Matthew 24:1-51

Contents: Destruction of the temple foretold. The course of the present age outlined; its culmination in the great tribulation and followed by the return of Christ in power and glory. Parable of the fig tree and exhortation to watchfulness.

Characters: Jesus.

Conclusion: The course of the present age is to be marked by wars, famines, pestilences, persecutions, false Christs, and religious systems, increasing in intensity as the age nears its end, and culminating in tribulation such as the world has never seen, nor ever shall see again. Jesus Christ shall suddenly, unexpectedly and gloriously appear, coming in the clouds of heaven with His hosts. Blessed are they who cherish the «blessed hope» (Titus 2:13) and live in hourly expectation of His coming.

Key Word: End of Age, Matthew 24:3.

Strong Verses: Matthew 24:7; Matthew 24:21; Matthew 24:27; Matthew 24:35; Matthew 24:37; Matthew 24:44.

Striking Facts: The signs of the near return of Jesus are national (Matthew 24:6), religious (Matthew 24:11), missionary (Matthew 24:14), and Jewish (Matthew 24:32). (Fig tree a type of Israel.)