And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:2-3
In response to Jesus’ declaration that the Temple would be destroyed, His disciples asked three questions:
- When will this happen?
- What will be the sign of Your coming?
- What will be the sign of the end of the age?
Jesus could have answered the first of these questions directly (i.e., in about 40 years). He chose not to. Well, actually, His Father chose not to.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. Matthew 24:36
Furthermore, notice that the disciples did not ask “when” in regard to His coming, nor the end of the age. Somehow, they knew better.
So, why has this become our focus?
Is the time and energy we spend trying to determine the day and hour a distraction from more important matters? I believe it is. In fact, Jesus has promised that the day and hour we come to expect will not be accurate.
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matthew 24:44
Jesus could have quickly, and succinctly, answered all three of the disciple’s questions. Instead, He used their questions to raise more important matters. There was something much more important that He wanted them (and us) to understand, believe and obey.
And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.” Matthew 24:4
But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:13
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour
your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42
Take heed, endure and watch; for though you do not know the day or the hour, tribulation – and then judgment – is coming.
The primary purpose of this discourse is the disciple’s preparation. God help us to discover the same passion for those in our spheres of influence.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob