Lesson 24 – The Kingdom’s Future Described
Read Matthew 24 – www.bible.com/bible/59/mat.24.esv

In chapter 24 Jesus answers some questions His disciples have about the future. The first question, in verses 1 and 2, is about the Temple they are all proud of – but Jesus tells them it will soon be destroyed. That destruction happened less than 40 years later.

The disciples’ second question was, when will all the things happen He had been promising them about His kingdom? Jesus answered their question by giving them some signs to look for, events that would be like stepping stones to His return:

Verse 4 – lies to be careful of so we’re not deceived by them
Verse 5 – people who will claim to be the Messiah
Verse 6 – wars and rumors of wars, but we should not be alarmed or afraid
Verse 7 – all kinds of disasters and disagreements
Verse 9 – persecution of believers
Verse 10 – many who say they are Christians will walk away from Jesus
Verse 11 – many false prophets
Verse 12 – increase in lawlessness


But there is hope for those who endure to the end with Jesus (verses 13-14), because His message of hope and forgiveness will be proclaimed through the whole world before the end of the age comes.

Verses 15-28 describe an event that will come just as the Prophet Daniel saw it in Daniel 9:27 and 11:31: A false god is set into place in Jerusalem to be worshiped. God’s command has always been – is people must worship no other gods. This event, as we see in verse 24, will be such a powerful lie that even God’s people could be deceived by it if they’re not listening to God’s voice from His Word and from the Holy Spirit.

Verses 29-31 describe the scene as Jesus returns to earth – this time not as a baby who must grow up and learn, but as the victorious King, with all His power and glory.

Verses 32-35 promise those who witness these events should know with certainty that His return is very near.

Verses 36-51 tell us, however, that we cannot know the day or the hour when His return will come, so we must always be prepared for that moment.

What does it mean to be prepared? It means we must make His kingdom-work our priority rather than the things we want to do for ourselves. Our life here on earth is not given us to make ourselves rich or famous or even successful – it is given us to do His work as long as we are here. We serve a life that is future rather than here on this earth. In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 we read that what we do for ourselves is only temporary; it may not even last as long as we live here, and certainly will not enter eternity with us. If we want riches, we must lay up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).

*What is the greatest treasure you can store in Heaven while you are here on earth?