Read John 3.
Not all Jewish religious leaders were hardened against Jesus. Nicodemus is given to us as an example of one whose heart was open. He concluded that "no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him" (v.2). Jesus knew of the national stature of Nicodemus, calling him "the teacher of Israel" (v.10). Typical of Jesus, He did not respond to Nicodemus' words but seemingly changed the subject. Making such a personal and penetrating statement is how Jesus also dealt with the woman at the well and the rich, young ruler.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (v.3)
The term born again was foreign to Nicodemus. Literally, the translation is "born from above." This speaks directly against a system of belief to a personal experience that results in a new life. It is a transformation of the person. Once they were not born and now they are. This teaching is not isolated to John 3. Being "born again," "born of God," "born of the Spirit" is taught by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 4, by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 2, and by John again in every chapter of 1 John except chapter one.
1. The Contrast. (v.6a)
John 1:12-13 says "....children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
"Blood"-Jesus made it clear that being born into one's earthly family is not enough to get to heaven. Parental decisions have no bearing.
"Will of the flesh"-Others cannot make this decision for you.
"Will of man"-All of our good works will not allow us to be a part of God family.
"But of God"-This is a spiritual birth that the Spirit of God enacts at the moment a person receives Jesus as their personal Savior.
2. The Comparison (v.8)
Since this is a spiritual birth, it has nothing to do with any external doings on our part. Jesus compared it to a blowing wind. We do not see the movement of air, but when it moves the results are evident. When one experiences the new birth, their life change becomes obvious to everyone around them. They are no longer the same.
3. The Condemnation (v.18)
There is an natural place in every one's conscience that one day there will be a eternal judgment of each life. Just notice how often unbelievers use the word hell, the place of eternal torment. The problem with the thinking of so many is that any condemnation by God happens later. Jesus clearly said that "whoever does not believe is condemned already." That statement alone should strike fear in every unbelieving heart. First, a person must realize their peril and their need of God's forgiveness now, in this life. Then, there must be an acknowledgement that Jesus is their only hope. The reason Jesus came the first time to earth was "in order that the world might be saved through him" (v.17). He is the one and only Savior (v.16). The good news of faith in Jesus is "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
4. The Condition.
How can one be born again into God's family? Jesus said regarding Himself, "...whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (v.15). Note that this is not a religion but a relationship. It is not faith in a philosophy but a person. This is not a belief of content but a believing, or trusting, in Jesus that transforms a person from the inside out. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (v.36)
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
The purpose of the Signs
Read John 2.
There are no less than 35 recorded miracles of Jesus. Turning water into wine was the first one. Yet, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, verse 11 uses a different Greek word and refers to them as "signs" instead "miracles." John's Gospel is organized around seven signs and seven claims of Jesus, proving that He is the Messiah.
When Jesus performed a miracle, it was done with intent. He never used His power to gather a crowd or to put on a show. Indeed, it appears that He never did a miracle in the same way twice. What was the intent, then, of displaying such ability? Verse 11 goes on to state that these signs "manifested his glory." Our focus then should not be on the deed but on Jesus. As John wrote in 1:14, "...and we have seen his glory, glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." God, the Father, has glory. Jesus, the only Son of God, has His own glory.
In verse 18, the Jews wanted Jesus to do a sign for them to prove Himself to them. This reminds one of Satan's direct temptations of Christ to misuse His power. Jesus' response was that "this temple" would be destroyed and then raised in three days. The inquirers took that to mean the Temple. Jesus was speaking of His own body. This is the first reference in John of the coming resurrection.
At the Passover in Jerusalem (v.23), Jesus did other signs not recorded by John, resulting in many believing in Him. But, their faith was in what they saw. As Edwin Blum wrote, "They believed He was a great Healer, but not necessarily a great Savior from sin." (BKC, NT, p.280) The reason we know this to be true is found in the last two verses. He knew their hearts, whether their trust in Him was for forgiveness and eternal life, or not. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." In other words, lip service and compliance will not suffice.
A whole-hearted response of trust in Him is what He looks for. A relationship with Jesus is a trust. When we fully commit our lives to Him, He entrusts us with eternal salvation, with His name, with His reputation, with His Word, with His life, with the Gospel, and all forms of resources for our stewardship.
May we humbly grow today in our trustworthiness.
There are no less than 35 recorded miracles of Jesus. Turning water into wine was the first one. Yet, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, verse 11 uses a different Greek word and refers to them as "signs" instead "miracles." John's Gospel is organized around seven signs and seven claims of Jesus, proving that He is the Messiah.
When Jesus performed a miracle, it was done with intent. He never used His power to gather a crowd or to put on a show. Indeed, it appears that He never did a miracle in the same way twice. What was the intent, then, of displaying such ability? Verse 11 goes on to state that these signs "manifested his glory." Our focus then should not be on the deed but on Jesus. As John wrote in 1:14, "...and we have seen his glory, glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." God, the Father, has glory. Jesus, the only Son of God, has His own glory.
In verse 18, the Jews wanted Jesus to do a sign for them to prove Himself to them. This reminds one of Satan's direct temptations of Christ to misuse His power. Jesus' response was that "this temple" would be destroyed and then raised in three days. The inquirers took that to mean the Temple. Jesus was speaking of His own body. This is the first reference in John of the coming resurrection.
At the Passover in Jerusalem (v.23), Jesus did other signs not recorded by John, resulting in many believing in Him. But, their faith was in what they saw. As Edwin Blum wrote, "They believed He was a great Healer, but not necessarily a great Savior from sin." (BKC, NT, p.280) The reason we know this to be true is found in the last two verses. He knew their hearts, whether their trust in Him was for forgiveness and eternal life, or not. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." In other words, lip service and compliance will not suffice.
A whole-hearted response of trust in Him is what He looks for. A relationship with Jesus is a trust. When we fully commit our lives to Him, He entrusts us with eternal salvation, with His name, with His reputation, with His Word, with His life, with the Gospel, and all forms of resources for our stewardship.
May we humbly grow today in our trustworthiness.
Monday, December 28, 2015
18 identifiers of who Jesus Is
Read John 1.
The Bible is the written Word of God. Jesus is the Living Word of God. The descriptions of the Living Word are clearly presented in the written Word.
1. He was "in the beginning." (v.1) What does this say to those who deny the eternality of Jesus?
2. He is "with God." (v.1) What does this say to those who think Jesus was just a good man?
3. He "was God." (v.1) What does this say to those who deny the deity of Jesus?
3. He made "all things." (v.3) What does this say to those who hold other ideas about origins?
4. He is "life." (v.4). What does this say about other philosophies of how to live?
5. He is "light." (v.4) What does this say to the eastern mystics who pursue enlightenment?
6. He gives "the right to become children of God." (v.12) What does this say to the universalists and those who think everyone is a child of God?
7. He "became flesh." (v.14) What does this say to those who believe Jesus was only a spirit?
8. He "dwelt among us." (v.14 What does this say to those who think God is an impersonal being?
9. He is "full of grace and truth." (v.14) What does this say to the legalists on one hand and to the truth seekers of the other?
10. He is "Jesus Christ." (v.17) What does this say to those looking for the Messiah and all those in need of a Savior from sin?
11. He "has made (God) known." (v.18) What does this say to those who those think we cannot know God with certainty?
12. He is "the Lamb of God." (v.29) What does this say to those who think they can atone for their sins in some other way?
13. He is "the Son of God." (v.34) What does this say to those who deny the Trinity?
14. He is the "Rabbi (which means Teacher)." What does this say to those who have not learned what Jesus taught?
15. He is "the Messiah." (v.41) What does this say to Jews today?
16. He is "whom Moses in the Law and the prophets wrote." (v.46) What does this say to those who have never studied the Old Testament?
17. He is "King of Israel." (v.49) What does this say to those who do not believe in a future earthly reign of Christ?
18. He is "the Son of Man." (v.51) What does this say to those who deny the humanity of Jesus?
The Holy Spirit moved upon John to write these things, not for debate, but "that all might believe through him" (v.7).
The Bible is the written Word of God. Jesus is the Living Word of God. The descriptions of the Living Word are clearly presented in the written Word.
1. He was "in the beginning." (v.1) What does this say to those who deny the eternality of Jesus?
2. He is "with God." (v.1) What does this say to those who think Jesus was just a good man?
3. He "was God." (v.1) What does this say to those who deny the deity of Jesus?
3. He made "all things." (v.3) What does this say to those who hold other ideas about origins?
4. He is "life." (v.4). What does this say about other philosophies of how to live?
5. He is "light." (v.4) What does this say to the eastern mystics who pursue enlightenment?
6. He gives "the right to become children of God." (v.12) What does this say to the universalists and those who think everyone is a child of God?
7. He "became flesh." (v.14) What does this say to those who believe Jesus was only a spirit?
8. He "dwelt among us." (v.14 What does this say to those who think God is an impersonal being?
9. He is "full of grace and truth." (v.14) What does this say to the legalists on one hand and to the truth seekers of the other?
10. He is "Jesus Christ." (v.17) What does this say to those looking for the Messiah and all those in need of a Savior from sin?
11. He "has made (God) known." (v.18) What does this say to those who those think we cannot know God with certainty?
12. He is "the Lamb of God." (v.29) What does this say to those who think they can atone for their sins in some other way?
13. He is "the Son of God." (v.34) What does this say to those who deny the Trinity?
14. He is the "Rabbi (which means Teacher)." What does this say to those who have not learned what Jesus taught?
15. He is "the Messiah." (v.41) What does this say to Jews today?
16. He is "whom Moses in the Law and the prophets wrote." (v.46) What does this say to those who have never studied the Old Testament?
17. He is "King of Israel." (v.49) What does this say to those who do not believe in a future earthly reign of Christ?
18. He is "the Son of Man." (v.51) What does this say to those who deny the humanity of Jesus?
The Holy Spirit moved upon John to write these things, not for debate, but "that all might believe through him" (v.7).
Saturday, December 26, 2015
A time to remember and Respond
Read Luke 24.
We are notoriously forgetful creatures. With the busyness of work and life, our true priorities-the things that will matter long after work and life have ended-can get pushed away in our memories. Tragic events so easily cause us to self-focus and become emotionally stuck on the temporal loss, losing sight of the eternal perspective. It is important, therefore, to take some intentional time to remember God's word.
Despite the fact that Jesus often spoke of His suffering, death and resurrection, those closest to Him seem to have forgotten. Indeed, there was an epidemic of disbelief. Yet, it was written down in the pages of the Old Testament all along. They just did not understand and remember what they had been taught. That is, until Jesus appeared.
This chapter contains "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3 KJV) of the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
He walked. He talked. He ate. He offered to be touched, having "flesh and bones" (v.39). Even then, it was hard for His followers to believe what they were seeing.
Why was it so difficult for them?
1. The condition of the Heart. (vv.25-32)
Jesus identified the problem as He walked with the two on the road to Emmaus. They were still in some shock. Their emotions were stunned and disappointed by the death of Jesus. Going home from the Passover celebration, they shuffled along with their hopes dashed (v.21). He stated that they were "slow of heart to believe."
When Jesus began to review the Scriptures and teach them, their hearts began to "burn within" (v.32). They understood the meaning of God's word. They were regaining confidence in their faith. Feeling inspired, they wanted more, even inviting Jesus to stay with them.
2. The position of the Mind. (vv.44-49)
Nothing enters a closed door. If one closes their thinking to the truth of God's word, they shut off the only source there is to lasting hope. Even as Jesus stood in front of them, the disciples struggled with belief. "Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (v.45).
The content of Luke 24 begs us to ask ourselves some personal questions.
Are my emotions focused on selfish temporal stuff or the eternal hope in Christ?
Is my mind open to receive the truth of God's Holy Word?
Have I experienced "repentance and forgiveness of sins"?
Am I involved in proclaiming this good news "in his name to all nations"?
We are notoriously forgetful creatures. With the busyness of work and life, our true priorities-the things that will matter long after work and life have ended-can get pushed away in our memories. Tragic events so easily cause us to self-focus and become emotionally stuck on the temporal loss, losing sight of the eternal perspective. It is important, therefore, to take some intentional time to remember God's word.
Despite the fact that Jesus often spoke of His suffering, death and resurrection, those closest to Him seem to have forgotten. Indeed, there was an epidemic of disbelief. Yet, it was written down in the pages of the Old Testament all along. They just did not understand and remember what they had been taught. That is, until Jesus appeared.
This chapter contains "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3 KJV) of the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
He walked. He talked. He ate. He offered to be touched, having "flesh and bones" (v.39). Even then, it was hard for His followers to believe what they were seeing.
Why was it so difficult for them?
1. The condition of the Heart. (vv.25-32)
Jesus identified the problem as He walked with the two on the road to Emmaus. They were still in some shock. Their emotions were stunned and disappointed by the death of Jesus. Going home from the Passover celebration, they shuffled along with their hopes dashed (v.21). He stated that they were "slow of heart to believe."
When Jesus began to review the Scriptures and teach them, their hearts began to "burn within" (v.32). They understood the meaning of God's word. They were regaining confidence in their faith. Feeling inspired, they wanted more, even inviting Jesus to stay with them.
2. The position of the Mind. (vv.44-49)
Nothing enters a closed door. If one closes their thinking to the truth of God's word, they shut off the only source there is to lasting hope. Even as Jesus stood in front of them, the disciples struggled with belief. "Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (v.45).
The content of Luke 24 begs us to ask ourselves some personal questions.
Are my emotions focused on selfish temporal stuff or the eternal hope in Christ?
Is my mind open to receive the truth of God's Holy Word?
Have I experienced "repentance and forgiveness of sins"?
Am I involved in proclaiming this good news "in his name to all nations"?
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
The non-sense of hating Jesus
Read Luke 23.
It is nearly impossible to make any human sense of the hatred of the religious rulers in Israel. These who were supposed to be the spiritual leaders of the nation were plotting how to murder an innocent man. His crime? Jesus simply and consistently revealed His true identity as the Messiah, the King of the Jews. The last straw came in Luke 22:67-71. His accusers understood clearly that Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh.
Because they had no power of capital punishment, the "whole company of them arose and brought him to Pilate." The Jewish leaders hated the Romans also, but they were more than willing to use the government to achieve their ungodly goal. Notice the intensity of their emotions toward Jesus.
v. 5-"They were urgent."
v.10- They "stood by, vehemently accusing him."
v.18- "They all cried out together, 'Away with this man..."
v.21- "They kept shouting, 'Crucify, crucify him!"
v.23- "They were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified."
v.35- "The rulers scoffed at him."
Little did they realize then how they were being controlled by Satan himself. From Genesis 3:15 on, the Evil One had made one attempt after another to stop the line of Messiah. Satan is a defeated foe and now can only can stir up those who reject God's word for their own selfish goals in life. The cross for some brief hours seemed a victory for Satan and his religious minions. But, what the Devil planned for evil, God had planned all along for our redemption.
Those who reject Jesus today fall into the same hate-filled crowd of Luke 23. Though some may have been hurt and disillusioned, their rejection of Jesus makes no human sense. Some will hide behind religion, as the self-righteous rulers in this chapter. Some will attempt to lay blame on something or someone. However, the truth remains. There is no alternative for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life.
Devout Jews had been praying for and looking for the coming Messiah. Simeon was such a man in Luke 2:25-32. When the Holy Spirit revealed the true identity of Jesus, He broke out in praise and a prayer of thanksgiving.
"O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
It is nearly impossible to make any human sense of the hatred of the religious rulers in Israel. These who were supposed to be the spiritual leaders of the nation were plotting how to murder an innocent man. His crime? Jesus simply and consistently revealed His true identity as the Messiah, the King of the Jews. The last straw came in Luke 22:67-71. His accusers understood clearly that Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh.
Because they had no power of capital punishment, the "whole company of them arose and brought him to Pilate." The Jewish leaders hated the Romans also, but they were more than willing to use the government to achieve their ungodly goal. Notice the intensity of their emotions toward Jesus.
v. 5-"They were urgent."
v.10- They "stood by, vehemently accusing him."
v.18- "They all cried out together, 'Away with this man..."
v.21- "They kept shouting, 'Crucify, crucify him!"
v.23- "They were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified."
v.35- "The rulers scoffed at him."
Little did they realize then how they were being controlled by Satan himself. From Genesis 3:15 on, the Evil One had made one attempt after another to stop the line of Messiah. Satan is a defeated foe and now can only can stir up those who reject God's word for their own selfish goals in life. The cross for some brief hours seemed a victory for Satan and his religious minions. But, what the Devil planned for evil, God had planned all along for our redemption.
Those who reject Jesus today fall into the same hate-filled crowd of Luke 23. Though some may have been hurt and disillusioned, their rejection of Jesus makes no human sense. Some will hide behind religion, as the self-righteous rulers in this chapter. Some will attempt to lay blame on something or someone. However, the truth remains. There is no alternative for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life.
Devout Jews had been praying for and looking for the coming Messiah. Simeon was such a man in Luke 2:25-32. When the Holy Spirit revealed the true identity of Jesus, He broke out in praise and a prayer of thanksgiving.
"O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
Monday, December 21, 2015
Jesus fulfilling Scripture
Read Luke 22.
Though a seeming tragedy for the moment, the trials and crucifixion of Jesus was the plan of God all along and took place right on time. The case for a suffering and sacrificial Messiah begins in Genesis 3:15. It continues with the atonement offerings of a blood sacrifice from Genesis into the Gospels. Passages such as Isaiah 53 are graphic prophecies of the experiences of Jesus, The angel told Joseph that the baby would be called "Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
That payment for sins would require His death by shedding of blood. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke of the time when He would suffer and die in Jerusalem. "The chief priests and scribes were seeking how to put him to death." (v.2) Jesus knew all along of the coming betrayal by Judas (John 13:27) and the denials of Peter (vv.31-32).
It was time to celebrate the Passover. This is a memorial meal, remembering God's deliverance of Israel from the slavery of Egypt. Jesus, in His omniscience, had the place for the gathering. Here, His statements become even more clear as to what will take place in the hours to come. He even gave references to that future kingdom of God when He will rule and shepherd Israel. The second half of the prophecy in Micah 5:2 will be fulfilled then.
1. "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." (v.16)
2. "For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." (v.16)
3. "...I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." (v.18)
4. "For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined." (v.22)
5. "...that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (v.30)
6. "For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me." (v.37)
7. "For what was written about me has its fulfillment." (v.37)
8. "But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God." (v.69)
In the meantime, the followers of Jesus were given two admonitions:
Serve-"Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves." (v.26)
Pray-"Pray that you may not enter into temptation." (v.40)
Though a seeming tragedy for the moment, the trials and crucifixion of Jesus was the plan of God all along and took place right on time. The case for a suffering and sacrificial Messiah begins in Genesis 3:15. It continues with the atonement offerings of a blood sacrifice from Genesis into the Gospels. Passages such as Isaiah 53 are graphic prophecies of the experiences of Jesus, The angel told Joseph that the baby would be called "Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
That payment for sins would require His death by shedding of blood. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke of the time when He would suffer and die in Jerusalem. "The chief priests and scribes were seeking how to put him to death." (v.2) Jesus knew all along of the coming betrayal by Judas (John 13:27) and the denials of Peter (vv.31-32).
It was time to celebrate the Passover. This is a memorial meal, remembering God's deliverance of Israel from the slavery of Egypt. Jesus, in His omniscience, had the place for the gathering. Here, His statements become even more clear as to what will take place in the hours to come. He even gave references to that future kingdom of God when He will rule and shepherd Israel. The second half of the prophecy in Micah 5:2 will be fulfilled then.
1. "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." (v.16)
2. "For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." (v.16)
3. "...I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." (v.18)
4. "For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined." (v.22)
5. "...that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (v.30)
6. "For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me." (v.37)
7. "For what was written about me has its fulfillment." (v.37)
8. "But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God." (v.69)
In the meantime, the followers of Jesus were given two admonitions:
Serve-"Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves." (v.26)
Pray-"Pray that you may not enter into temptation." (v.40)
Saturday, December 19, 2015
8 signs of the return of Christ
Read Luke 21.
As God in the flesh, Jesus revealed His omniscience. He watched the offering and knew if people gave God a tip, a tithe, or sacrificially. Jesus also let the disciples know that He knows the future. This chapter parallels Matthew 24 and 25.
While His followers were struck by the beauty of the Temple, Jesus saw it as a teachable moment. First, He stirred their curiosity with a statement regarding the Temple's destruction. They responded with two questions: 1) When will this happen? and 2) What will be the indicators of that time? He answered them in reverse order. His prophetic teaching concerned Christ's return to establish His earthly kingdom, but the message, too, urged some immediate behaviors.
Jerusalem's destruction, along with Solomon's Temple, took place in 586 B.C. at the hands of the Babylonians. Though this rebuilt Temple during Jesus' day was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D., it is obvious from this chapter and the rest of Scripture that Jesus had much more in mind. The descriptions here all point to the Great Tribulation period just prior to our Lord's return. Many of these signs have always been present in the world, but the time Jesus spoke of here will be unprecedented. "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no and never will be." (Matthew 24:21)
1. Political Wars. (v.10)
2. Natural Disasters. (v.11)
3. Agricultural Devastation. (v.11)
4. Astronomical Omens. (v.11)
5. Theological Persecutions. (v.12)
6. Relational Divisions. (v.16)
7. Geographical Convergence. (v.20)
8. Celestial Upheavals. (v.25)
Jerusalem will be surrounded by Gentile nations "until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." The Apostle Paul used this same phrase to write that at that time "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:25-26). See Zechariah 14:1-2.
"Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." See Revelation 19.
-Who will see Him at His appearance? "All who dwell on the face of the earth" (v.35) This is how we know Jesus was not just referring to the Roman destruction.
-Why is Jesus returning to earth? To set up His earthly kingdom of God (v.31), as the prophets and Revelation 20 foretell.
-Why did Jesus say these things to His followers? "Watch yourselves." "Stay awake at all times, praying..." Because "that day...will come upon you suddenly."
As God in the flesh, Jesus revealed His omniscience. He watched the offering and knew if people gave God a tip, a tithe, or sacrificially. Jesus also let the disciples know that He knows the future. This chapter parallels Matthew 24 and 25.
While His followers were struck by the beauty of the Temple, Jesus saw it as a teachable moment. First, He stirred their curiosity with a statement regarding the Temple's destruction. They responded with two questions: 1) When will this happen? and 2) What will be the indicators of that time? He answered them in reverse order. His prophetic teaching concerned Christ's return to establish His earthly kingdom, but the message, too, urged some immediate behaviors.
Jerusalem's destruction, along with Solomon's Temple, took place in 586 B.C. at the hands of the Babylonians. Though this rebuilt Temple during Jesus' day was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D., it is obvious from this chapter and the rest of Scripture that Jesus had much more in mind. The descriptions here all point to the Great Tribulation period just prior to our Lord's return. Many of these signs have always been present in the world, but the time Jesus spoke of here will be unprecedented. "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no and never will be." (Matthew 24:21)
1. Political Wars. (v.10)
2. Natural Disasters. (v.11)
3. Agricultural Devastation. (v.11)
4. Astronomical Omens. (v.11)
5. Theological Persecutions. (v.12)
6. Relational Divisions. (v.16)
7. Geographical Convergence. (v.20)
8. Celestial Upheavals. (v.25)
Jerusalem will be surrounded by Gentile nations "until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." The Apostle Paul used this same phrase to write that at that time "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:25-26). See Zechariah 14:1-2.
"Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." See Revelation 19.
-Who will see Him at His appearance? "All who dwell on the face of the earth" (v.35) This is how we know Jesus was not just referring to the Roman destruction.
-Why is Jesus returning to earth? To set up His earthly kingdom of God (v.31), as the prophets and Revelation 20 foretell.
-Why did Jesus say these things to His followers? "Watch yourselves." "Stay awake at all times, praying..." Because "that day...will come upon you suddenly."
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