Wednesday Bible Study Fellowship, October 15, 2008
The Return of Jesus
Matthew 24:29-35
Introduction: We have been told that there will be many deceivers in the last days leading up to Jesus’ return. Those believers, during the Great Tribulation, have been told not to go see the Messiah if they are told “He is in the desert” or “He is in the inner rooms.” No- absolutely, don’t go! Why? Because when Jesus returns it will be evident! “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (27).
I. The end of the Great Tribulation (29)
A. The tribulation will last 7 years.
B. The middle of the tribulation will be marked by the abomination that causes desolation (15).
C. The Great Tribulation which is the last 3 ½ years of the tribulation then begins (15-28) and ends with the battle of Armageddon. “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather” (28). The battlefield will extend 200 miles long! From Bozrah, the capital of Edom in the South (Is.34:1-6) to Lebanon in the North (Rev.14:20) [MacArthur, pg.53]
D. Now we are told that the heavens will be shaken.
1. The sun is darkened.
2. The moon is blackened.
3. The stars fall.
4. The heavenly bodies are shaken. (shaken = saleuo meaning to waver, agitate, topple, move)
E. God’s Word teaches us that Jesus is the Creator (Col.1:16) Now, as the age is coming to a conclusion, Jesus, who is also the One who holds everything together (Col.1:17; Heb.1:3) begins to let loose! The events are so traumatic Luke records that:
1. Nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea (21:25)
2. Men will faint from terror (21:26). The idea behind “faint” is to stop breathing. People will be frightened to death!
II. The return of Jesus
A. This is the supreme sign! This is the ultimate answer to the question of verse 3.
B. Jesus is the supreme sign! “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky…” (30).
1. Jesus returns as Conqueror not carpenter! (Philips, 435)
2. Jesus returns in power not as a baby!
3. Jesus returns with glory revealed not veiled! (Philips, 435) [Matt.25:31]
C. The nations of the earth will mourn.
1. Some will realize that Jesus is Lord: “They will admit to each other: ‘The Bible, which we have despised was right all the time.’” (Philips, 435)
2. Some will “…mourn over their sin and receive Christ as Lord and Savior” (MacArthur, 54).
D. Jesus will descend on the clouds (Matt.26:64; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; Dan.7:13, 14; Rev.1:7)
1. Unbelievers are dying of fright! (Luke 21:26)
2. Believers are told “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:27-28).
3. Raptured saints will be looking down as we return with Jesus! (Rev.19:14). We will be revealed with Him in glory (Col.3:4). You will be wearing “…fine linen, bright and clean…” (Rev.19:8) [MacArthur, 55]
4. Jews will turn to Jesus as Messiah (Zech.12:9-14)
III. Gather the elect
A. Armageddon is over.
B. Jesus has descended to the Mount of Olives.
C. Now, God’s angels will blow the trumpet! This will be the call that it is OK to come out of hiding.
1. Some will come from caves.
2. Some will come from burned out and bombed out buildings.
3. All will have refused the mark of the beast.
D. As they come out of hiding, they go to Jerusalem, and are ushered into the Millennial Kingdom.
IV. The Fig Tree
A. When the twigs get tender and the leaves come out summer is right around the corner!
B. When you see these signs the end is near.
C. “This generation will certainly not pass away…” (34). What generation?
1. It can’t be the disciples.
2. It must be the generation living through the “birth pains” (8).
3. In other words the events of the tribulation will occur within one generation. So, if you are living, and reading this, while these events are occurring, ACCEPT CHRIST!
4. “Those who witness the birth pains will witness the birth” (MacArthur, 65).
D. Those in “this generation” will have an opportunity to be saved:
1. Through the witness of 144,000 Jewish evangelists (Rev.7:38)
2. Through the witness of the two witnesses (Rev.11:3) for 3 ½ years.
3. Through the witness of the angel (Rev.14:6, 7)
V. The Word of God
A. 1,000 years after the return of Christ heaven and earth will pass away (II Peter 3:10; Rev.21:1). Jesus said that they would pass away earlier in 5:18.
B. But while heaven and earth will pass away, God’s Word will not-- you can count on it! (Luke 16:17; John 10:35; Psalm 19:9)
Conclusion: It has been stated, “The purpose of prophesy is not to entertain the curious, but to encourage the consecrated” (Bible Exposition Commentary, pg.89, vol.1). If the fig tree here is symbolic of Israel as other places (Hosea 9:10; Luke 13:6-10), then the rebirth of Israel should be a sign that Jesus isn’t far off. Regardless of the interpretation as Christians we should be looking for our Savior (Phil.3:20).