Matthew 24 is Jesus’ profound response to His disciples’ questions about the end of the age, delivered on the Mount of Olives. It begins with Jesus predicting the destruction of the temple: “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2). This prophecy was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.
The disciples, perplexed, asked three questions in Matthew 24:3:
“When will these things be?”
“What will be the sign of Your coming?”
“And of the end of the age?”
Jesus addresses these questions, blending near-term prophecy (the destruction of Jerusalem) with far-reaching events tied to His second coming and the culmination of the age. Understanding this dual focus is essential for interpreting the passage.
The Signs of the Times
Jesus begins by outlining general signs that will characterize the age leading up to His return: false Christs, wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes (Matthew 24:5-7). These, He says, are “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8), a phrase likened to labor pains, indicating an increase in intensity and frequency as the end draws near.
The focus then shifts to the great tribulation, a future period of unparalleled suffering. Jesus describes specific events leading up to this time, including widespread persecution, lawlessness, and betrayal (Matthew 24:9-12). It is here that Jesus makes the statement, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). This verse is often misunderstood. In context, it refers specifically to those living during the tribulation period. These individuals will face immense persecution under the Antichrist, and those who endure through this period—either by surviving physically or by remaining faithful to Christ despite martyrdom—will see salvation in the sense of being delivered into the millennial kingdom.
This promise is not directed at the church today, as believers in this present age are saved by grace through faith, not by enduring tribulation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, this endurance pertains to those alive during the great tribulation.
The Abomination of Desolation
A critical marker in Jesus’ discourse is the “abomination of desolation,” described in Matthew 24:15 and first prophesied by Daniel: “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand).” This event signals the midpoint of the seven-year tribulation period, as outlined in Daniel 9:27. The Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel and set up an abominable image in the temple, demanding worship (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:14-15).
Jesus warns those in Judea to flee immediately when this occurs, emphasizing the urgency and severity of this moment: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). This aligns with the latter half of the tribulation, often called the Great Tribulation, a time of divine judgment described in Revelation 6-19.
The Coming of the Son of Man
Following the tribulation, Jesus describes His return: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Matthew 24:29). This cosmic upheaval, prophesied in Isaiah 13:10 and Joel 2:10, announces the coming of the Son of Man “on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). At this time, He will gather His elect, those who have believed during the tribulation, from the four corners of the earth (Matthew 24:31).
This gathering is distinct from the rapture of the church described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which occurs before the tribulation. Instead, this event corresponds to the regathering of Israel and the ingathering of tribulation saints who survive the great tribulation, as foretold in Isaiah 11:12 and Ezekiel 37:21.
One Taken and the Other Left: Judgment or Rapture?
In Matthew 24:40-41, Jesus states, “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” This passage is often interpreted as describing the rapture, but the context suggests otherwise.
The preceding verses compare this event to the days of Noah: “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark” (Matthew 24:38). In Noah’s time, those “taken” were swept away in judgment, while the righteous were preserved. Similarly, in this passage, those taken are taken in judgment, consistent with the separation of the wicked at the end of the age, as described in Matthew 13:30 (the parable of the wheat and tares).
Watchfulness and Readiness
Jesus emphasizes the need for constant vigilance: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). This call to readiness is underscored by the parable of the wise and faithful servant, who is blessed for being found faithful when his master returns (Matthew 24:45-47).
Matthew 25: Parables of Preparation
Matthew 25 continues Jesus’ teaching with three parables, each illustrating a different aspect of readiness for His return:
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) emphasizes spiritual preparedness. The wise virgins, equipped with oil, represent those who are spiritually ready for Christ’s return. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and a life of genuine faith. The foolish virgins, lacking oil, are shut out, underscoring the eternal consequences of spiritual neglect and those who may call themselves Christians, but do not have the Holy Spirit.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) highlights faithful stewardship. Each servant is entrusted with resources, and their faithfulness—or lack thereof—determines their reward. This parable encourages believers to use their God-given gifts for His glory, knowing they will give an account when He returns.
The Judgment of the Nations (Matthew 25:31-46) describes the separation of the sheep and goats at the end of the tribulation. This judgment is based on how individuals treated “the least of these My brethren” (Matthew 25:40), referring to Christ’s faithful followers during the tribulation. This passage demonstrates the fruit of true faith: love and compassion for others, even in times of great trial.
My Final Thoughts
Matthew 24-25 presents a rich tapestry of prophetic teaching, addressing the destruction of the temple, the signs of the tribulation, and the ultimate return of Christ. The abomination of desolation marks the midpoint of the tribulation, and the endurance mentioned in Matthew 24:13 applies specifically to those living in this future period of unparalleled trial.
The one taken and the other left refers to judgment at the end of the tribulation, not the rapture. Matthew 25 clarifies these teachings, urging spiritual readiness, faithful stewardship, and compassion for others in light of Christ’s return. These passages remind us to live with eternal perspective, knowing the King will return to establish His kingdom.
