Alright, with out much commentary let us pick up where we left off last time and continue looking at Jesus words to his disciples about the impending destruction that is coming to Jerusalem within that generation.
Matthew 24: 17-20 – “Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day:”
There is no doubt He was describing the living conditions of that day and not today. We do not sleep upon our housetops neither do we walk were we are going. I know that many still do in other countries but for most of the world this is not the case.
Matthew 24:21 - “ For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
Jesus is not describing a worldwide tribulation in this verse. The geographical context is Judea, “let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains”. All one had to do to avoid this great tribulation was obey Christ and when you see these things, especially the armies surrounding the city, head for the hills.
This tribulation did not exceed the boundaries of Jerusalem and that immediate area of Judea. How people take this, twist it and make a world wide tribulation is at best “adding to or taking away from.”
This tribulation was great because of the sin that brought it on them was great, they killed the lord of glory, they rejected the Messiah himself. (Corinthians 2:8 -Luke 11:50,51 - Matt.27:24-26)
Charles H. Spurgeon – “It was before that generation had passed away that Jerusalem was besieged and destroyed. There was a sufficient interval for the full proclamation of the gospel by the apostles and evangelists of the early Christian church, and for the gathering out of those who recognize the crucified Christ as their true Messiah. Then came the awful end, which the saviour foresaw and foretold, and the prospect of which wrung from His lips and heart the sorrowful lament that followed his prophecy of the doom awaiting his guilty capital.” – (The Gospel of the Kingdom, p. 218)
Eusebius – “The Whole body, however, of the church at Jerusalem, having been commanded by divine revelation, entrusted to men of approved piety there before the war, removed from the city, and dwelt at a certain town beyond the Jordan, called Pella.” (Ecclesiastical History, III,5:86)
Matthew 24: 22 - “ And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”
Jesus just told the disciples that this great tribulation would be shortened for “the elect sake”. Who were these elect? For the most part they were the Jewish converts to Christianity of that day. This persecution of A. D. 70 was so intense that if God had allowed the Romans to continue their devastation there would not have been a single Jew in Judea or in it’s suburbs that would have lived. God had to intervene because in the mind of the Romans there was only one group not two. What I mean is that you had followers of Christ and those still in Judaism (Old Covenant) their together and the Romans didn’t separate the two. For the elect sake those days had to be shortened. Again, this isn’t speaking of some future world tribulation in which everyone is dying and only the elect make it. Jesus offered a simple way out, go to the mountains or head for the hills.
Matthew 24: 23-26 - “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.”
Jesus is again addressing something which he has already addressed (verse 11) which is false prophets and messiahs. As the end of the age drew nearer the rise of these false prophets would increase (Acts 21:38) and history proves that they indeed did.
So far so good. With a little bit of history and proper study methods we can see and understand how Matthew 24 was historically fulfilled, or at least up to verse 26. But what about the rest? Are we suppose to believe that the “son of man came”, the “sun went dark” and the “stars fell from the sky” ? I know I will probable shoke you with my answer but I believe yes. What is the time indicator for all these things? Again it I verse 34.
- “ Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”
Jesus who was speaking to first century Jews didn’t open up his KJV pocket New Testament and expound. He quoted the Old Testament. Many Christians seem to be surprised when they find out that the prophetic language of Matthew 24 is not unique.
He quoted the Old Testament. For us to understand what he was saying to them we need an understanding his sayings from the Old Testament context.
Matthew 24:27 - “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
Lightning throughout scripture symbolizes the presence and power of God (Exodus 19:16; 20:18) a manifestation of his power (Ezekiel 1:13) a display of His judgment against his enemies (Deuteronomy 33:2; 2 Samuel 22:15; Psalm 18:14; etc..)
All throughout the Old Testament God came (numerous times) in Judgment against nations and even Israel. The Old Testament language is the same as Jesus uses here in the Matthew 24 where he again is describing another coming in Judgment (Genesis 11:5; Exodus 3:8; Isaiah 19:1; ect…)
Matthew 24:28. - “For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.”
Knowing the Hebrew scriptures the hearers to whom he was speaking would have quickly recognized those words as being reminiscent of the prophet Jeremiah who described judgment for those who broke Gods law.
Jeremiah 7:33 - “ And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away.”
Jeremiah (7:1-2) was told to stand in the gate of the Lords house and proclaim this word. Notice the similarities between Jeremiah and Jesus.
Matthew 24:29- “ Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:”
We see that this is in continuation with everything else. This is not future but somehow tied to the preceding verses and events, the end of the old covenant age. This brings us to a very good question. When in the first century did the sun and moon go dark and the stars fall from the sky?
Again, understanding Old Testament language and imagery is important. This language is typical Old Testament imagery where stellar phenomena often represent rulers and nations. Even dispensationalists (who study) agree that often they are used to describe nations and political systems. The symbolic interpretation is confirmed for us when Joseph had a dream in which he saw the “sun and the moon and eleven stars bowing to him” (Genesis 37:9). Joseph related this dream to his father (Isreal) and his brothers (who would make up the tribes of Israel).
When we understand this, we can see how Jesus words were prophesying in context of the other scriptures the fall of the Old Covenant political and religious system. Here are some other scriptures in which this type of imagery is used.
Isaiah 13: 9-10 – “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.”
Ezekiel 32: 7-8, 15 – “And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord God…When I shall make the land of Egypt desolate, and the country shall be destitute of that whereof it was full, when I shall smite all them that dwell therein, then shall they know that I am the Lord.”
Amos 5:18 –“Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light.”
Matthew 24:30 - “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
This verse has often been interpreted to mean the physical second coming of Christ and although He is coming as a Lion and a bridegroom we must remember the context and the time element of verse 34.
Understanding the Clouds
All throughout the word, God has inspired the writers to use symbolic language to express His character and nature, attitudes and actions. In the word we find clouds used as a symbol of Gods protection, guidance and His judgment. In numbers 12 the cloud came down to speak with Miriam, Moses and Aaron because of Miriam and Aaron’s rebellion against Moses. This same cloud that covered the tent of meeting, that guided and protected them during the day know brought judgment upon Miriam. There are numerous other places where clouds are symbolic of divine judgment, but here are just a few:
Nahum 1:3. -“The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” (context, judgment upon Nineveh)
Isaiah 19: 1. -“The burden of Egypt. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.” (context, judgment upon Egypt)
We know the Lord did not physically ride a cloud into Egypt and overthrow the city. In chapter 20 the Lord
reveals through I Isaiah that this cloud of judgment will be the Assyrians. Many times God used other nations as his instrument of judgment, especially against Israel. Matthew 24:30 also uses clouds to describe Jesus coming in Judgment and like that of Egypt he didn’t physically ride a cloud to overthrow the city and lay the temple desolate He used the Roman army.
Matthew 26: 63-66 - “But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.”
Jesus began His ministry preaching the Kingdom of God was at hand or had drawn near to them and now at the end of His ministry he was telling them the Kingdom (rule or dominion of God )was fulfilled. What Adam had lost He had recovered and was about to return it to us. Jesus was about to retain the spiritual rights for dominion power and return it to the sons of God.
Jesus answered the high priest by quoting from Daniel chapter 7. This chapter was believed by the Pharisees to teach that the messiah would come and conquer the Kingdoms of the world by force, establish dominion and judge the wicked. They did not understand the nature of His kingdom as it seems many do not today. Jesus used portions of this chapter to glean and teach the new kingdom even though they didn’t understand.
It is not my intention to take an in-depth look at Daniel chapter seven at this time but a brief look and see how it fits with Matthew 24. Most will agree that here in Matthew 26:63-66 and in Matthew 24:30 are alluding to Daniel 7:13 which says:
Daniel 7: 13-14 - “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Notice in this verse it is the “Son of Man” who is going up not coming down. The destination in this verse is heaven and not earth. Jesus quoted this as if to say, “I will sit in the place of power and authority and you will see it”. Here as well as in Matthew 26:64 and 24:30 Jesus is referring to His enthronement, the finished work after the ascension when “He was received up into heaven at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19) What happened? He sat down and they(disciples)went forth with power and authority to establish the new spiritual kingdom as Daniel goes on to say.
With complete confidence in Christ, I can say He fulfilled Daniel 7:13 when he ascended in the first century and returned the dominion to man, which was lost it in the garden. Jesus rose victorious for us and ascended to the Father to receive all authority, glory- “an everlasting dominion that will not pass away.”
Acts 1:9-12 - “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.”
Here in Acts prior to these verses it tells us that He was teaching them things pertaining to the Kingdom, that which was about to break forth when they saw him ascend (to fulfill Daniel 7:13) and the angels said to them this same Jesus that you so go, will in like manner (with the clouds) come again also. Jesus had been teaching them on the Kingdom, He had already prophesied the coming destruction and desolate temple and His coming (Matt. 24:30) would be with great power and authority, with the clouds. There is no doubt that they understood it to be exactly what it was, a reference to the impeding judgment approaching Jerusalem.
Matthew 16:28- 17:- “Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.”
Some people incorrectly assume that the Transfiguration was the fulfillment of Jesus promise that some would not taste death until they saw the son of man coming in His glory. The reason that this is incorrect is because the transfiguration took place between 6 and 8 days after Jesus said that, not enough time for some of the to die. In reality, none of them was dead. Notice again, to whom He was talking to, His disciples. He told them, “there are some of You, who will not taste death until..” What this tells me is that some of them would die so we know it’s not immediate but some would see it therefore it’s within THEIR lifetime. In addition, the some translate the words “in His Kingdom” here as a “Kingdom appearance”. In other words, some will not die before they see me make my kingdom appearance.
He is telling them that there would be a Kingdom (new kingdom) manifestation within their lifetime. The transfiguration happens some time before His Olivet discourse (Matt 24) but His message has remained constant throughout, “the Kingdom is Near”. Here we see Jesus alone with the inner three and he is transfigured before them as Moses and Elijah are talking with Him. Luke says they are talking about His upcoming crucifixion or fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. Notice peter wants to be tabernacles to all three and the cloud shows up.
When the cloud is removed there is none there but Jesus. Jesus told them not to mention this until after the resurrection. To me this seems to be a prophetic moment that he allowed the inner three to be apart of to help bring clarity to future events. Notice that when the cloud came after it was removed there was no one except Jesus, the law and prophets had passed. I believe this ties directly into Matthew 24:30 and the destruction of Jerusalem and the desolation of the temple. They would all be together for a moment (40 yrs after ascension, a generation, before Jerusalem was destroyed) but when the cloud came, only Jesus would be remaining.
He was glorified or transfigured with them there but there came a time when they (law and prophets, Old Testament system) had to completely pass away and only Jesus remained. After he resurrected and ascended, he was glorified and the work was done, it was finished but the natural temple was still standing, the earthly Jerusalem was still a major focus for some, works were still prominent in other words, Moses and Elijah were still there until the cloud came in AD 70 and Jesus brought Judgment to Jerusalem.
The old completely passed away and the New came forth and although some had died, been persecuted and martyred there was some that were still alive to see this new kingdom appearance. The coming in or with the clouds is a coming of judgment and He has already come to Jerusalem, next will be to the world.
The texts that govern the timing make it clear that that Jesus was speaking about future events to his disciples (this generation) that took place in A.D. 70 with the fall of Jerusalem and it’s temple. There has always been wars and rumors of wars, famines, lawlessness and persecution. If we fail to recognize the timing of these events and the historical context of Jesus words then we will always end up being led astray with some new end of the world teaching that distracts us from our original commission which is found in Genesis 1:26, and instead of being a true ecclesia we become a dead religious institution that’s only hope is leaving.
John Lightfoot (1658) – “hence it appears plain enough, that the forgoing verses [Matthew 24:1-34] are not to be understood of the last Judgement, but, as we said, of the destruction of Jerusalem…” (John Lightfoot, Commentary on New Testament from the Talmud and Hebraic, 4 vol,2:320)
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