Barton's Bible Study Notes

Life of Christ: Unit 45 - Section 157

Read Matthew 24:1-3, Mark 13:1-4 and Luke 21:5-7. Matthew 24-25 is called the Olivet discourse. While it is also recorded in Mark and Luke, Matthew’s account is the longest. It was occasioned by a comment made by the disciples about the beautiful stonework and adornment of the temple. They were leaving the temple and headed to the Mount of Olives. As they looked back and saw the temple gleaming golden in the setting sun, they remarked upon its beauty. Our Lord’s reply was to the effect that they were not to be blinded by the glitter of this building, for it would not last. It would be completely destroyed. Realizing He was referring to the last days, the disciples asked Him when all this would take place and how they could know when it was about to happen. As they sat upon the mount, He answered. He does not answer the question of when; He does answer the question of the signs of His coming and of the end of the age.

1. When the disciples ask about the signs of the end of the age, what age do they have in mind?

Read Matthew 24:4-51, Mark 13:5-37 and Luke 21:8-36. Our Lord’s answer to the disciples about the days before His return to rule can be divided into two parts: the description of these times and parables for those who would be living during these days. As one comes to the study of these passages, the proper perspective must be kept in mind. Our Lord spoke and taught from the Old Testament viewpoint of Jewish history. This perspective does not see the church, which was then a mystery; that is, it was hidden in the Old Testament. In His teaching about the days preceding His coming, the church age is therefore not seen. The time period spoken of is the seven years prior to His second coming, the period we know as the Tribulation Period. This seven-year period, as we understand from Daniel and the Book of the Revelation, is divided into two three and a half year periods. The Antichrist will make a treaty with Israel. For three and a half years, he keeps it, but then He attacks the city. The Abomination of Desolation takes place at the midpoint of the Tribulation when Satan begins to make an all-out effort to destroy the Jewish people and their nation.

2. What kind of events herald the beginning of these days?

3. Our Lord warns His disciples that these initial conditions are just the beginning. It will get far worse. What did He tell them they would face during these days?

4. The text states, “do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.” If we are teachers, does this mean we should forgo the preparation of our lessons and depend upon the Holy Spirit to give us what we are to say when the time comes for us to speak or teach?

5. Our Lord says, “one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” Does this teach that our efforts are a part of our eternal salvation? Endurance seems to be an effort on our part.

6. What is the Abomination of Desolation mentioned by Daniel (Daniel 9 24-27)?

7. What is the main idea of the parable of the fig tree?

8. What is the main point of the parable of the master of the house taking a journey?

The Applications:

What are the applications of these passages to our lives today? Identify as many as you are able.