In our last visit we began to amplify the first point in our outline: recognizing the signs. We saw that as Matthew 24 opens Jesus essentially said, don’t get sidetracked by the pride of outward signs of success. Now let’s look at other signs we should recognize.
One the disciples were to recognize was the destruction of the temple. Probably only John of the disciples got to see that happen in ’70 AD. That also may be why he wrote the longest and most detailed prophetical book in the New Testament.
Other signs were impressive claims like, many saying “I am the Christ.” In addition, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms. There would be an increase of famines and earthquakes and persecution of the followers of Christ and martyrdom. Believers will be hated by all nations because of Christ. Many will turn from the faith and betray and hate each other. False prophets will appear and deceive many. Wickedness will increase and consequently the love of most will grow cold.
There will be some who stand tall and firm to the end and they will take the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world. Then the end will come. Up to that time the signs are indicators that the end is near.
Jesus gives some more signs beginning in Matthew 24:15 that some feel are further indicators that the end is near, meaning, the return of Jesus Christ. Others feel that the return of Jesus Christ for His church, the rapture, takes place before the events spoken of in verse 15 and following. Either way, the emphasis is, recognize the signs!
