Summary of Verses 1-15
Jesus prophesied that the Jewish Temple would be leveled and destroyed, and His prophecy came true. Wars and conquest have been happening for such a long time. This is just the beginning. Many now are very cold, selfish and rarely have smiles on their faces. Many people also become so easily offended over the smallest of matters. Be aware, stand your ground about who you are and Whom you believe in, and do not compromise. Stay connected to God so you know who you are and Who you serve so you’re not deceived, for many false prophets will come about. Continue to be the light of God. Stay the course and remain connected and many will be saved. Yet, through all of these premonitions of doom upon the Earth, Jesus is giving every nation the opportunity to hear the Gospel of the Kingdom and everyone who endures until the end will be saved. Then the end will come.
Summary of Verses 16-30
When the end comes, even those who belong to Jesus have the potential to be lost, but the days will be shortened so they can be saved. Faith in Jesus and trust in Him is everything. This is how you will make it. Its His strength, not ours or our ability or merits. Cleave to Christ now and to the end, because your salvation depends on it. When Jesus comes, why would all nations mourn? Because it will be time for judgement because of all the things they’ve done contrary to the Will of God.
Summary of Verses 31-45
We have to be aware and watchful, knowing what to look for to know when Christ is coming back. He will give us signs for us to be alert. Just as we know that spring is coming when we see tender branches and sprouts upon the trees, we can know when the Lord is coming back by signs He gives us.
Summary of Verses 46-51
We don’t know when the Lord is coming, but we shouldn’t take advantage of His delay and do what we want to do, getting entangled with evil in the process. We will become blinded in our sin, and miss when the Lord comes. But someone who is faithfully waiting on Him does not become idle while the Lord delays His coming. That person faithful does what is pleasing to His master while waiting for His return.
Through all this, there is hope if we turn from our sins and to the Lord Jesus now and endure, living life in holy awe toward Him. God is merciful. Yet, if you refuse His goodness, you will exchange it for His judgement. His judgement will rest upon you and sorrow, pain and anguish will be your experience and demise.
What We Learned
- Be aware of God’s timing
- Caution of deceptions & false prophets
- Don’t be easily offended
- Don’t be attached to this life
- Serve Jesus with a true heart
- The Word of God will be your end, good or bad
- Expect persecution for your loyalty to Jesus
