Shema Living During End Times (2)
Watch & Pray #2: The Disciples’ First Question & Jesus’ More Immediate FulfilledProphecy
As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? (Matthew 24:3a)
It was always an exciting time…leaving on family vacation. Though they did not happen often the joy of packing and heading to a new and different place was a great time of anticipation. Well, for a while it was joyful…then the 15-minute trip became 30 minutes, and we are still not there. Then, and it is terribly amazing how this happens…the car gets smaller. Yet, riding in one vehicle with your entire family can do that. The growing need to know when we would arrive and be able to get out of such claustrophobic surroundings became overwhelming…yes, even excruciating!
Maybe not the same exact feelings but wanting to know God’s end times timetable of when Jesus is coming back can have its excruciating moments as well. When curiosity builds from hearing sermons, listening to podcasts, and reading books on the subject can be both enriching and emptying. Truly, wanting to know more and understand better the truth of the eschatological aspect of God’s plan can be both a joy and a tiresome and unending search of “when?”
In bringing forward from Watch & Pray #1, we underscore again, Jesus spoke of end time events and revealed He is indeed a true Prophet. Returning to the opening verses of Matthew 24 we return to Jesus’ response of “not one stone left upon another” (v. 2) to the disciples’ comment about the Temple. Jesus’ response would have totally shocked the disciples. Later, once they regain their thoughts, some of the disciples approach Jesus and ask Him two questions. The first question is the focal point of this lesson.
As mentioned in the initial reading, the first of the two questions denotes the disciples concern for the well-being Temple and “these things.” The Temple was the glory of God’s people. It was the house of the Lord. His presence and the place of worship. To envision a time that the Temple would be completely destroyed would have been terribly upsetting for any first-century Jew.
Clearly, and without much scholarly debate or question, Jesus’ reference of these future results was indeed undertaken and accomplished. In AD 70 Roman soldiers under General Titus, son of the reigning Caesar Vespasian raided and burned down the Temple. History records, each and every stone was turned over in order for the soldiers to gather as much of the melted gold as possible.
Thus, the fulfillment of the prophecy in the first century occurred when most of the disciples who first heard Jesus declare the Temple’s demise would still be alive. Thus, the memory provided another testimony to boost their trust in what Jesus said was always true and would always happen. Moreover, Jesus’ Temple prophecy fully harmonized with Old Testament warnings like in Jeremiah: “Stop putting your confidence in the false belief that says, “We are safe! The temple of the LORD is here! The temple of the LORD is here! The temple of the LORD is here!” (Jeremiah 7:4)
It is perhaps that memory which galvanized Matthew to write of this moment of leaving the Temple and Jesus’ response. In fact, some scholars believe Matthew may be writing this gospel account after AD 70 and thus following the Roman demolition and desecration of the Temple. (Keener, Craig S. Matthew. IVP New Testament Commentary, 1997.) So, as Matthew had originally heard it from his Lord’s lips forty years prior, it has now become his assigned task to announce Jesus’ prophecy, that was initially shared in private (v. 3), had come to fruition.
Though Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ second question still awaits an answer in earth-time, the importance of this first question and its same-century fulfillment cannot be underestimated. Forty years have gone by since Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Yet, His life and words still resonant truth, prophetic truth, and its fulfillment. What a “Yes!” it would have been for Jesus’ followers! Though the complete destruction of the Temple would have been devastating to watch, to know that their Lord had spoken of its occurrence with such concise, vivid detail was powerful. Jesus’ accurate portrayal gave great opportunity for Matthew and the other disciples to have additional “fuel” to teach and bear witness that their living Lord is indeed, the Messiah.
In closing, a few application thoughts: first, do not overlook that the disciples’ conversation with Jesus happened, “privately.” (v. 3) This detail is not a minute one. In the Gospel of Mark, the intimacy of the conversation was even smaller as he communicates it was only the two sets of brothers—Peter, John, James, and Andrew—who had come to ask Jesus (Mark 13:3) This is a wise example to follow when discussing and processing the end times. To have a select group of people who are filled with wisdom and guided by the Holy Spirit is crucial so you can discuss end time teachings can be a great asset. At the same time, this topic may need one-on-one conversations with the Lord Himself. Though having trusted teachers and mentors can be helpful, at other times not consulting with “flesh and blood” at all may be the best course of wisdom. (Matthew 16:17; Galatians 1:12) For one to hear clearly and meditate thoroughly in order to gain not only knowledge but how to live watching and praying on Jesus’ victorious appearance unhurried time alone with God may be required.
Second, remembering what God has spoken to us in the past is vital to keep in mind. Though maybe said years ago, the truth and promise of it coming to pass is sure. This was Matthew’s experience in writing chapter 24. We, too, must remain faithful to the One who is faithful to watch Him complete what He spoken to us through His Word, by His Spirit, and in prayer. I think we would agree there are a lot of voices and opinions out there. Remaining true to the Voice and allowing His voice to be the strongest is a vital necessity.
Finally, third, an end-time focus of when… “when will these things happen?” dominates the topic. This aspect of time and knowing the “when” greatly interested Jesus’ first century disciples and still controls and influences thoughts of many today concerning Jesus’ second coming. Again, the emphasis of remaining closely connected to what our Father has shared to guide our walk of discipleship with Him is key. It is paramount that God’s Word is our fundamental need concerning end times watching and understanding. For so many, Scripture has been replaced with too strong of an interest, curiosity, and authority on current events. This has happened in many, if not every, previous generation. Though Jesus’ second coming will truly become an earth reality one day for a specific generation, staying close to walking faithfully and not being tripped up by the daily news and social media requires absolute love and devotion to the Person and what He has spoken until He appears.
Our Father, though we will not ever have the full answer to when you are coming back, we can become move fully in love and wonderfully related to the One with each passing day with the One who is going be present again in Your created world. May our love for You and devotion to You as the Author of Your Word be the resolute place of our watching and praying until you come again. In Jesus’ name, amen.
