SUMMARY
In regard to concerns about the “end times” Jesus cautions the disciples not to be misled by false promises about the Messiah, but rather to be encouraged by the promise that there will be clear signs when the Son of Man comes to gather his chosen ones.
ANALYSIS
The disciples’ notice of the Temple buildings calls for JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. to remark on their future destruction (a remark that many readers interpret as a clue to date Matthew after the destruction of the TempleThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged...). The disciples immediately turn this to reflection on Jesus’ coming and ask “when” it will be and “what sign” will accompany it. Jesus warns that there will be catastrophic events and persecution because of his name, but cautions them not to be led astray by false messianic claims about the end. Instead they are to focus on the need for endurance and the promise that the good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed to all nations before the end (24:13-14; see also 28:18-20). There will be suffering, but they are not to be misled by false promises about the MessiahThe Messiah was the one who, it was believed, would come to free the people of Israel from bondage and exile. In Jewish thought the Messiah is the anticipated one who will come, as prophesied by Isaiah. In Christian thought Jesus of Nazareth is identified... (24:15-28). Instead they should be encouraged by the promise that when the Son of Man comes he will gather his chosen ones (24:29-31), that the signs will be so clear as not to be missed (24:32-33), and that God’s words will abide firm and will never pass away (24:35).
