut short carries the idea of stopping something instantly. Christ seemed to mean that, in His mercy, He will not allow the tribulation to continue forever.
Question 4:
How does God display mercy in distressing circumstances?
God has predetermined that those days will fall short of full destruction. The suffering will be so great that if the Lord let the suffering continue, no one would survive. Otherwise, “no one would be saved.” God’s kindness is great, and He will interrupt the tribulation with His return (Matt. 24:29-31).
The specific reason for God’s mercy is “because of the elect.” This is the first time the word elect appears in the New Testament. The elect are those who have placed their faith in Christ. This word emphasizes God’s initiative in saving us. While believers make a genuine response of faith to the Lord, God is the one who draws us to believe. God’s elect have a special relationship with God as His called-out children. The concept of election emphasizes that salvation is a work and gift of God.
God will always remember His people even when the trouble feels overwhelming. If you thought the Lord has abandoned you to suffer alone when difficult times come, fill your mind with the truth that He “will never leave you or abandon you.” (Heb. 13:5). We may face hard times, troubles, and tribulation, but we do not face them alone. He is with us to strengthen us, encourage us, help us endure, and ultimately deliver us.
Question 5:
How has God’s mercy in the past helped you trust Him for the future?
ENGAGE
In Hebrews 13:5, the Lord Himself promised: “I will never leave you or abandon you.”
Describe a time when you experienced a sense of abandonment:
Make a list of words that mean the opposite of abandonment.
Let these words speak to you about God’s care for you during difficult times.
LIVE IT OUT
Remember. Take a moment and remember when the Lord was with you during a difficult or scary time. Spend some time in prayer thanking Him for always being with you.
Reflect. Take a moment and reflect on trials that you have faced recently. How did you respond during those trials? Were you prepared for them? Did you fully trust God during those trials, or did you let fear or your circumstances distract you? Spend some time in prayer asking God how you can learn from these trials.
React. Is anything hindering your trust in God or preventing you from sharing the gospel? What is one step you can take this week to keep your focus on God and help you learn to trust Him more?
END NOTES
1. Sproul, R. C., Matthew (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 694.
2. “Pella,” The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, Merril C. Tenney, gen. ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009) logos.com.
3. Craig Blomberg, Matthew, vol. 22 in New American Commentary, David S. D [Lifeway Adults (NaN). (p. 106). Bible Studies for Life: Senior Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]
Know What’s Coming
Question 1:
When have you been glad to discover you were not alone?
THE POINT
Even in the darkest times, God has not abandoned His people.
THE PASSAGE
Matthew 24:15-22
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
For any child, it is a horrible feeling when he turns around and can’t find his parent. I was shopping with my energetic son when he decided to do some exploring on his own. When he looked around, he could not find me and he was scared. A store employee comforted him and asked what my name was. Suddenly, I heard my name come across the store intercom, telling me to retrieve my son.
My son was relieved when I came up to the counter. I was troubled to think he might have believed I had left him. You may have had a similar experience—as a child or a parent! Many parents have briefly lost a child in public. Maybe you have a memory from your childhood when you lost sight of your parent or another adult and you felt lost and alone.
Unfortunately, many of us have also gone through painful moments when we felt abandoned by God. As we continue our study on what Jesus said about His return, we will see that God will never forsake us as the end draws near.
MATTHEW 24:15-16
15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place” (let the reader understand),
16 “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
KEY WORDS: Abomination of desolation (v. 15)—Refers to a desecration of the holy temple or altar in Jerusalem with pagan worship as predicted by the prophet Daniel.
The word rendered abomination appears over 120 times in the Bible; in every case, the word refers to something detestable. The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) used the same Greek word to refer to things such as unclean animals (Lev. 11:10-13), magic and divination, (Deut. 18:12), idols (Jer. 4:1), and all things abhorrent to God (Rev. 17:4-5; 21:27). The ultimate abomination, though, is “the abomination of desolation,” a horrible and devastating activity that is idolatrous at its core and an affront to the holiness of God.
The phrase abomination of desolation was first used in the Book of Daniel. No Old Testament book has more end times teaching than the Book of Daniel. Daniel’s use of the word abomination referred to the desecration of the temple of Jerusalem (Dan. 9:27). Many scholars have noted that at least a partial fulfillment of this prophecy occurred in 176 BC. A Greek ruler named Antiochus IV Epiphanes set up an altar to Zeus above the altar of burnt offerings in the Jerusalem temple. Antiochus IV also did something especially egregious to Hebrews by sacrificing an unclean animal—a pig—on the temple altar.
Since Jesus was speaking almost two hundred years after those events, He was pointing to another, future event. Many Bible scholars believe Jesus was referring to the destruction of the temple in AD 70. It is said that when the Romans destroyed the Jewish temple, they raised their pagan flag above the rubble. 1 Jesus’ words, “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains” also lends support to this view since Jews fled at the time of the Roman invasion in AD 70. (The more explicit wording in Luke 21:20-24 appears to support this view.)
The word flee is related to the English word fugitive, a person who takes flight to escape danger. The mountains likely refer to the region southeast of Jerusalem that contains many caves of refuge. While these caves were sometimes favorite places for robbers to dwell, they also were safe retreats for those who were fleeing danger. Some writers, including Eusebius, indicate that many first-century Jews did just that as the Roman army advanced on Jerusalem—they fled the city and took refuge in a city in Macedonia called Pella. 2
Many scholars also see Jesus’ words as a reference to a future event involving the antichrist. The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy will occur when the antichrist does something very similar to what Antiochus Epiphanes did. Revelation 13:14 foretells the antichrist making an image that people are forced to worship. For one to turn the temple of God into a place of false worship is truly an “abomination.” Second Thessalonians 2:4 lends support to this view: “He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God.”
One thing is clear: Jesus wanted His disciples—and us!—to know what is coming. And when God’s temple is desecrated, we can know the end is coming.
Question 2:
What are some of the things we often hear about the end times?
MATTHEW 24:17-20
17 A man on the housetop must not come down to get things out of his house,
18 and a man in the field must not go back to get his coat.
19 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days!
20 Pray that your escape may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.
Jesus pointed out in this section that the end times will bring destruction so quickly that believers must waste no time in taking cover. A friend of mine told me the story of his house being destroyed by a tornado several years earlier. Warning of the coming storm came so quickly that he did not have sufficient time to gather belongings from his home. That kind of scenario is the essence of what Christ was saying about the need to flee when the abomination of desolation stands in the holy place.
“A man on the housetop must not come down to get things out of his house.” Most first-century houses had outside stairways that led to the upstairs flat roof. These flat roofs were especially useful as places of social gathering during hot months. It has been said humorously that one could walk across Jerusalem on the roofs of houses. Apparently, some people built their houses next to the walls of the city. When they saw an opposing army, immediate flight was vital.
Jesus stressed the difficulty and need for immediate flight with two other examples. The person working “in the field” did not need to delay, even “to get his coat.” This coat was likely the outer cloak, which was essentially used as sleeping gear. Christ’s point was that times will become so difficult that people will not be able to go back even for what was perceived as the necessities of life.
Jesus’ second example was “pregnant women and nursing mothers.” This does not imply a “curse” on women who are with child; it simply describes the added difficulty of traveling and fleeing while pregnant or handling infant children. I remember watching my dear wife getting up carefully and walking slowly when she was close to giving birth to our children. It would have been her undoing if she had the stress of quickly leaving our house because of a crisis. Christ’s words were simply highlighting how difficult it will be to move as quickly as necessary during the crises of the end times when one is with child.
Jesus mentioned another scenario that could prove challenging at the end: the weather. “Pray that your escape may not be in winter.” He knew that cold and harsh climates would undoubtedly make travel harder in any scenario, so he encouraged prayer. The pending unmitigated terror awaiting believers calls for a single-minded commitment to fleeing. We are encouraged to pray for very specific and seemingly unimportant things such as the weather.
To His Jewish disciples, Jesus also called them to pray that their escape would not be “on a Sabbath.” Faithful Jews did not travel more than half a mile on Sabbath days. That would also add the complication of having the city gates closed, all the stores shut down, and access to any transportation unavailable.
When it becomes apparent that the end times have arrived, the distress that accompanies those days will come suddenly. Jesus’ words should encourage us to be prepared.
Question 3:
How do you typically react when faced with the sudden onset of trouble?
MATTHEW 24:21-22
21 For at that time there will be great distress, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again.
22 Unless those days were cut short, no one would be saved. But those days will be cut short because of the elect.
KEY WORDS: The elect (v. 22)—Literally, “the chosen.” Refers generally to those chosen by God for rendering special service to Him.
While many scholars see the verses preceding this as a reference to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70, verse 21 points to events beyond that. Surely the “great distress” in verse 21 cannot be applied only to the destruction of Jerusalem. We know from history that we have undergone more horrific events since then. “It is probably best, therefore, to understand this period of great distress, or ‘the great tribulation,’ as it is more commonly known, as the entire period beginning with the devastation of 70 AD and continuing on until Christ’s return.
This unequaled future will be trouble and tribulation “that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again.” No period in history fits the description of the events that will occur during this time. While some view Jesus’ words as an Old Testament Hebrew idiomatic phrase that refers to something that is extremely unusual, others see references to this cataclysmic tribulation period throughout the Book of Revelation. (See Rev. 6–11.)
Christ was describing a time when evil will reign with a great maliciousness. As the return of Christ draws nearer, all bonds of evil will be broken, restraints will be put aside, and lawlessness will flood the earth. God will move in judgment while terrible catastrophes will sweep the earth. Things will be so dark that people will seek deliverance through death (Rev. 9:6). Hardships often lead people to look to God for help, but that will not be the case during this time of great tribulation. “The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk. And they did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts” (vv. 20-21).
As difficult as these portions of Scripture are to read, we must be deeply grateful for the mercy of God. Jesus said God is going to “cut short” the days of tribulation. The phrase cut short carries the idea of stopping something instantly. Christ seemed to mean that, in His mercy, He will not allow the tribulation to continue forever.
Question 4:
How does God display mercy in distressing circumstances?
God has predetermined that those days will fall short of full destruction. The suffering will be so great that if the Lord let the suffering continue, no one would survive. Otherwise, “no one would be saved.” God’s kindness is great, and He will interrupt the tribulation with His return (Matt. 24:29-31).
The specific reason for God’s mercy is “because of the elect.” This is the first time the word elect appears in the New Testament. The elect are those who have placed their faith in Christ. This word emphasizes God’s initiative in saving us. While believers make a genuine response of faith to the Lord, God is the one who draws us to believe. God’s elect have a special relationship with God as His called-out children. The concept of election emphasizes that salvation is a work and gift of God.
God will always remember His people even when the trouble feels overwhelming. If you thought the Lord has abandoned you to suffer alone when difficult times come, fill your mind with the truth that He “will never leave you or abandon you.” (Heb. 13:5). We may face hard times, troubles, and tribulation, but we do not face them alone. He is with us to strengthen us, encourage us, help us endure, and ultimately deliver us.
Question 5:
How has God’s mercy in the past helped you trust Him for the future?
ENGAGE
In Hebrews 13:5, the Lord Himself promised: “I will never leave you or abandon you.”
Describe a time when you experienced a sense of abandonment:
Make a list of words that mean the opposite of abandonment.
Let these words speak to you about God’s care for you during difficult times.
LIVE IT OUT
Remember. Take a moment and remember when the Lord was with you during a difficult or scary time. Spend some time in prayer thanking Him for always being with you.
Reflect. Take a moment and reflect on trials that you have faced recently. How did you respond during those trials? Were you prepared for them? Did you fully trust God during those trials, or did you let fear or your circumstances distract you? Spend some time in prayer asking God how you can learn from these trials.
React. Is anything hindering your trust in God or preventing you from sharing the gospel? What is one step you can take this week to keep your focus on God and help you learn to trust Him more?
END NOTES
1. Sproul, R. C., Matthew (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 694.
2. “Pella,” The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, Merril C. Tenney, gen. ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009) logos.com.
3. Craig Blomberg, Matthew, vol. 22 in New American Commentary, David S. D [Lifeway Adults (NaN). (p. 106). Bible Studies for Life: Senior Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]