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 BIBLE MEETS LIFE
For any child, it’s a horrible feeling to turn around and not be able to find his or her parent. I was shopping with my energetic son when he decided to do some exploring on his own. When he looked around, he couldn’t 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, asking 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 as 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 see that God will never forsake us, even as the end draws near.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
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.
The word rendered “abomination” (referring to something detestable) appears over 120 times in the Bible. 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 (see Daniel 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 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, “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.
Many scholars 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’s coming. And when God’s temple is desecrated, we can know the end is coming.
Question 2:
What are the benefits of knowing the signs of 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 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. Warning of the coming storm came so quickly that he didn’t have 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.
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 didn’t 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 won’t 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 simply describes the added difficulty of traveling and fleeing while pregnant or handling infant children. Christ’s words were 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. 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 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 didn’t 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.
Question 3:
How are Christians particularly equipped for seasons of difficulty?
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.
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.
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. 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 extremely unusual, others see references to this cataclysmic tribulation period throughout the Book of Revelation (see chapters 6–11).
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 the people will seek deliverance through death (see 9:6). Hardships often lead people to look to God for help, but that won’t 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” (9:20-21).
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. This phrase carries the idea of stopping something instantly. Christ seemed to mean that, in His mercy, He won’t allow the tribulation to continue forever.
Question 4:
How would you summarize what Jesus said in these verses?
God has predetermined that those days will fall short of full destruction. The specific reason for God’s mercy is “because of the elect.” The elect are those who have placed their faith in Christ. 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. We may face hard times, troubles, and tribulation, but we don’t 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
ALWAYS PRESENT, NEVER ALONE
When are you more likely to recognize God’s presence in your life? Recreate the activity below in your notes, then place an X on the line below to indicate your response.
Times of difficultyTimes of stabilityTimes of joy
How can your outlook on God’s presence affect the way you approach trials? Journal your thoughts.
Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of God’s presence in the good times, the bad times, and throughout your daily routines.
LIVE IT OUT
Living in the presence of God isn’t something believers will only experience at some future date. God is with us even now—in joyous times and when life is hard or painful. How can you live as one not abandoned this week?
Be reminded. Write down a difficult moment in your past when you knew God was with you. Write down the ways you experienced His presence. Keep this note close to you for the next time circumstances get tough.
Give it away. Give to a ministry (time, money, physical items) at your church or in your community that helps people during times of distress—food pantries, homeless shelters, grief ministries, job loss ministries.
Reach out. Second Corinthians 1:3 encourages us to comfort others with the comfort we have received from God. Who do you know who’s suffering through a dark time? Invite this person to join you for a meal or coffee. Ask God to show you specific ways to be a support as he or she faces difficulty.
Many of us have gone through painful moments when we felt abandoned by God. But God will never forsake us. Even in the darkest time in history, He will still be with us, working on our behalf.
1. R.C. Sproul., Matthew (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 694. [Lifeway Adults (2021). (p. 87). 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 been glad to discover you were not alone?
THE POINT
Even in the darkest times, God has not abandoned His people.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
For any child, it’s a horrible feeling to turn around and not be able to find his or her parent. I was shopping with my energetic son when he decided to do some exploring on his own. When he looked around, he couldn’t 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, asking 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 as 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 see that God will never forsake us, even as the end draws near.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
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.
The word rendered “abomination” (referring to something detestable) appears over 120 times in the Bible. 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 (see Daniel 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 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, “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.
Many scholars 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’s coming. And when God’s temple is desecrated, we can know the end is coming.
Question 2:
What are the benefits of knowing the signs of 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 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. Warning of the coming storm came so quickly that he didn’t have 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.
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 didn’t 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 won’t 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 simply describes the added difficulty of traveling and fleeing while pregnant or handling infant children. Christ’s words were 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. 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 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 didn’t 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.
Question 3:
How are Christians particularly equipped for seasons of difficulty?
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.
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.
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. 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 extremely unusual, others see references to this cataclysmic tribulation period throughout the Book of Revelation (see chapters 6–11).
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 the people will seek deliverance through death (see 9:6). Hardships often lead people to look to God for help, but that won’t 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” (9:20-21).
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. This phrase carries the idea of stopping something instantly. Christ seemed to mean that, in His mercy, He won’t allow the tribulation to continue forever.
Question 4:
How would you summarize what Jesus said in these verses?
God has predetermined that those days will fall short of full destruction. The specific reason for God’s mercy is “because of the elect.” The elect are those who have placed their faith in Christ. 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. We may face hard times, troubles, and tribulation, but we don’t 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
ALWAYS PRESENT, NEVER ALONE
When are you more likely to recognize God’s presence in your life? Recreate the activity below in your notes, then place an X on the line below to indicate your response.
Times of difficultyTimes of stabilityTimes of joy
How can your outlook on God’s presence affect the way you approach trials? Journal your thoughts.
Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of God’s presence in the good times, the bad times, and throughout your daily routines.
LIVE IT OUT
Living in the presence of God isn’t something believers will only experience at some future date. God is with us even now—in joyous times and when life is hard or painful. How can you live as one not abandoned this week?
Be reminded. Write down a difficult moment in your past when you knew God was with you. Write down the ways you experienced His presence. Keep this note close to you for the next time circumstances get tough.
Give it away. Give to a ministry (time, money, physical items) at your church or in your community that helps people during times of distress—food pantries, homeless shelters, grief ministries, job loss ministries.
Reach out. Second Corinthians 1:3 encourages us to comfort others with the comfort we have received from God. Who do you know who’s suffering through a dark time? Invite this person to join you for a meal or coffee. Ask God to show you specific ways to be a support as he or she faces difficulty.
Many of us have gone through painful moments when we felt abandoned by God. But God will never forsake us. Even in the darkest time in history, He will still be with us, working on our behalf.
1. R.C. Sproul., Matthew (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 694. [Lifeway Adults (2021). (p. 87). Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]