Rumors of War - Living Out Matthew 24

Rumors of War - Living Out Matthew 24

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, explores the often-misunderstood chapter of Matthew 24. The central topic revolves around how believers should interpret and respond to unsettling events in the world, drawing parallels between the prophecies of Jesus regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and the challenges faced by Christians today. Vander Els emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of Matthew 24 and avoiding the pitfalls of fear-based speculation about the end times.

Understanding Matthew 24

The teaching begins with an acknowledgment of the anxieties and uncertainties present in the world, referencing events like the pandemic, political tensions, and international crises. Matthew Vander Els points out a human tendency to become consumed by these events, sometimes to the point of forgetting previous concerns. He highlights the danger of processing current events solely through the lens of taken-out-of-context biblical prophecy, particularly from the book of Revelation.

Matthew Vander Els then directs attention to Matthew 24, setting the scene as Jesus making his way to the cross and proclaiming a new, subversive kingdom built on nonviolence, grace, love, and forgiveness. This kingdom stands in stark contrast to the world's reliance on power and exploitation. The Pharisees and leaders in Jerusalem opposed Jesus's message, leading to their plotting his downfall and Jesus's strong criticisms of them in Matthew 23.

The context leading into Matthew 24 is crucial: Jesus warns Jerusalem of impending destruction due to their rejection of him, a prophecy fulfilled around 70 AD when the Romans invaded and destroyed the city and the temple. Against this backdrop, the disciples ask Jesus two questions: when will the destruction of the temple happen, and what will be the sign of his coming and the end of the age? Matthew Vander Els suggests that the second question is better understood as when Jesus will return to fully implement his kingdom and reconcile all that is wrong in the world.

According to Matthew Vander Els's interpretation, Jesus answers both questions. He spends the first 34 verses of Matthew 24 addressing the first question about the destruction of Jerusalem, and then shifts to the second question starting around verse 36. Verse 34, "Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place," refers to the events leading up to and including the destruction of Jerusalem within approximately 40 years. Verse 36, "Now concerning that day and hour no one knows," signals the beginning of the answer to the second question about Jesus's return, a timeline that even Jesus himself did not know.

The Destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1-35)

Matthew Vander Els details the signs Jesus gave concerning the fall of Jerusalem. These include the rise of many false messiahs claiming to be the king of Israel who would liberate them from Roman oppression. Historical examples like Judas of Galilee and Theudas are cited as fulfilling this prophecy. Jesus also spoke of wars and rumors of wars, which aligned with the revolutionary fervor and skirmishes leading up to the Roman invasion. Famines and earthquakes, documented by historians like Josephus, were also part of this period.

Jesus described these events as "the beginning of birth pains." This prophetic imagery suggests a period of struggle and pain preceding a new beginning. Believers were warned not to be alarmed or deceived by these events but to remain focused on Jesus and his kingdom. The teaching emphasizes that the birth pains themselves are not the ultimate end but rather the precursors to it.

Further signs included the persecution and killing of Jesus's followers, betrayal among them, the rise of false prophets, and a cooling of love due to increasing lawlessness. Matthew Vander Els argues that the book of Acts provides a historical record of these very occurrences within the first generation after Jesus's ascension. He cautions against being so fixated on interpreting current events through scripture that we overlook the clear historical fulfillment of these prophecies. While these patterns may recur throughout history, the immediate context of Matthew 24:1-35 pertains to the events surrounding Jerusalem's destruction.

Jesus advised his followers during this time to endure to the end, maintaining their focus and allegiance to him and living out his teachings of loving God and loving neighbor. This endurance has nothing to do with physical preparedness for war but everything to do with resisting deception and maintaining love. Additionally, Jesus prophesied that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations before the ultimate end would come. This mission would continue despite the chaos and destruction.

Responding to Chaos

The teaching emphasizes the importance of enduring and loving God and neighbor amidst worldly turmoil. Believers are cautioned against being deceived by those who claim to have definitive prophetic knowledge or set specific dates for Jesus's return. The focus should remain on living out the core commands of loving God and neighbor, regardless of the surrounding circumstances.

The cosmic disturbances described in Matthew 24:29 ("the sun will be darkened...the moon will not give its light...the cosmos will be shaken") are also explained as apocalyptic language, similar to that used by the prophet Isaiah to describe the destruction of Babylon. Jesus uses this same powerful imagery for the destruction of Jerusalem, a city he also identifies as wicked. The subsequent mention of the "Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven" is linked to Daniel 7, a prophecy of the Son of Man's vindication and exaltation after suffering. Matthew Vander Els interprets this not necessarily as the second coming itself, but as the event that precedes the full birthing of God's eternal kingdom.

Ultimately, the message is one of steadfastness and mission. Despite the appearance of the world being out of control, believers are called to endure in love for God and neighbor and to continue spreading the gospel. The timing of Jesus's return is less important than the ongoing duty to bear witness to the good news. Christians are urged to be known for their love and adherence to Jesus's commands, rather than for their fear or speculation about current events. The true burden for believers is not worldly anxiety but the call to love as Christ loves.

Application for Everyday Life

• Endure in faith: Do not be overwhelmed by anxiety and fear stemming from worldly events. Maintain your trust in God's sovereignty.
• Love God and love your neighbor: These remain the core commands for believers, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. Let these principles guide your actions and responses.
• Resist deception: Be wary of those who confidently predict the end times or twist scripture to fit current events. Focus on the clear teachings of Jesus.
• Maintain focus on the gospel: Your primary mission is to share the good news of Jesus's kingdom with the world. Do not let fear or speculation distract you from this vital task.
• Engage with the world without being consumed by its fear: Jesus calls his followers to be present in the world, but not to adopt its anxieties and obsessions.
• Practice discernment: Understand the difference between apocalyptic language used in prophecy and literal, immediate events.
• Find peace in God's promises: Remember that even in chaotic times, God's plan is unfolding, and the ultimate outcome is the establishment of his kingdom.
• Live out Jesus's teachings consistently: Your life should reflect the love, grace, and forgiveness that are central to Jesus's message.
• Support and encourage fellow believers: Build a community that endures together, offering prayer and support in challenging times.
• Recognize the cyclical nature of tribulation: While each generation faces its own challenges, the underlying call to faith and endurance remains constant.

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