By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Matthew 24:1-44

“Immediately after the tribulation … shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:29-30)

The question “What will be the sign of Your coming?” is answered in Matthew 24:29-44 and “What shall be the sign of the end of the age?” is answered in Matthew 24:4-28.

The future events described in Matthew 24:4-31 will take place during seven years of tribulation (Jacob’s Trouble, see Jeremiah 30:7) following the rapture of the church. This is the 70th week of Daniel, described in Daniel 9:20-27. This same period of time is described in Revelation 6-19. It is the time when God will pour out his wrath on a rebellious world.

First, During The Tribulation (Matthew 24:15-18)

The Antichrist will make a covenant with the Jewish nation (still in unbelief) for seven years (“one week,” Daniel 9:27), and will break it after 3 1/2 years, or at the middle of the tribulation period. He will set up his own image in the Jewish temple (Daniel 11:31 and 12:11) and force the world to worship him (see Revelation 13; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Notice Matthew’s little parenthesis: “whoever reads, let him understand” (verse 15). Jews living during this tribulation period will read Matthew 24 and understand what to do.

In fact, many statements in Daniel, Matthew 24-25, and Revelation that are mystifying to us will be understood then by believers. Jesus Christ warned the Jews to flee Jerusalem (Matthew 24:16-20), for the last half of this period will be great tribulation and will end with the armies of the nations assembled against Jerusalem.

“The elect” in verse 22 are the saved of Israel, not believers in the church. Empowered by Satan, the Antichrist will perform miracles (verse 24, see Revelation 13:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10). The nations, deceived by Satan, will gather at Armageddon to battle Christ (verse 28, see Revelation 19:17-18) and will be defeated.

Second, After The Tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31)

There will be disturbances in the heavens (Joel 3:11-21) and then the sign of his coming will appear. We are not told what this sign is. Some believe it is the shekinah glory that once abode in the tabernacle and temple. Christ will then return to earth with his saints to establish his promised kingdom.

There will be great mourning (Zechariah 12:10; Revelation 1:7). This is a public return, not a secret one. And he comes as King, not as Bridegroom. Israel will have been gathered together by the ministry of angels. (For Israel’s regathering, see Isaiah 11:11-12; 27:12-13; Deuteronomy 30:1-5). The judgment of the Gentiles (Matthew 25:31-46) also takes place.

Third, Then Christ Will Rule The Earth (Matthew 24:29-30)

At this time Christ will be received by Israel, now purged of sin and unbelief, and that nation will be the center of the kingdom.

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.