6. Faithfulness in light of the end (24:1-25:46)

Ch. 23 ended with a reference to the destruction of the temple (23:38) and to the second coming of Christ (v.39). These two themes are taken up and expanded in chs. 24-25.

Jesus' prediction regarding the destruction of the temple (24:1-2) leads to two questions from the disciples in 24:3. The disciples wish to know (1) When will the temple be destroyed? and (2) What will be the sign that the Son of Man is about to return? In his response Jesus does not dwell on these questions but rather focuses on a related and more practical concern: In light of the second coming of Christ, how ought persons to live?

Mt 24:4-44 provides four answers to this question. First, disciples must take every precaution that they not be deceived by false Christs who will appear (vv.4, 5, 11, 24). Jesus predicts that persecutions and catastrophes will occur throughout the remainder of history (vv.5-14) and will be especially oppressive at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem (vv.15-28; Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in a.d. 70). Such events will spawn false prophets (v.11) who will declare themselves to be the returning Christ. Jesus warns his disciples beforehand that such persons are mere pretenders, for when Jesus returns it will be with unmistakable glory and majesty (vv.27-31).

Second, followers of Jesus must not be alarmed at tribulations, wars, and disasters (24:4-14). These are simply part of ongoing history and in themselves do not indicate that the end is near.

Third, disciples are to remain faithful to Christ in the midst of tribulations and persecutions, knowing that only those who endure will receive eternal salvation when Christ returns (24:9-14).

Fourth, disciples must be sure they are ready at all times for Christ’s return. They should realize that Christ may return at any moment, and therefore they should live constantly as though they expect him to return immediately. This is what Jesus means by watch (24:42). Such watching is essential, because no one knows when Jesus will come again for judgment (24:36-44).

Jesus expands upon this theme of constant readiness in 24:45-25:46. The parable of the wicked servant (24:45-51) indicates that leaders in the church should perform their service always with an eye toward the fact that Jesus may return at any moment. The parable of the ten virgins (25:1-13) poignantly expresses the tragedy of experiencing the second coming of Christ unprepared. Both of these parables refer to the delay of Christ’s coming: Persons must beware that the long wait for the return of Jesus does not lead to apathy and carelessness.

The parable of the talents (25:14-30) suggests that readiness involves active service. Christians who (because of laziness and lack of affection for God) refuse to use the gifts God has given them for his work will encounter an angry and judging Christ when he returns.

This section reaches its climax with a scene of the Last Judgment (25:31-46). This passage dramatically reveals that disciples prepare themselves for the second coming of Christ by doing good to those who are in need. All will be judged according to the way in which they have treated Christ. The surprise of the Last Day is that they have unknowingly encountered Christ in the persons of the poor and needy. As persons have treated those in need, so they have treated Christ.