I.             Introduction

Last time I taught, we covered the first half of Matthew 24, verses 1-34.  Jesus gave His disciples signs of the end times – deceptions, wars, famines, earthquakes, and the abomination of desolation. We discussed that these were likely warnings to Israel and the signs indicated the Second Coming of Jesus.  The signs Jesus spoke of serve as warnings, urging understanding and recognition of the times we are living in or that will come.

Today, we will address the latter part of Matthew 24, starting with the Parable of the Fig Tree and moving through Jesus’ teachings on the necessity of vigilance and readiness.  Jesus’ parables address the importance of being spiritually prepared and ethically engaged, and how we should live daily in light of Christ’s eventual return.

Our outline today is:

• The Parable of the Fig Tree (Matthew 24:32-35)
• The Unknown Day and Hour (Matthew 24:36-44)
• The Parable of the Faithful Servant (Matthew 24:45-51)

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Our goal is to understand these scriptures and examine how to integrate these lessons into our lives so our faith is always ready and active, ensuring that we are the ‘faithful and wise servants’ who are prepared at any moment for our Lord’s return.

II. The Parable of the Fig Tree (Matthew 24:32-35)

Matthew 24:32-35:

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.  Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.  Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

1. Symbolism of the Fig Tree

The fig tree often symbolizes Israel in biblical literature. For example:

Hosea 9:10: “When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.”

Joel 1:7: “It has laid waste my vines and ruined my fig trees.”

Jeremiah 24:1-2: Jeremiah’s vision of the two baskets of figs, one good and one bad, representing the people of Judah.

Micah 7:1: “What misery is mine! I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster of grapes to eat, none of the early figs that I crave.”

Matthew 21:18-19: Jesus curses a barren fig tree, symbolizing unfruitful Israel.

The emergence of leaves on the fig tree signals the approach of summer, analogous to the signs of the end times indicating the nearness of God’s kingdom. This natural process highlights the inevitability and visibility of the prophetic signs Jesus has detailed.

1. Understanding the Signs

Jesus teaches the importance of recognizing the signs of the times. Just as the budding of a fig tree signals summer, the events Jesus described—wars, deceptions, natural disasters, and cosmic disturbances—serve as clear indicators that the end is imminent. This emphasizes the necessity for vigilance and awareness among His followers.

1. Assurance of Fulfillment

The statement “this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened” suggests urgency and the immediacy of these events. Many interpret “this generation” as the generation of Jews who will witness these signs, underscoring the proximity of Jesus’ return and the fulfillment of His prophecies.

1. Theological and Eschatological Implications

The parable affirms the certainty of prophetic fulfillment and highlights the enduring truth of Christ’s words. It serves as both a warning and reassurance, urging believers to prepare and align their lives with the anticipation of these prophetic events.

I went to my favorite sources for biblical insight – Wiersbe, Constable, and Ryrie – all draw a distinction between Israel and the Church, and this parable of the fig tree is meant for Israel, but at the same time, it has implications for us in the church.  We should always be ready, obedient, and in active service to our Savior until His return.

 Discussion Question: When do you think these events will occur?

III. The Unknown Day and Hour (Matthew 24:36-44)

Matthew 24:36-39:

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

1. The Uncertainty of the Time

Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the exact day or hour of His return, not even the angels or Himself, but only the Father. This unpredictability necessitates constant vigilance. The comparison to the days of Noah highlights the suddenness of His coming and the normalcy of life until that moment. People were going about their daily lives, unaware of the impending flood, which serves as a parallel to how people will be caught off guard by Christ’s return.

Discussion Question: How does the unpredictability of the timing affect our daily lives and spiritual readiness?

When Jesus spoke these words, He admitted that even He did not know the exact day or hour of His return. At that time, this knowledge was reserved for the Father alone. However, after His resurrection and ascension, Revelation tells us that all knowledge has been given to Him (Revelation 5:12). So today, Jesus does know the timing of His return.  Understanding context helps us grasp the full picture of Jesus’ teaching and His current role in the divine plan.  It’s important to approach Scripture with an awareness of the context in which it was given.  Like any good realtor will tell you, “location, location, location.”  Or “context, context, context.”

Here’s a good example of taking scripture out of context:

Matthew 27:5b: “[Judas] went away and hanged himself.”

Luke 10:37b: “Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”

It is crucial to consider context to understand the true meaning of Scripture.

1. Readiness and Vigilance

Matthew 24:40-41:

“Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.”

In this passage, Jesus describes a scene of sudden separation. The key word here is “taken,” translated from the Greek word “paralambanō” (παραλαμβάνω).

1. Understanding “Paralambanō”:

The Greek Translation of the term “paralambanō” means “to take to oneself, to take along, to receive.” It often implies a positive reception or an act of bringing someone into closer relationship. This word is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe Jesus taking Peter, James, and John with Him to the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1) and to Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37).

1. Comparison with “Harpazō”:

Another Greek word often translated as “taken” in the context of the Rapture is “harpazō” (ἁρπάζω), meaning “to seize, to snatch away, to carry off by force.” This word conveys a sense of sudden and forceful action.  “Harpazō” is used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 to describe believers being “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air during the Rapture: “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up (harpazō) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”

The use of “paralambanō” in this context may suggest a more relational aspect, indicating being taken by the Lord in a personal and direct manner. It reflects the sudden and selective nature of Christ’s intervention.

The use of “harpazō” for the rapture emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the Rapture, where believers are quickly snatched away from the earth to meet Christ.  We get the work “harpoon” from this word. We will meet Christ in the air when he harpoons us.

Discussion Question: How does understanding the different Greek terms for “taken” enhance our comprehension of Jesus’ teachings about His return and the Rapture?

Matthew 24:42-44:

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Vigilance and Readiness: Jesus underscores the importance of constant vigilance and readiness. He uses the analogy of a homeowner and a thief to illustrate the unexpected nature of His return. The uncertainty of the timing means that believers must always be prepared, living in a state of spiritual readiness.

By examining the specific Greek terms used in these passages, we gain a deeper understanding of the nuances in Jesus’ teachings. “Paralambanō” and “harpazō” both convey the act of being taken but with different emphases that reflect the broader theological themes of Jesus’ return and the Rapture.

IV. The Parable of the Faithful Servant (Matthew 24:45-51)

Matthew 24:45-51:

“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

1. Analysis of Faithfulness vs. Negligence

Jesus contrasts the faithful servant with the wicked servant. The faithful servant is diligent and responsible, carrying out his duties even in the master’s absence. In contrast, the wicked servant exploits his position, assuming the master’s delay justifies his misconduct.

1. Greek Insight: “Gregoreuo” (γρηγορέω)

The term “Gregoreuo,” meaning to watch or be vigilant, underscores the continual state of readiness required of believers. This vigilance is not passive but involves active and faithful service.

1. Consequences and Rewards

The faithful servant is rewarded for his diligence, being put in charge of all the master’s possessions. Conversely, the wicked servant faces severe punishment, illustrating the high stakes of spiritual readiness and ethical conduct.

Discussion Question: What characteristics define the “faithful and wise servant”? How can we cultivate these traits in our own lives?

 V. Conclusion (35:01-40:00)

Let’s recap what we’ve learned from Matthew 24:32-51.  Last time I taught, we delved into the signs of the end times that Jesus discussed with His disciples, covering deceptions, wars, famines, earthquakes, and the abomination of desolation. We learned that these signs serve as warnings, urging us to be aware of the times we are living in or that are yet to come.

Today, we explored how to respond to these signs and teachings, focusing on the latter part of Matthew 24. We began with the Parable of the Fig Tree, which taught us about recognizing and interpreting spiritual and prophetic signs. We discussed the importance of understanding these signs in the context of Israel and their prophetic significance.

1. The Parable of the Fig Tree (Matthew 24:32-35):

   – Symbolism: The fig tree often symbolizes Israel in biblical literature. This parable teaches us to recognize the signs of the times just as we recognize the signs of seasons. Key verses that illustrate the fig tree as a symbol for Israel include Hosea 9:10, Joel 1:7, Jeremiah 24:1-2, Micah 7:1, and Matthew 21:18-20.

   – Understanding the Signs: Jesus emphasizes the importance of being aware and vigilant. The events He described serve as indicators that the end is near.

   – Assurance of Fulfillment: Jesus assures us that “this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.” This likely refers to the generation alive during the end times, highlighting the urgency and immediacy of His message.

   – Theological and Eschatological Implications: This parable reinforces the certainty of prophetic fulfillment and the enduring truth of Jesus’ words.

2. The Unknown Day and Hour (Matthew 24:36-44):

   – Uncertainty of the Time: Jesus teaches that no one knows the day or hour of His return, drawing parallels with the days of Noah to emphasize the suddenness and normalcy of life until His coming.  This uncertainty should prompt us to live in a state of constant readiness, always prepared for His return.

3. The Parable of the Faithful Servant (Matthew 24:45-51):

   – Faithfulness vs. Negligence: This parable contrasts the faithful servant who is always ready for the master’s return with the wicked servant who is caught unprepared. The faithful servant is vigilant and responsible, while the wicked servant is negligent and abusive.

Application and Reflection:

The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 24 call us to be vigilant, prepared, and faithful. We are reminded that the timing of His return is unknown, but the signs are clear. By recognizing these signs and living in a state of readiness, we align ourselves with His teachings and remain steadfast in our faith.

Encouragement for Daily Living:

Christians should be like the faithful servant, always ready for our Lord’s return, and encourage one another to stay vigilant and prepared. Our faithfulness today will ensure that we are ready when He comes.

To God be the glory, Amen.