Thursday, April 10, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 24
Matthew 24 is called the “Olivet Discourse” or the “Little Apocalypse” because Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, using apocalyptic language as he prophesied to his disciples. He foretold of the destruction of the temple, signs of the end times, his return, perseverance, and spiritual readiness. It is one of the most important chapters in the Bible.
35 “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
36 However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.”
When we think about heaven and earth, they seem unchangeable and indestructible. However, God created them, and he can destroy them! Revelation 21:1 tells us that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. And in Matthew 24:35, we discover that the old heaven and earth will disappear, but the word of Jesus will remain. Jesus’ word is unchanging and permanent. This is one of his strongest claims that he is an eternal being.
Jesus was present when heaven and earth began, and he will be the ultimate authority and ruler over the restored creation. But he did not reveal when he would return. In fact, Jesus told his disciples that he didn’t even know—“only the Father knows.”
The timing of the end cannot be known or predicted by anyone, period! Just as Jesus is waiting for God to send him, he warns us to keep watch.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
We don’t know when Christ will return, and these verses remind us not to lose sight of the reality that judgement day could be any day. When the signs that are described in Matthew 24:15 and Matthew 24:29-30 appear, everyone will know the end is here.
As Christ followers, this isn’t something we need to worry about. Instead, we should remain vigilant, introducing as many people as we can to Jesus, as we eagerly await his return to heal our broken world.
Questions:
Why do you think God is the only one who knows when Jesus will return? Are you ready for Jesus to come back?
What is your EROI (Eternal Return On Investment)? Have you been a wise servant or a foolish one? What can you do to be wiser?
Next Steps:
Check out The End, a series CedarCreek published in August 2024. In Week 3, there’s a powerful message on Matthew 24 and the end of the world.If you’ve already seen this series, consider rewatching week 3.
Pray for direction if there are places in your life you can adjust to be more vigilant as you eagerly await Jesus’ return.
Prayer:
Almighty Father, I admit that I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for the promise of a new heaven and earth, one where I will see Jesus face-to-face. Keep my eyes focused on Jesus and his Word. Give me strength to resist the temptation to live like life on earth is all that there is and there is no eternity. Grant me the power of the Holy Spirit and let me be a wise servant and introduce others to Jesus. It’s in his name that I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
This post was written by Jenn Macke, a Findlay attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.