Signs of the End:

Context:

• Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, opposite the temple.
• The disciples wanted to know more about what was coming.
• They specifically asked about the sign of His coming and the end of the age.

Matthew 24:4-8 “...And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains...”

Mark 13:5-8 “...And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains...”

Luke 21:8-10 “...And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once. Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences...”

What was the first thing Jesus had to say in answer to their “end of the age” questions?

• See that no on leads you astray.
• Jesus knew the potential for deception.
• Jesus warned about following error.

What other advice did Jesus offer?

• Do not be alarmed. Do not be terrified.
• There will be wars and rumors of wars.
• Nation against nation. Kingdom against kingdom.
• Famines and earthquakes.

Do these things exist today?

What is human tendency when facing wars, famines, and earthquakes?

• To be alarmed. To be terrified.

Are these signs of the end?

• These are but the beginning.

Matthew 24:9-11 “...Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray...”

Mark 13:9 “...But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them...”

Luke 21:11-12 “... And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake...”

How does Matthew 24:9-11 parallel the history of the United States?

• Hated by all nations.
• Many fall away.
• False prophets lead many astray.

Matthew 24:12-14 “...And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come...”

Mark 13:10-13 “...And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved...”

Luke 21:13-19 “...This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives...”

Is the end typified by love or hate?

• “the love of many will grow cold”.
• “you will be hated”

Is there hate for Christ followers today?

Why is endurance needed?

• Jesus is describing very unpleasant times.
• “The one who endures to the end will be saved”.
• “By your endurance you will gain your lives”

What does God expect to occur during these times?

• The gospel will be proclaimed to all nations.
• There will be opportunity to bear witness.
• The Holy Spirit will give the people of God the words they need.

How are these the worst of times and the best of times?