Matthew 24:32-51

12:32-33 | With this parable – which is the key to interpreting the preceding passage about coming events – Jesus teaches His disciples a valid principle of Bible interpretation: coming events cast their shadows before them. This does not suggest that certain signs must be fulfilled before the Rapture can take place, or that anyone can know the exact times and seasons. The Lord does say, however, that the study of Scripture, along with God’s movements and human affairs, will indicate in some way when the time of the Second Coming and the end of all things will approach.

24:34 | The word translated generation (Grk. genea) may be understood as “nation,” so some have read this passage as: “This nation shall not pass away until all these things come to pass.” Others have understood the term in the traditional sense of 30 to 100 years, a human lifespan. In any case, it does not mean that those who lived in Jesus’ day would witness His second coming.

24:36-42 | Jesus cannot make it any plainer: no one knows when He will return to set up His kingdom (Mark 13:32). Periodically someone will claim to have discovered a secret that indicates the date of Christ’s return, but such claims are untrue.

24:40-44 | The idea that Jesus will come like a thief in the night is found in multiple places in Scripture (Luke 12:39, 1 Thess. 5:2, 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3; 16:15).

24:48-51 | People sometimes use the apparent delay of God to rationalize lazy or wicked behavior. If God seems to delay, however, it is only because He is giving people more time to accept His gracious offer of salvation (2 Pet. 3:4-9). God’s current silence is only a prelude to His final, overwhelming action (Isa. 42:13-15).