MATTHEW 24:1-14
end time events. He can be deceived into thinking that certain cataclysmic events are infallible signs that the end is at hand
(v.6, 14). Such too often results...
g120 in wild guesses about the end time
g120 in universal predictions
g120 in the deceiving of others
g120 in discouragement of one’s faith when the end does not come
DEEPER STUDY # 1
(24:1-31) End Time: noting the exact words of Christ will help in understanding this passage.
1. Christ says, “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (v.8). The words “the beginning of sorrows” indicate that Chr-
ist is dealing with “the beginning” of a terrible period of trial for the believer ( “you,” v.9). He is not just referring to the
normal trials that occur upon earth or the regular persecutions that are launched against believers over the centuries (see
DEEPER STUDY #2—Mt.24:1-31). World trouble and persecutions against God’s people have always existed, even from the
beginning of time. The great sorrow He now speaks about refers to some terrible period which is so terrible that it can be said
to be the “the beginning of sorrows” or “woes,” a time which is to be distinguished from all other trouble the world and be-
lievers have suffered throughout history.
2. Christ says, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation stand in the holy place...then...flee...for then
shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world” (v.15-16, 21). There is no question about this
sign. It launches the worst period of tribulation the world has ever seen. This sign definitely points to a specific period of
human history. As to what the period should be called, it is probably best to simply use the words of Scripture and title it
“great tribulation” (v.21).
3. Now, note what Christ has said in the above verses.
“All these are the beginning of sorrows” (v.8).
“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation...stand in the holy
place...then...flee...for then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the
world” (v.15-16, 21).
Christ seems to be giving a list of signs, one of which is “the abomination of desolation.” In verses 5-14 He gives nine
signs, the ninth’s being world evangelism (v.14). He closes this ninth sign with the words, “Then shall the end come” (v.14).
But note in verse 15 how He seems to pick up the signs again, giving what seems to be the most visible and terrible sign for
which to watch. Note His words, reading verses 14, 15, and 21 together.
“...Then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation...stand in
the holy place...then...flee...for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of
the world” (v.14-16, 21).
Christ is saying there is a difference between the signs that precede “the abomination” and the unparalleled trials that fol-
low. When “the abomination of desolation” stands in the holy place, the trials that follow are much, much worse—
unparalleled in human history.
“The abomination of desolation” is the sign that launches the worst tribulations the world has ever known. Just when this
abomination will appear, Christ does not say. But His appearance is one of the ten signs Christ gives; and His appearance
will signal the worst devastation ever known by the world.
A chart diagramming Christ’s own words will perhaps help in understanding what He says.
1. His words are: “All these (signs) are the beginning of sorrows” (v.8).
2. “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation...then shall be great tribulation” (v.15, 21).
3. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days...all...shall see the Son of Man coming” (v.29-31).
THE END OF THE WORLD
Seeing the Sign of the
Abomination of Desolation Seeing the
In the Middle of the Time or Years Son of Man Coming
(v.15) (v.29-30)
Signs which are Unparalleled trials of “His angels...gather
“The beginning of “the great tribulation together His elect”
sorrows” (v.8). (v.21) (v.31)
Another way to express what Christ is saying in these chapters, which may be of help as we seek to understand His words,
is as follows.
1. Christ is asked two questions by the disciples: When shall the temple be destroyed, and what shall be the sign of thy
coming and of the end of the world?
2. Christ answers by giving nine signs (v.5-14). When He gives the ninth sign, world evangelism, He says, “And then
shall the end come” (v.14).
2
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