v1-2: The Lord and His disciples observe the temple. This work began in BC 19, and was not completed until 64 AD. In John 2.20 (around 27 AD), we note that the work is in an unfinished state.

The temple itself speaks of Jewish zeal, Rom 10.2-3, which is not according to true knowledge. Their labour will be in vain, for the Lord did not build this house; Heb 3.1-6. Eventually the temple is destroyed in 70 AD, fulfilling Christ's words.

v3: The disciples bring their questions to Jesus. The temple remains a key symbol in Jewish life, and its destruction is therefore a matter for deep concern. There are two specific questions;

• When will these things be?
• What will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?

These two events are separated by a period of indefinite length, containing the church age, with some period of transition (as in Acts). This is also consistent with 23.38-39, where Judea becomes desolate, through the defeat by the Romans and, some time later, the nation will see the Messiah once more, at His return.

v4: The first warning; do not be deceived. There is real danger in this world, and more so in difficult times. These opening words set the tone for Jesus' whole discourse.

v5-8: The beginnings of birth-pains, becoming more severe as the end draws near, see Rom 8.22.

There is the proliferation of false christs, making great claims of themselves, but bringing no hope.

There are wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, as the whole of creation groans; Rom 8.22 implies that Christians will experience something of these things.

To this point, Jesus is speaking to individuals to be watchful.

v9-28: Jesus speaks of particularly Jewish matters; the holy place (v15), Judea (v16), Sabbath (v20), the elect (v22, 24). At some point, therefore, the church is removed. This is consistent with 1 Thess 4. This section is addressed to the Jewish people corporately, rather than to individuals.

v9-10: Time of persecution, tribulation, murder, hatred, offence, betrayal; deliberate attacks on the faithful.

v11-12: False prophets teaching heresy; linked with lawlessness, and love growing cold. Heresy promotes sins, and cools our love for Christ.

v13: The promise to the faithful in the time of declension; it will not be an easy time for those who love the Lord.

v14: This gospel of the kingdom, a particularly Jewish phrase, not used in the epistles. There is a witness to all the nations, although there is no reference either to personal or national repentance. This may link with Rev 14.6-7, where the angel takes the everlasting gospel to the nations.

v15-28: The great tribulation, centred in Judah and Jerusalem. The time of tribulation is not long; Dan 12.11 refers to 3½ years (1260 days); compare Rev 11.2; 13.5 (42 months). It is a time of testing (Rev 11.3) and of preservation (Rev 12.6, 14); also timed at 1260 days.

v15: The abomination of desolation standing in the holy place, the temple; an event predicted in Dan 11.29-35. This had previously happened; see 1 Maccebees 1.54; yet this will happen again. Matthew, in addressing Jews, assumes their knowledge of the OT.

v16: Safety by obedience; in such desperate circumstances the best option is to flee; many in 70 AD were saved by obeying this scripture (even if the events of that time were not precisely what the Lord is speaking about).

v17-18: No time to think; for the tribulation comes suddenly. We need to be so mindful of Christ and His commands that we know what to do straight away.

v19-20: Desperate straits; "How dreadful" for some. The sudden departure would be made worse by cold, of by the Sabbath.

v21-22: The terrible tribulation, Jer 30.7; yet there is salvation through this time. The elect (Is 65.9, 22) are saved by the Lord; He protects His own.

v23-24: As in v4-5, there will be many deceivers and false christs. This preceded the time of great tribulation, and continues into it, adding further to the trials of the faithful.

v25: Since the Lord has forewarned us, we need not be deceived.

v26: False prophets –

• In the desert, in obscurity;
• In the inner rooms, in secret.

Neither gives a real opportunity to test the message, and to examine its fruit. Even though there are signs and wonders, the Lord commands, "Do not believe!"

v27: When Christ comes it will be swift and certain.

v28: The image of death, demonstrated by the presence of vultures. Thus, the time of tribulation, leading to Chris's return, is seen as a time when many lose their lives.

v29: Immediately after the tribulation, there will be clear signs;

• The sun will be darkened;
• The moon will not give its light;
• The stars will fall from heaven;
• The heavenly bodies will be shaken.

Compare Joel 2.30-31, where these events precede the coming of the great and terrible Day of the Lord; Is 13.9-10; 34.2-4; Rev 6.12-14. Yet there is salvation , also Joel 2.32, by calling on the Name of the Lord; there is salvation in Mount Zion and Jerusalem.

v30: The sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, something visible and clear for all to see. All the tribes of the earth, seeing this, will mourn, Rev 6.15-17. They will witness His visible return, Acts 1.11; Rev 1.7.

This description is different to that described in 1 Thess 4.16-17, where Christians are gathered to Christ.

v31: The angels gather the elect, Rev 7.1-8, because not all Jews are in Judea (se v16), in fulfilment of Deut 28.64-65; they now return to find rest, Rev 8.15-17.

Rom 11.23-29; the natural branch, the Jews, are grafted in again.

Here we see the Lord returning quickly to His suffering people; will not God avenge His elect who cry out to Him! (Luke 18.7). The delay mentioned in Rev 6.10-11 is completed.

v32-33: The fig tree, a picture of Israel, as well as a simple illustration of the urgency in the events described. There is a renewal of faith in Israel. It seems that this renewal begins shortly before the time of the great tribulation, and that is to be followed by Christ's return for the Jews.

v34: "All these things," referring to the events of v6-31. These things will take just one generation, just a few years, and then Christ will come.

v35: Ultimately, all these things will demonstrate the truth of the Lord's words. Even where our own understanding is fallible, His words will be fulfilled.

v36: The Lord Jesus implies that the day is already set by the Father. Unless He shortens the days even the elect could not survive. The time and day is kept from mankind, and is even kept from Christ, the servant of God, see Mark 13.32.

v37-39: The sudden-ness of Christ's coming; people will be living their lives as usual, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, albeit in rejection of Christ. "They knew nothing," for they will be deliberately ignorant of the things of God. Man's life is limited, Gen 6.3; Ps 90.10; Heb 9.27.

v40-41: The coming of the Son of Man, PAROUSIA, His arrival and presence, for He comes to stay and for a purpose.

v42-44: "Be ready," the response of the wise. We need always to be in a state of readiness and expectation. The following parables teach this basic truth, and that such readiness is marked by faithful service and the knowledge and presence of the Holy Spirit. To watch means to be attentive or vigilant; the Greek word is GREGOREUO, meaning to give strict attention, and implies activity and expectancy.

v45: The faithful and wise servant, giving his household food in due season, feeding the flock of God. Heb 13.7, 17 refer to those who "rule;" although the Greek word used here, ‘to appoint,' is used of deacons (Acts 6.3), elders (Titus 1.5), and priests (Heb 5.1; 7.28; 8.3). The Lord is speaking to the Twelve of their responsibility and authority, motivated by His sure return.

v46-47: The reward for the faithful servant.

v48-49: The evil servant who neglects the motivation of his Master's return; his carelessness leads to cruelty and carousing.

v50-51: Judgment upon the evil servant.