Scripture Focus (Matthew 24:15-27) – “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), [16] then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. [17] Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, [18] and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. [19] And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! [20] Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. [21] For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. [22] And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. [23] Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. [24] For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. [25] See, I have told you beforehand. [26] So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
[27] For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
- Jesus Speaks from Scriptural Truth (15)
“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand).”
Daniel 9:26 – “…the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. 27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
Daniel 11:31 – “Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.”
Daniel 12:11 – “ And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days {3.5 years}.”
II. Jesus Releases a Practical Warning (16-20)
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- People will need to flee Jerusalem (16) – “Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
- Events will move intensely and rapidly (17-18) – “Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, [18] and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak.”
- Normal life patterns will cease (19-20) – “And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! [20] Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.”
III. Jesus Declares an Unalterable Prophecy (21-22)
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- An unhappy promise (21) – “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”
- A gracious relief (22) – “And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.”
IV. Jesus Imparts Preparatory Instructions (23-27)
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- Don’t be gullible (23-24a) – “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24a For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders…”
- Don’t be afraid (24b-26) “…so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.”
- Be ready (27) – “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”