Shema Living During End Times (3)
And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age? (Matthew 24:3b)
The disciples’ second question that was asked of Jesus privately by some of the disciples moves into a new dimension…the prediction of when Jesus will appear at the end of time. This is a much different question than the disciples’ first question about the future happenings to the Temple. Most likely the disciples did not think there would be much time lapse between the two but, though the destruction of the Temple took place in AD 70, the time for Jesus’ second coming remains a moment yet to happen. (Morris)
What is actually meant in the disciples’ question? The key word to emphasize and define is “coming.”
Meaning of Parousia
In the New Testament language there are different words for our English word, “coming.” The word for “coming” Jesus says in verse 3 is parousia. Parousia, used twenty-four times in the New Testament, is primarily used to describe Jesus’ second coming. (2 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:9) Its meaning denotes not only one’s arrival but also the idea of continuous presence. The word “coming” is a noun employed to denote a royal visit is taking place. Therefore, it has been highlighted that to use the word “return” in reference Jesus’ end time appearance and eternal presence is not sufficient to fully and most accurately describe the King’s arrival. (Stine)
Moreover, Jesus’ parousia, understood through the verses in which the term is utilized, includes many end time moments: Jesus’ appearance in the heavens, the rapture of His Church, the defeat of the evil one and wickedness, judgment of the wicked, and His physical presence to establish His millennial rule on earth. This multiple event second coming is akin to how Jesus’ first coming is remembered and conceptualized. Jesus’ first advent was not only His birth but His incarnational growth before humankind and His Father, His baptism from John, entrance into public ministry, and His final days of crucifixion, burial, resurrection appearances, climaxing with His ascension back to the Father. In short, the pattern of a single coming with continuous movement and presence occurs over time. Jesus’ second arrival will reflect this same multi-faceted reality.
End of the Age
Jesus’ glorious appearance and physical presence marks the end of time as we presently know it. The phrase “end of the age” is unique to Matthew. Both Jesus’ coming and the end of the age share the definite article. (Nolland) Denoting the two events will be intertwined in the same moment. So, Jesus’ second coming signifies not just final judgment and destruction but the concluding consummation of this present age. Accompanying this moment is a sign, and it was sign the disciples had asked for. The sign is Jesus’ arrival… Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30) Thus, the direct only sign of Jesus’ coming is His actual arrival!
This truth is important to process and apply. Though there are various aspects that will be descriptive to benefit the watching disciple of when Jesus’ second and final appearance is nearing—deceit from false Christs, evangelization of the world, the “abomination of desolation”, and so forth (24:11, 14-15)—the only distinguishing mark and wonder of Jesus’ coming is Jesus’ coming. Therefore, where to place popular conversation about a restored temple and other curious topics of current events regarding Jesus’ arrival which receive a lot of discussion and wonder are not positioned in the text.
Application
1. Parousia Lifestyle: Living as a disciple of Christ Jesus allows one to experience parousia not only as an end times reality but as a way of life perspective. Yes, the ultimate appearance and on-going presence of King Jesus awaits but, in the meantime, to live daily with a mindset on Jesus’ arrival on a continual basis becomes a vital perspective to apply now. Each day our Lord gives us can be filled with parousia-like anticipation. How will the King manifest Himself to us individually and corporately today? This is a precious and powerful way to live. This allows our lives to be united with God, trusting He will come to live His life and purpose out not only before us but in and through us.
2. Current Events vs. Scripture: Though there is definite overlap in this discussion as Jesus’ second coming will indeed take place in real earth-time, an overly tilted focus on world events to predict when Christ will appear has shown to be at best, unfruitful and at worse, counterproductive to assisting believers to remain faithful to watch and pray. Each generation will encounter those contemporary events that are often feverishly worked to fit into the end times scenario. The reworking and reinterpreting of the same biblical passages into present events demonstrate how the forefathers may have missed the target. The point of Jesus’ teaching is not to guide one into predictions based on current events, but our Lord’s primary emphasis was to guide His followers to live faithfully and peacefully while in the midst of growing deceit, sufferings, and persecution. May we allow the speaking of the Scriptures to be our ultimate roadmap for end time knowing and living.
Our Father, thank You for coming the first time and the truth of Your expectant and awaited second advent. Enable us to be Your parousia-living disciples—watching and praying for your arrival and continuous, eternal presence with us. Provide us a heart and mind to more simply read, receive, and believe Your words. They are truth and life! Empower us to allow the template and pattern of Scripture be our Guide for Your witness and glory through our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
