"great suffering" (Matthew 24:1-31)

This post reflects my thinking in preparation for an upcoming lesson at the Bible school on eschatology, or "last things." A pastor friend here recently told me that "Israel is our clock." In other words, according to him, events that occur within the present-day nation of Israel hasten the day and hour of Jesus' coming again. Through a close study of such texts as Matthew 24:1-31, however, I hope to switch the emphasis--as I believe Jesus did--from the "when" in his disciples' original question to the "what": not "when" will these things be but "what" is the sign. Even that "what", however, was not what the disciples--still enamored of the temple (v. 1) and expectant of a messiah who would "suddenly come to his temple", increasing its splendor (Mal. 3:1; Hag. 2:9)--expected.

"When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?"
(Mt. 24:3)

So the disciples asked Jesus.

Earlier he had told the scribes and Pharisees that "a wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign" (Mt. 12:38-39).

Now his disciples ask for a sign.

Jesus, in his response, speaks of wars and rumors of wars, famine, earthquakes. He speaks of betrayal and the love of many growing cold (vv. 6, 7, 10, 12).

He also warns of false prophets and false christs (v. 11, 24).

It is his discussion around these false prophets that introduces the key words in the text.

First, the false prophets are those who "produce great signs" (v. 24). That is, the false prophets are those who produce the very thing that the disciples ask Jesus to give them.

Second, the false prophets perform their signs with the intent of "leading astray, if possible, even the elect" (v. 24). That is, those who have asked Jesus for a sign are themselves vulnerable to the deceitful signs of false prophets.

Third, as opposed to the false prophets who produce great signs, the disciples will experience great suffering, "such as has not been since the beginning of the world and never will be again" (v. 21). That is, just as the suffering of the Son of Man who, like Jonah in the belly of the sea monster, will be in the earth three days and nights, so the only sign given to the disciples is their inevitable suffering (Mt. 12:39-40).

Their great suffering (Greek: thlipsis, vv. 9, 21, 29) is not, however, pointless; it is for the sake of righteousness; it is the sign of blessedness (Mt. 5:10-11). In fact, "the one who perseveres to the end will be saved" (v. 13).

The disciples will be handed over to suffering and they will be killed, but for their sake--"for the sake of the elect"--"those days will be cut short" (v. 22). Moreover, just "after the suffering of those days," after "the sign of the Son of Man has appeared in heaven", "he will send out his angels to gather his elect" (vv. 29-31).

Though suffering is their lot, their mark, their sign, the Son of Man is coming for his own. "And remember," he says, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Mt. 28:20).

"Let the reader understand" (v. 15) what then is the cost--and the hope--of discipleship.

-Joe