Matt. 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou
that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often
would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her
chickens under her wings, and ye
would not!
Matt. 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Matt. 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall
say, Blessed is he that cometh in the
name of the Lord.
I wanted to start with these verses since they show JesusÕ thoughts connecting His coming to the time when Israel accepts Him as Messiah. That will be at the end of the 70th week of Daniel, the period we know as the tribulation.
Matt. 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his
disciples came to him for to shew him
the buildings of the temple.
Matt. 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I
say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall
not be thrown down.
Matt. 24:3a And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the
disciples came unto him privately, saying,
Mark 13:1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto
him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
Mark 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great
buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be
thrown down.
Mark 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple,
Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
Luke 21:5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly
stones and gifts, he said,
Luke 21:6 As for these things
which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one
stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Jesus is talking to his disciples. At some point he sits down, and Mark
tells us that Peter, James, John, and Andrew go to Him privately with some
questions. They are admiring the
Temple and its surroundings. Jesus
tells them that the buildings (plural) of the temple (Matt &
Mark)—temple in general in Luke—will be destroyed to the extent
that not one stone will be left upon another. Note: This was
fulfilled in AD70 by the legions of Titus.
Matt. 24:3b Tell
us, when shall these things be? and what
shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Mark 13:4 Tell
us, when shall these things be? and what
shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
Luke 21:7 And
they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall
come to pass?
Matthew: Òthy comingÓ – 3952. parousiÖa parousia, par-oo-see«-ah;
a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish
Jerusalem, or finally the wicked);
ÒendÓ - 4930.
sunteleia, soon-tel«-i-ah; entire
completion, i.e. consummation (of a dispensation):—end.
ÒworldÓ - 165. aion, ahee-ohn«; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past);
by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or
future):—age, course, eternal, (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning
of the , while the) world (began, without end).
My first thought was why did the disciples link
together questions about JesusÕ return and the destruction of the temple. The word coming in Matt 24:3 gave some insight to that; it included the idea
of the return of Christ to punish Jerusalem and the wicked. Their questions were: 1) When was this destruction of the
temple going to happen? 2) What is
the sign that will indicate it is going to happen? 3) What will be the sign of Your coming? 4) What will be the sign of the end of
the world?
In considering the combined passages, it seems
that they were associating the destruction of the temple with ChristÕs coming
as King to judge the wicked and establish His Kingdom. I also think they would term the end of
the reign of evil with the end of the world/present age preceding the Kingdom. So I think they were basically asking
two questions as indicated in Mark and Luke.
I do think it is important to note that Jesus is
answering these Jewish believers relevant to their Jewish expectations as
founded on the scripture and from their time of instruction/discipleship spent
with the Savior. The things
emphasized by the three writers would be pertinent to the intended audience
(Jewish, Roman, Greek) and purpose for their writing.
(10/08) In reading through this again, I was
reminded of PaulÕs statement to the Corinthians.
1Cor. 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the
Greeks seek after wisdomÉ.
Matt. 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man
deceive you.
Matt. 24:5 For many shall come in my name,
saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name,
saying, I am Christ; and shall
deceive many.
Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not
deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
MML: Òtake heedÓ – Beware (with eyes wide open)
ÒdeceiveÓ - 4105.
planao, plan-ah«-o; to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or
virtue):—go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.
Jesus warns them not to be deceived;
they were to be aware, be discerning, because many will come claiming to
be
Mt
- Christ (the anointed One, the
Messiah)
Mk
& L – I am – ÒeimiÓ
(it is I); in other words--claiming to
be me
Even as He warns the disciples of the
false messiahs, Jesus also prepares them for the fact that these false messiahs
will be very convincing and will actually deceive many people.
Òthe time is nearÓ - I think the
reason Jesus tells them this is because we are susceptible to deception according
to our expectations. We are told
later on by Matthew (24:24) that some of these false Christs will do miracles that would deceive the very elect Òif that
were possible.Ó This definitely
implies that that is not possible, yet Jesus still considers it important to
warn them to Òtake heed.Ó
Why? So that they can
instruct others. To protect their
testimony. To guard their heavenly
rewards.
Matt. 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours
of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and
rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for
such things must needs be; but the end
shall not be yet.
Luke 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and
commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the
end is not by and by.
All three gospels state that they will
hear of wars.
MM: shall
hear of wars and rumors of wars
L: shall
hear of wars and commotions
ÒcommotionsÓ - 181. akatastasia,
ak-at-as-tah-see«-ah;
instability, i.e. disorder:—commotion, confusion, tumult.
I think the difference in wars and rumors of wars
is the same as the difference of reporting on a war in progress and reporting
on a possible war. Luke clarifies
the difference by stating that they will hear of actual wars and of
instability/tumult in various places.
All three gospels agree that the news of these
wars and unstable situations that could result in wars should not
trouble/terrify/scare/frighten the disciples (as representing the body of
believers). Why? Because they are necessary (must = dei
= necessary) to the fulfillment of GodÕs plan for planet earth.
Mt & Mk – end is not yet
L – end is not Òby and byÓ
Òby and byÓ - (eutheos, yoo-theh«-oce;
adverb; directly, i.e. at once or soon:—anon, as soon as, forthwith,
immediately, shortly, straightway.)
This phrase indicates that there is
more to come in addition to the wars and commotions.
Matt. 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and
earthquakes, in divers places.
Matt. 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places,
and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
Luke 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall
rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in
divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs
shall there be from heaven.
MML: Nation
vs. nation (ethnos – race),
kingdom (basileia – realm of
rule) vs. kingdom
In light of today and looking back on history, that is an interesting distinction to make. The wars and commotions will include fighting between the races as well as fighting between kingdoms, Òpeoples united under a common ruler/authority.Ó
10/05 Arnold Fruchtenbaum provided some interesting insight on the Jewish origin of Ònation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.Ó
ÒThis expression, found in Jewish sources such as the Bereshit Rabbah (written shortly after YeshuaÕs time) and, later, the Zohar Chadash—is a Hebrew idiom for a world war. What Jesus was saying, then, is that it would be a world war rather than merely a local war that would mark the beginning of the end of the age.Ó
Regarding World War I and II: ÒBoth wars had a decisive impact on Jewish history. The first gave impetus to the growth of the Zionist movement, and the Second World War led to the re-establishment of the Jewish State.Ó
Added to wars/commotions would
be:
Matthew and Mark clarify that these signs will only be the beginnings of sorrows.
ÒsorrowsÓ
- (odin, o-deen«; a pang or throe, especially of childbirth:—pain,
sorrow, travail.)
The point being made is that these
signs would indicate the onset of birth pangs; the onset of signs that would
culminate in His return and the end of the age—in their mind, the
establishment of ChristÕs kingdom.
Comparing the signs to childbirth indicates that they would eventually
increase in frequency and intensity as the time for fulfillment drew near.
ItÕs interesting to note how these
verses compare to seals 1-4 in chapter six of Revelation; this emphasizes that
the birth pains will find culmination in the judgment to come.
Rev. 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of
the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts
saying, Come and see.
Rev. 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse:
and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went
forth conquering, and to conquer.
(The Antichrist, the ultimate
False Christ)
Rev. 6:3 And when he had opened the second
seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
Rev. 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the
earth, and that they should kill one
another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Rev. 6:5 And when he had opened the third
seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black
horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
Rev. 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of
the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of
barley for a penny; and see thou hurt
not the oil and the wine. (represents
famine)
Rev. 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth
seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
Rev. 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale
horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And
power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of
the earth.
There is also an interesting
cross-reference in Ezekiel regarding GodÕs choice of particular judgments to
accomplish His purposes on planet earth:
Ezekiel 14:21 For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much
more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence to cut off from it man and
beast.
Matt. 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be
afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my
nameÕs sake.
Mark 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they
shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and
ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony
against them.
Luke 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and
persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into
prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my nameÕs sake.
Luke 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a
testimony.
ÒTake heed to yourselvesÓ(Mark) – This phrase indicates that the following statement had direct personal application to the disciples, but I donÕt discount the fact that it has further application to ÒfutureÓ believers (from the perspective of the disciples). (12/08) The language used makes specific reference to Jewish believers, which ties in perfectly with the fact that God has turned His focus back to the Jews in the 70th week.
Prophecy is full of types/examples and of near and far or partial and complete fulfillment or foreshadowing (or whatever terminology you want to use). There is a verse in the OT that sheds light on prophecy in this aspect:
Eccl. 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Òbefore all these thingsÓ – Before what? Even before the onset of these Òbirth pains.Ó
The somber message is that the disciples would be afflicted/beaten/persecuted, be put in prison and/or killed because of Jesus. History proves this to be true for the apostles, and has continued to be proven through the lives of believers throughout history. Revelation 2:10, which is part of the letter to the church of Smyrna, appears to have connection to these verses:
ÒFear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.Ó
This seems to tie directly to the judgment of the 5th seal in Revelation 6.
Rev. 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they heldÉ
As I remember that Matthew is written with a more direct address to the Jews, it makes the phrase Òye shall be hated of all nations for my nameÕs sakeÓ take on a more particular meaning. They would be hated just for being Jews, the chosen people of God. They would suffer at the hands of christian nations because they would be considered the ÒChrist killers.Ó
The word for councils indicated a tribunal, especially the Sanhedrin, as
suggested by the Greek, Òsunedrion.Ó
The synagogues were the buildings where the Jews gathered for
worship. This is a direct
reference to actions of Jews against other Jews. The Jewish nation as a whole rejected Jesus as the
Messiah. Those who chose/choose to
follow Jesus as the Son of God were/are considered heretics. Jewish believers would suffer at the
hands of their own people as well as those of the Gentiles.
Since Mark and Luke were addressed
predominantly to the Romans and Greeks, these writers emphasized being brought
before Òkings and rulersÓ—again Òfor my nameÕs sake.Ó
Mark and Luke include a statement of comfort or motivation or encouragement according to your perspective. The unjust treatment of the disciples/believers would result in a testimony/witness/evidence on behalf of the disciple/believer in determining rewards. This testimony would be used against the unjust religious/government leaders. The question becomes by whom and when they will be judged. I think the implied answer is Jesus; this is what He had taught the disciples.
John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment
unto the Son:
John 5:26-27 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the
Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment
also, because he is the Son of man.
Matt. 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and
shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
ÒoffendedÓ - 4624.
skandalizo, skan-dal-id«-zo; to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble
(transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):—(make to)
offend.
ÒbetrayÓ - 3860. paradidomi, par-ad-id«-o-mee; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust,
transmit:—betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over,
up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.
This is a verse that has application to Jewish and
Gentile believers regarding their friends and families. This verse seems to go hand in hand
with upcoming verses in Mark and Luke.
Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the
brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to
be put to death.
Mark 13:13a And ye shall be hated of all men for my nameÕs sake:
Luke 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by
parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
Luke 21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my nameÕs sake.
Sad to say, Jesus is one who divides friends and
families. This too, the Lord had
taught His disciples.
Matt. 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to
send peace, but a sword.
Matt. 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and
the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in
law.
Matt. 10:36 And a manÕs foes shall be
they of his own household.
Matt. 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:
and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matt. 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not
worthy of me.
Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be
published among all nations.
Matt.
24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached
in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
In light of the coming persecution, imprisonment
and death facing the disciples/believers, the Lord thought it important that
the disciples/believers understand that the gospel would reach ALL nations
before He returned as King. Their
persecution/death would not prevent others from hearing the gospel. These Jewish disciples knew that God
had chosen their nation through Abraham that ALL nations of the world might be
blessed.
Gen. 22:18 And in thy seed shall
all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my
voice.
The Gentile believers needed to
understand that GodÕs plan of salvation was purposed for ALL mankind. He does not take pleasure in the death
of the wicked.
Ezek.
33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no
pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and
liveÉ.
God is not going to depend upon man to accomplish
this task, even though that is His commission to each of us as believers. The apostle John confirms this truth
for us:
Rev. 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.
The gospel is the good news of GodÕs provision for
our salvation, and it is everlasting.
There is not one gospel for some and another gospel for others. The good news of the gospel is that our
salvation is dependent upon God through faith. Paul tells us in Romans that we are all without excuse
because God has revealed Himself to each of us. It is our response in faith to that revelation that will
determine our eternity.
Rom. 1:16-21 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power
of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also
to the Greek. For therein is the
righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just
shall live by faith. For the wrath
of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of
God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed
it unto them. For the
invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made, even
his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they
glorified him not as God, neither
were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened.
Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no
thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but
whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye
that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Luke 21:14 Settle it therefore in
your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
Luke 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and
wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Both Mark and Luke continue regarding
the time the disciples/believers are delivered up to the spiritual and
governmental authorities because of their faith in Jesus. ItÕs a when statement, not an if statement.
Jesus is telling the disciples/believers not to plan in advance how to answer their accusers. They are to trust Jesus/God to put the words in their mouth through the ministry of the Holy Ghost. That way they will be assured of sharing the truth that God wants to share with their accusers at that time. GodÕs answer through them will not be able to be denied/contradicted or resisted (stand against, oppose). This is a statement of promise for provision when it is needed.
Notice that Jesus is identifying Himself with the Holy Ghost when you compare the accounts. It also jumps out to me that in LukeÕs account it stands out that Jesus is emphasizing that He will not be present with them physically when this happens, but He will personally be ministering to them through the Spirit according to their need.
Matt. 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
This statement goes hand in hand with verse 5. Just as surely as there will be false Christs, there will also be false prophets. I thought the Greek for prophet was interesting; it indicated a Òpretended foreteller or religious impostor.Ó Webster defines an impostor as ÒOne who imposes upon others; a person who assumes a character or title not his own, for the purpose of deception; a pretender.Ó We are so quick to identify the prophet with the foreteller, but the term also identifies one who is supposed to be a forthteller of the truth.
Matt. 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound,
the love of many shall wax cold.
ÒiniquityÓ - 458. anomia, an-om-ee«-ah; illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case)
wickedness:—iniquity, x transgress(-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.
Iniquity is the transgression of the
law, and in the minds of these disciples, there was no question as to the law
being referenced; it is GodÕs law.
GodÕs law was given for manÕs benefit. It was intended to keep our focus on God; and as John tells
us, God is love.
1John 4:8 He that loveth not
knoweth not God; for God is love.
1John
4:16 And we have known and
believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in
love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
When GodÕs law is ignored, then
wickedness and unrighteousness become more prevalent. That in turn pulls us away from the source of love. Love produces warmth and comfort and
righteousness. The lack of love
makes one cold, without feeling, hurtful, and unrighteous.
In trying to understand why the Lord
stated the things in the order He did, I realized that one of the reasons the
disciples/believers would be persecuted and killed would be because of the
teachings of false Christs and false prophets. These religious impostors are always going to lead one away
from the truth of GodÕs word. The
further we get from God and His word, iniquity becomes more prevalent, and the
more love vanishes from our way of life.
As current events show (as of 4/05), this also results in a lessening of
the value placed on human life.
Luke 21:18 But there shall not an hair of your
head perish.
After telling the disciples/believers that some would be faced with execution, the Lord encouraged them to look beyond this life. Obviously, this is referencing other than physical death. This is referencing our resurrected body that will live for eternity. Our life here is but a vapor. In comparison, our life in eternity will be an everflowing river.
James
4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
This also reminds me of scripture that states that
God knows the number of hairs on our head.
Matt.
10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Luke 12:7
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye
are of more value than many sparrows.
Matt. 24:13 & Mark 13:13b But he that
shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Luke 21:19 goes hand in hand with the thought in the above verses —ÒIn your patience possess ye your
souls.Ó
The word for patience and endure is
the same in the Greek. Salvation
and possession of your soul are synonymous.
ÒendureÓ - 5278. hupomeno, hoop-om-en«-o; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively,
to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere:—abide, endure,
(take) patient(-ly), suffer, tarry behind.
ÒsavedÓ - 4982. sozo, sode«-zo; to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or
figuratively):—heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
ÒpossessÓ - 2932. ktaÀomai
ktaomai, ktah«-om-ahee; to get,
i.e. acquire (by any means; own):—obtain, possess, provide, purchase.
John makes it clear that endurance/perseverance is
evidence that we are part of the family of God.
1John
2:19 They went out from us,
but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made
manifest that they were not all of us.
When reading the next section of
verses in each gospel, it seems to me that the same event is being
referenced. This tells me that the
abomination of desolation and the surrounding of Jerusalem are happening in a
close timeframe to one another. It
would appear that the surrounding of Jerusalem comes first according to Luke.
(12/08) My understanding has clarified
to the point of rewording and reordering the following sections referencing
Luke 21:20-24, Matthew 24:15-28, and Mark 13:14-23. It now seems clear to me that LukeÕs account is referencing
the attack of Titus and his legions, while Matthew and Mark are referencing the
actions of the Antichrist during the tribulation. For that reason, I will comment on LukeÕs account first.
ItÕs very interesting that the Holy
Spirit can use the same teaching to make distinct application to two different
time periods. I allowed that to
stumble my understanding for a long time.
The biggest pitfall in my study of prophecy still continues to be
previous teaching that seems to cloud my understanding until I allow the Lord
to open my eyes a bit more. Then I
began to realize that all scripture was inspired for specific purpose, and that
the writers often did not even fully understand their
inspiration—especially in the area of prophecy. ItÕs also very probable that LukeÕs account has further
application as a ÒtypeÓ of the events that would occur in the tribulation as
recorded in Matthew and Mark.
I am also reminded of the words of
Daniel, and I think an excerpt from that journal is appropriate here.
Dan. 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the
words, and seal the book, even to the
time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
After writing the Revelation, John was
instructed not to seal the book. Why? Because the time was at
hand. It was relevant to the people at that time.
Rev. 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this
book: for the time is at hand.
Daniel, however, is told to seal the
book. Why? Because the time was not at hand; it would apply to a
people in the distant future. The words for shut up and sealed
indicate to close it and keep it hidden; this seems to be implying keep it
safe, preserve it. The message of Daniel was not meant to remain sealed;
it was only to be sealed until the time of the end. Personally, I think
Òthe time of the endÓ references all time after the death and resurrection of
Jesus—after the end of the 69th week.
I usually hear the last part of this
verse used to reference modern transportation and the huge advances in our
knowledge of science and technology, and I donÕt think you can say that is
wrong since the reality of our day and age reflects the truth of it. I
also believe it has a direct reference to the increased interest in Òend timesÓ
and the ability to understand GodÕs plan since the ÒRevelationÓ given to John
on the Isle of Patmos.
I was reading recently (early 2004) in
Amos, and thought that a couple of verses applied here:
Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine
in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the
words of the LORD:
Amos 8:12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to
the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not
find it.
This is talking of a time when men will run to and fro and not be
able to find understanding in the word of God. Daniel is speaking of a
time when men will be running to and fro and knowledge shall be
increased—they will find understanding of the word of God.
I need to go back and revise my wording in Daniel, because I firmly
believe that the search for spiritual truth that will result in spiritual
understanding is the primary point being made.
Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem
compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Luke 21:21&23a Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let
them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the
countries enter thereintoÉ.But woe unto them that are with child, and to them
that give suck, in those days!
The danger is imminent and the
response should be immediate and without hesitation. No thought should be given to material possessions. Obviously, being with child would slow
a person down and winter weather can make travel more hazardous. LukeÕs warning should remind Jewish
believers that they should remember at that time that the law was made for
manÕs benefit, as David did when he and his men took the shewbread from the
temple to eat because they were hungry (an example Jesus used in teaching this
truth). (CF Matthew 12, Mark 2,
Luke 6)
Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man
for the sabbath:
Luke also includes a warning for those
Jews/believers in other countries not to come to Israel at this time.
Luke 21:22 For these be the days of vengeance,
that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
ÒvengeanceÓ = vindication,
retribution, revenge, punishment
My first thought was to look up passages from the Old Testament that talk about vengeance that the Lord has promised. Scripture is clear that vengeance and recompense are GodÕs prerogative and is reserved for GodÕs enemies. God also declares that He will avenge/vindicate the blood of His servants.
Deut.
32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence;
Deut.
32:41 If I whet my glittering
sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine
enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
Deut.
32:43 Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the
blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries,
Nah.
1:2 God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance
on his adversaries, and he reserveth
wrath for his enemies.
I believe the vengeance spoken of by
Luke is a reference to the declaration of Jesus in Matthew 23:35-36.
Matt. 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood
shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of
Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things
shall come upon this generation.
I think it is also important to note
as we read the gospels, that Jesus is always emphasizing that the fulfillment
of prophecy is important to God.
It is a unique proof of His truth and deity.
Is. 42:8-9 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give
to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things
do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
Is. 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none
else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end
from the beginning, and from ancient times
the things that are not yet done,
saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
John 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye
may believe that I am he.
John 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is
come to pass, ye might believe.
Luke 21:23b É.for there shall be great
distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of
the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall
be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
These verses emphasize that the distress and wrath being mentioned here are referencing the land of Israel and the Jews in particular. I believe this is a direct reference to the events that occurred after Titus and his legions destroyed Jerusalem in 70AD. Since that time, Jerusalem has been Òtrodden down by the Gentiles.Ó Although many Jews have returned to Israel since it became a nation in 1948, it is a small percentage compared to the whole. The times of the Gentiles wonÕt be fulfilled until Antichrist is defeated and Christ returns to reestablish the throne of David. Some posit that the times of the Gentiles were over once Israel regained the Temple Mount in the 1967 Six-Day War; but the truth is that Israel ceded the Muslims control of the Mount, and they maintain that control to this day.
Matt. 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the
abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy
place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Mark 13:14a But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by
Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth
understand,)
Matthew and Mark make it clear in
their accounts that Jesus is referencing a specific prophecy made by Daniel--Dan. 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh
desolate set up, there shall be a
thousand two hundred and ninety days.
ÒabominationÓ
- 946. bdeÖlugma bdelugma, bdel«-oog-mah;
from 948; a detestation, i.e. (specially) idolatry:—abomination.
Even though we know that Antiochus
Epiphanes seemed to fulfill this prophecy in history when he offered a pig on
the altar in the temple to Zeus, Jesus is making the point that this prophecy
was yet to be fulfilled (as was the case with many
prophecies—foreshadowing and fulfillment); it was future to the time that
Jesus was speaking. This would be
a desecration of the temple, which means that there will be a functioning
temple prior to the occurrence of the event being referenced. This abomination would be a thing or
person standing where it ought
not—that would seem to reference something like an idol. ÒThe holy placeÓ and Òwhere it ought
notÓ could reference any part of the temple, the whole of which is considered
holy, but more likely refers to the inner sanctum, the holy of holies. There is no indication in history that
such an abomination was perpetrated when Titus and his armies came through in
70AD; they were intent on total destruction.
Paul makes it fairly clear in his
second letter to the Thessalonians what this abomination will be.
2Th. 2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for
that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that
man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th. 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God,
or that is worshipped; so that he as God
sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
ItÕs interesting that the Spirit
inspired Matthew and Mark to include a special note to those reading this passage. Obviously, the gospel narratives were
intended to be read by others. It
also indicates to me that they were aware they might not be around at the time
this event occurred. The word for readeth was quite interesting.
ajnaginwÀskw anaginosko, an-ag-in-oce«-ko; to know again, i.e. (by extension) to
read:
This implies that this message should
serve as a reminder of something of which you already have knowledge. The word for understand means to exercise the mind in order to comprehend. The statement implies that one should
be able to comprehend and take action when the event comes about.
Matt. 24:16-20 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him
which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe
unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But
pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mark 13:14b-18 then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop
not go down into the house, neither enter
therein, to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the
field not turn back again for to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give
suck in those days! And pray ye
that your flight be not in the winter.
This part of the message is directed
mainly to the Jewish people, but I think would be pertinent to all believers in
the area. The immediate danger is
to those in Judea, a reference to the southernmost part of Israel. This would make sense, since the signs
to flee are:
1)
armies
surrounding Jerusalem
2)
the
abomination of desolation in the temple in Jerusalem.
As in the passage in Luke, the danger
is imminent and the response should be immediate and without hesitation. No thought should be given to material
possessions. Obviously, being with
child would slow a person down and winter weather can make travel more
hazardous. Again, itÕs Matthew who
makes the obvious inclusion to his targeted audience regarding the hardship of
having to flee on the Sabbath. It
would do them well to remember at that time that the law was made for manÕs
benefit, as David did when he and his men took the shewbread from the temple to
eat because they were hungry (an example Jesus used in teaching this
truth). (CF Matthew 12, Mark 2,
Luke 6)
Mark
2:27 And he said
unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
Matt. 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation,
such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever
shall be.
Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the
beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
ÒThenÓ and Òin those daysÓ = the time of the desecration of
the temple.
Notice again that it is not just one
day, but days, which is an indefinite period of time. My study of prophecy indicates that this will happen at the
midpoint of the 70th week and is describing the beginning of the
time we call the great tribulation,
the last half of the 70th week.
Rev. 12:6 And the woman fled into the
wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her
there a thousand two hundred and
threescore days.
Rev. 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.
Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down
unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Rev. 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was
cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
Rev. 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings
of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where
she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the
serpent.
The prophet Daniel pinpoints the
timing of the breaking of the covenant and the beginning of trouble for
Israel—the middle of the week, after the first 3.5 years.
Dan. 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant
with many for one week: and in the midst
of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the
overspreading of abominations he shall make it
desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured
upon the desolate.
The Greek is the same for the words
ÒtribulationÓ (Matt) and ÒafflictionÓ (Mark).
The wording in both Matthew and Mark
describe this time of tribulation as a time that we have to consider as
future. It is described as the
worst time of tribulation that will ever impact planet earth. This cannot be said of the destruction
caused by Titus and his armies in 70AD.
These verses echo the prophecy given
to Daniel: "There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since
there was a nation even to that same time" (12:1).
Matt. 24:22 And except those days should be
shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the electÕs sake those days
shall be shortened.
Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had
shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the electÕs sake, whom
he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
ÒshortenedÓ = koloboo, kol-ob-o«-o; from a derivative of the base of 2849; to dock, i.e. (figuratively) abridge:—shorten. 2849. (dwarf); properly, to curtail, i.e. (figuratively) to chastise (or reserve for infliction):—punish.
As I meditated on the word shortened, I came to the conclusion that it means to curtail—that it references a time reserved for infliction. In other words, if God in His omniscience had not determined the specific timeframe with a predetermined end point, the result would have been the elimination of ÒfleshÓ on planet earth. This has not really been a possibility until more recent times with the advent of nuclear technology and the development of biological and chemical warfare.
God is specifically safeguarding the existence of the remnant of Israel, his chosen people, Òthe electÓ; but I think it also references the whole body of believers on earth at that time, those who were saved as a result of the preaching and testimony of the two prophets/witnesses and the 144,000 Jewish witnesses sealed at the beginning of that period of time. (cf Revelation 7) (Revised 10/08)
ÒelectÓ - 1588. eklektos, ek-lek-tos«; select; by implication, favorite:—chosen, elect.
Matt. 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you,
Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Matt. 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and
shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.