Matthew 24:1-14 is a road map of end times, historically and prophetically.
There are three main questions asked by Jesus’ disciples and they are connected:
- When will these things happen?
- What will be the sign of Your coming?
- What will be the sign of the end of the age?
It is like walking down the a road and every so often there is a crossroad named for one of the signs.
Jesus gives signs, but He also warns against obsession and panic. He gives instruction to the disciples and those who will follow. Two themes run together:
- Watchfulness
- Endurance
The point is not merely prediction, but preparation:
- remain faithful
- avoid deception
- persevere
- keep proclaiming the gospel
Later in the chapter Jesus says no one knows the exact day or hour of His return.
The destruction of the temple in 70 AD was the first crossroad and the beginning of sorrows.
More roads to cross and Jesus emphasizes:
- discernment against deception
- perseverance through turmoil
- faithfulness under persecution
- worldwide proclamation of the gospel
I want to address verses 10-12. He clearly points out the result. These crossroads are upon us. Summary of Matthew 24:10–12 — Apostasy and Cold Love. Jesus describes betrayal, offense, hatred, false prophets, and increasing lawlessness. His very words, “The love of many shall wax cold.’ Once was a light as in a candle, then these attitudes snuffed it out. This is a very stern warning to believers today. The love of God shed in our hearts by the Holy Ghost begins to grow cold.
The present political and religious climate is bearing this out. This is what lawlessness does. The majority of the church talks and walks in offense. Whatever is breaking the law contributes to the coldness moving in on us. We have substituted the word compassion for love. It is an expression but the word says, “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son.” Paul writes: “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Jesus is clear concerning the spirit of lawlessness and its fruit. Offense, betrayal, hatred , and the result is living in unforgiveness. The table of the Lord becomes a ritual. Rather than leading to life it leads to death. Many have gone to sleep, Paul says of the mishandling of the body of Christ.
“He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation [judgment] to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” (1 Corinthians 11:29)
Self-examination includes:
- by the Holy Ghost
- bringing issues to our remembrance
- repentance toward God
- reconciliation with others
This includes addressing:
- bitterness
- resentment
- and unforgiveness
We cannot let our love grow cold in this day and time. He says be not deceived.
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