This is a copy of a talk I gave on Wednesday 1 November 2023 at the 10.00 am service at Saint Mary Magdalen, Billericay. The Bible Reading was Matthew 24:30-35.

Introduction

Matthew 24 is a chapter all about the signs of the end of the age.  In verses 1-8, Jesus said there will be false Messiah’s and wars and rumours of wars, and how nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. The Bible makes it clear that things will get worse before they get better. There will be no world peace until Jesus comes and makes all things new.

Jesus went on to talk about natural disasters. He specifically mentions famines and earthquakes. He told us: to expect great conflict (vs9-14); to expect great distress (vs15-22); and to expect the great Messiah (vs23-28).

As we look Matthew 24:30-35, we need to remember that Jesus is speaking of things that apply to both the immediate future of His listeners (such as the destruction of the temple in 70AD) to our future and the far-off future.

In these verses, Jesus narrows the focus of His discussion on future things. He is talking more specifically about His return, and he said that His words will never pass away, so let’s look at what Jesus has to say to us. Two points!

  1. Jesus describesto us detailsabout His coming (vs29-31) 

Remember what Jesus’ disciples asked in verse 3 of this chapter: “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

So, let’s look at some of these details described by Jesus. He said that the sun will be darkened, the moon will not shed light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the sky will be shaken. This is what we call apocalyptic language. Often, apocalyptic language is not meant to be taken literally, but figuratively.

It’s like saying that your plan will fall like a house of cards. So, it’s possible that what Jesus is describing here could refer, at least in part, to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70AD, while also applying to something else in history.

Perhaps these events are literal and there will be great atmospheric disaster beyond what we can imagine. Or, perhaps Jesus is saying that there will be intense disasters of some sort. Time will tell. Jesus goes on to describe these events in verse 30. He says the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.

Some suggest that since the dwelling glory of God left the people of Israel, that the dwelling (or shekinah) glory of God will return again in a visible way. Another theory is that the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, will actually come down out of the sky.  Still, others suggest that the sign of the Son of Man is the Son of Man Himself. This understanding is that the sign will be that we actually see Jesus in the sky.

But there’s more! Jesus also says that the people of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven. Now, at this point, we know for sure that those present will see Jesus Himself, not just a sign of Him. How will He appear? Verse 30 says: “… with power and great glory.” He first came humbly and meek. He will return with power and glory!

In verse 31, we also learn that Jesus will then command His angels to gather His chosen ones from the four winds, or from all over the earth in every direction, accompanied by a trumpet blast, and they will meet Jesus in the sky.

  1. Jesus helps us to recognize the signsof His coming(vs32-35)

Jesus gives us a lesson from a fig tree with its changing branches and leaves to help us understand His teaching. Jesus is trying to pass on to His hearers that they should look for signs.

We know that leaves on a tree are signs of the seasons. Jesus is saying the same thing about a fig tree. You can read the signs and tell what is about to happen. This is similar to what He said about labour pains indicating that a baby is about to be born.   Verse 33: “In the same way, when you see all these things, recognize that he is near – at the door.”

We must understand that the more and more time passes, the more and more signs we see, the closer Jesus is. We must realize that He will soon be at the door. We must anticipate His return. We must see the signs that point us to His return.

His imminent return has multiple implications for our lives. His return gives us hope that all of His promises will be fulfilled. His return causes us to be careful in our conduct. His return reminds us of the necessity to share the Gospel with others. His return encourages us to remember that this world will pass away, and everything will be made new. His return confirms that we will be able to see our friends and family who trusted Jesus as Lord.

His return guarantees an end to sin and its terrible effects. His return brings answers to so many questions. His return settles the end times debates (which I so look forward to). His return wipes away every tear. His return settles every debt. His return heals every disease. His return starts the perfect rest for all of us. And so much more!

He will soon be at the door! He will return! And that is what the soon to be upon us Advent Season reminds us about.

Verse 34 in this passage is slightly confusing: “Truly I tell you; this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place.”

There are different theories as to what Jesus means in this verse. Some say that Jesus was speaking of “this generation” in terms of the people who were there in Jerusalem at the time that He was speaking. This could certainly be possible, but we know that some of those involved passed away before the catastrophic events of 70AD and they certainly passed away before the end times.

Another suggestion is that when Jesus said “generation” he was actually speaking of the Jewish people. So, this is like saying that the Jewish people will not pass away until all of these things have been fulfilled. Quite an interesting thought given all that is taking place in Israel at the moment and how Muslim states want to see Israel obliterated ‘from the river to the sea.’ That is the river Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea.

Still, yet, some theorize that what Jesus means is to say that “this generation” is the generation that will be around when those things happen. So, it’s almost like saying “that generation” instead of “this generation.” But these theories don’t cover all the theories concerning verse 34.

There’s also the question of what Jesus meant by “all these things.” So, did He mean “all all,” or all of what He just said? We’re not sure. It’s important to grasp that what Jesus is getting at is that we can be sure that these things that He said would happen will indeed actually happen. Jesus underscores that truth in verse 35, doesn’t He? Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Jesus wants His hearers, and us, to know that what He has described will happen. His words will hold true; they will never pass away. Every physical thing in our world will pass away, but His words will not pass away; they are eternal!

Conclusion

So, as we hear the teachings of Jesus, we must be awake, alive, and alert! We must trust Jesus and His words. We must be prepared for the future events, while simultaneously looking to His future return!

We must be quick to hear: Jesus’ return is near.  

To be quick to hear means that we are intentionally listening. Let’s listen to what Jesus has to say, let’s listen for the signs, let’s listen for the return of Jesus, and let’s listen for that trumpet sound when Jesus will return and make all things new. His return is nearer today than ever before!

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author, Revd Paul A. Carr. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name.