Matthew 24:14-25

¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Prior notes:The whole world will get a chance to repent and accept Jesus before the end comes. At the end of the time of grace, judgment falls on the people who rejected Jesus and these people will be without any excuse because all of them will have had their chance to accept Jesus as their savior. What comes to mind is Moses holding up the serpent telling the people of Israel to “Look and live” (Numbers 21:6-9).

Revisited notes:As I’ve been going through Matthew chapter 24 again a couple of things are staying on my mind. The first is that Matthew 23 confronts the teachers/priests of the temple for their hypocrisy, followed by a lesson for the disciples on the end times that starts with the destruction of the temple. This seems to be symbolic of the end of the age of the Law with its requirements to follow the law to the letter. Jesus confronts the way the scribes and the Pharisees conduct themselves. They teach the law and go through the motions, but their heart and devotion isn’t toward God, they do these things to be admired by men.
At this point in time, Jesus is wrapping up the things he came to do and getting ready to lay his life down for the sins of mankind…which will usher in a new age where we can come boldly to the throne of grace and be forgiven for our sins by Jesus.
The temple is destroyed after the church age is established. This is NOT a segway into supersessionism or replacement theology. God is not finished with Israel and will continue the work he began in them. When God, who is all knowing, omnipresent in all times forever, made the covenant with Israel, he knew exactly how things were going to unfold…and still he made a forever covenant with them.

The word “nations” in greek is the word “Ethnos” G1484 Strongs- It means groups of peoples, not necessarily bordered nations. In the Bible the word Ethnos is used these ways:

• a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together—–a company, troop, swarm
• a multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus—–the human family
• a tribe, nation, people group
• in the OT, foreign nations not worshipping the true God, pagans, Gentiles
• Paul uses the term for Gentile Christians

¹⁵ When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Prior notes:Instead of putting the verses here, I’ll include the link to them for deeper study on this topic of the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place. (link Click for verses–Daniel 9:27,Daniel 11:31,Matthew 24:15 )
This is a huge topic, but I will keep it brief because it’s a topic that deserves a deep study on its own, and I’m not educated on the topic enough to do a complete synopsis on it at this time, but it is on my list of topics to do a deep study on. I do have some knowledge on it, and I’ll share that.
The abomination of desolation is the antichrist, and here in this verse it speaks of the time when he will enter into the tabernacle/temple and take the seat that belongs to Jesus. Then he will stop the Jews from offering sacrifices. As of this time, the temple has not been rebuilt but, in a very short time, this could change since all that is needed is for a tent to be put up using the diagrams in the Old Testament (Exodus chapters 25-31). The verse in Daniel 11:31 says that the abomination of desolation puts and end to sacrifices, so this means that the Temple will have to be in place and sacrifices will have to start. But this could happen rapidly… so don’t use these facts to gage the time off in the distant future, be aware that even this could come rapidly.

¹⁶ Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Prior notes:At the point in which the abomination of desolation seats himself in the temple and stops sacrifices, the children of Israel are told to flee quickly… not even to pack or return home for a couple of things… just go quickly. This speaks of the tremendous danger the children of Israel are in at that time.

• Revisited notes:
  • Revelation 12: 13-17
    ¹³ And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
    * This casting down of the dragon (aka Satan/Devil) is not the original fall, this is the casting out of heaven which he still has access to as we can see in the book of Job where Satan petitions God to take a swipe at Job. This fall is when he no longer has accesss and is thrown down to earth three and a half years into the tribulation with another three and a half left to go. It has been known that the second half of the tribulation is going to be extremely brutal more than any other time in history…not because of the wrath of God as many report, but for this reason here… the Serpent, knowing his days are short, is going for broke… to destroy any Israelites or Christians he can get his hands on, his days are literally numbered and he is filled with rage.
    *Israel —Right now antisemitism is rampant…even among those who profess to be Christians.
    ¹⁴ And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
    * Divine protection for three and a half years while in exile.
    ¹⁵ And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
    * Flood waters are a biblical metaphor for the unleashing of hardships, chaos, destruction. He opened his mouth and released this flood… so it seems to me personally that this is a propaganda driven persecution of both Christians and Jews… which if you look around is already beginning… even with people calling for the end of both. I’m not saying that we are at this point, but the stage for it is being set up. Propaganda changes how people feel about things…. it alters where their empathy and compassion goes. This is how 6 million Jews were murdered in Germany by people who were convinced they were serving the greater good. We see the same kind of mindset with the radical liberals today who laugh and mock the death of Charlie Kirk and who wish evil on conservatives.
    ¹⁶ And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
    *In spite of this flood of destruction, the Lord made a way to protect his chosen.
    ¹⁷ And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
    *The diabolical part of this is that Satans propaganda is setting out to create churches that claim the name of Jesus while teaching things the bible says are an abomination, such as condoning abortion and homosexuality. The other lie is that Jesus doesn’t expect us to repent, he loves us just like we are and accepts us without repentance…. and anyone who condemns the sins you commit is an unchristian liar who is evil and needs to be shunned as a bible thumping bigot. Satan is inspiring the changing of the Truth of God (his word) into a lie..Romans 1:25²⁵ Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

¹⁷ Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

¹⁸ Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

¹⁹ And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

²⁰ But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

Revisited notes: On the sabbath days a practicing Jew isn’t allowed to travel more than like a half a mile.

²¹ For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Prior notes:When you consider the fact that they were throwing children alive into the furnaces in prison camps in Nazi Germany… when you consider how many Jews were murdered in these camps…. and then all the other times in history when the Jews were targeted for slaughter and oppression… this verse hits hard and speaks to our need to be ready and prayerful… what is coming is far more cruel and murderous than anything that has ever been unleashed before. Daniel 7:7 ⁷ After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

²² And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Prior notes:can’t see how the days will be shortened, anything I would say about how this would happen would be a speculation. What I can say is it’s a blessing to be reminded that even when the most tremendous time of tribulation is going on, God is still working on behalf of the elect and showing mercy.

²³ Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

Prior notes:*****note:This verse is a warning and a course of action. There is an attitude that some may have that there is no way they will be deceived into following a false Christ. I caution people to remain humble before the Lord…. take the time to learn the word of God well…. and even then HUMBLY understand that you don’t know what you don’t know…we will absolutely need the grace and mercy of God.
*****note:I’m truly bothered by the idea that there are Christians who are banking on things other than a solid foundation in the Word of God (knowing the truth) and a close personal relationship with Jesus to strengthen them so they can endure to the end. Loving Jesus isn’t what will keep a person from buckling under the pressure of the tribulation. I’m reminded of the disciples when Jesus told them the things that were coming up. Peter especially reacted in his flesh and sets an example for us to consider whenever we feel like we are too strong to stumble…which by the way is a manifestation of pride because it places our survival on our own commitment and stregth, not on the grace, mercy and guidance of the Lord. Peter had been with Jesus when Jesus performed miracles, he ate of the loaves and the fish…. he walked on water….. he sat at the feet of Jesus basking in his love and learning first hand. He believed his love and commitment to Jesus was enough to keep him from stumbling.

Revisited notes: What contributed to Peter stumpling on the Night Jesus was taken to be crucified was that Peter had preconceived ideas on what the Messiah would do. Like others who were waiting for the Messiah, Peter expected Jesus to overthrow the Roman occupation and liberate Israel, then reign as King…. he wasn’t expecting a savior that would lay down his life and pay for the sins of mankind. We need to guard against being deceived by our own expectations too… and take those expectations to the word to have the word expose the belief as being true or not. A good rule is to only believe what is clearly written in the word… it’s ok not to know all the details when they aren’t clearly taught.

²⁴ For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Prior notes:If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect…A word of caution against prideful boast and proclamations. Consider Peter… while his flesh was willing, his spirit was weak. Mark 14 :29-31 ²⁹ But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.³⁰ And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.³¹ But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
This verse isn’t saying that it’s not possible to deceive the very elect, it’s saying if there is a way to do it, it will deceive them. Your goal is to close up any and all avenues to those possibilities with the word, prayers, intimacy with Jesus, your walk with God… your pureness of heart… your commitment… and humility. You aren’t going to power through this, it will take the power of God that you invested in before the trial comes and the night falls.

Prior notes:

• Mark 14 27-41 ²⁷ And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. ²⁸ But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. ²⁹ But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
  *****note:Jesus has just pointed out to Peter a weakness in his commitment. Peter dismissed what Jesus said because in his self-examination he considered his love and devotion to Jesus (his spirit was willing ) all the strength he would need to endure what was coming up.
  ³⁰ And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.³¹ But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
  *****note:Jesus tells Peter very specific things that he is going to do that very night and Peter, knowing who he’s talking too See Mark 8:29, doubled down and held on to the idea that he would not be offended that night.
  ****(Mark 8:29 ²⁹ And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.)
  ³² And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
  ³³ And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
  *****note:Jesus was sore amazed… he was struck by terror and was heavily burdened by what he knew was about to come.
  ³⁴ And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
  *****note:He’s telling them to keep watch while he prays. Jesus is about to lay down his life for our sins and even he, the Son of God, has taken this time to pray and seek God.
  ³⁵ And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
  ³⁶ And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
  *****note:Jesus is the example we all need to be following. I’m not ragging on Peter, because Lord knows I’ve been like Peter in my life, more times than I want to admit. Peter’s story here gives me courage to pick myself up, repent and try again after one of my many….many failings. When Jesus rose again from the dead he knew about Peter’s denial and repentance, and still Jesus had the Angels at the tomb mention Peter by name. ****(Mark 16:6-7 ⁶ And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.⁷ But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.)
  ³⁷ And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
  ³⁸ Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
  *****note:Jesus had already pointed out what was going to happen to Peter and here Jesus admonishes him to pray. He acknowledges the willingness of Peter’s spirit, but points out the weakness in his flesh. I watch Joel Richardson’s teachings, he has from time to time pointed out that we need to remain humble before God, which is what Jesus was trying to encourage Peter to do. I’m more aware than ever about my own shortcomings…I know I am a sinful human who is weak and lacking in so many ways… so I seek God and ask him for his help to ready me for the time, should it come, when I will be tried and tested the way Peter was. The first time, Peter stumbled… then he repented and humbled himself….and the next time, he stayed faithful even to death. Peter learned from his mistakes…and I want to learn from mine.
  ³⁹ And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.⁴⁰ And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.⁴¹ And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
  *****note:There came a point when it was too late to seek God for his help…. when the situation is upon you, the time has run out for preparing. Right now is the time to be studying the Word. Not simply listening to other people teaching, preaching and testifying, but actually learning the Word for ourselves. We are never going to become so knowledgeable in the Word that we no longer have to study it….I don’t care how many times you’ve read the Bible.
  Romans 1-
  *****note:The whole chapter (link https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%201&version=KJV ) Just read it… it shows the deceived mindset. What happens when a person wants salvation, but they don’t want Jesus to control their life? They begin to gravitate toward developing a false religion that allows them to live the way they want with the approval of God. Of course, God is NOT on board with this… his way is already set in stone and is perfect and unchangeable. What this looks like is when a person hunts the scripture to find verses in the bible they can use and twist to allow for their sin. An example are the churches who are redefining scripture that defines homosexual behaviors as a sin and then going on to say that Love is Love, and it’s not a sin.
  Romans 1:25 ²⁵ Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
  *****note:When man changes the truth (God’s word) into a lie so that it allows them to stay in their sin with God’s approval, they are serving man and not God… they are changing their idea of God to suit the sinful nature of man and not changing man to conform to the perfect nature of God.
  Romans 1:28 ²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
  *****note:Because they wanted to change the word of God to allow for sin and sought this out with their entire heart, God allowed them to deceive themselves. This is not the same as when a person falls into error, but has a heart to want to please God and has a correctable spirit. The ones given over to deception are those people that are driven to conform God to their needs and not themselves to God.
  Thank God he is a righteous judge!
  Galatians 5:9 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
  *****note:As Christians, we have to guard our hearts with a serious fervor against compromise. The first thing is to get sound doctrine… to know the word and to walk in the word always… even in private. We also need to settle it in our hearts that no matter what, we will crucify the flesh and follow the will and word of God. We will not give an inch to the things of the flesh. The second we start listening to our need when it suggests to us a way around the truth, we are in danger. This looks like statements that start with “God will understand if you….” and “You can repent afterward” . This is temptation, and we need to combat that the way Jesus did with a “Get thee behind me, Satan” and be ready to quote the verses against such behavior. Quoting the scripture takes away the space for this temptation to dwell in… if left unchecked, it will grow and become a bigger issue. The Christians, who are snared by deception, had no light. The bible is the word of God, but the bible is also JESUS…
  John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  *****note:Jesus is also the light…
  John 8:12 2 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
  *****note:Back to those 10 virgins again…. 5 of them were without oil and could not light their lamps to see. Remember virgins represent Christians, so they had accepted Jesus, but did not go further than that, they had the lamps, but not the oil.In the end times when the trials of faith come down, only those who have the word are going to stand… remember we stand by faith…. and the bible is also clear about how to build faith… it says,
  Romans 10:17 ¹⁷ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
  *****note:There is no getting around it… we must know Jesus… and we do this by reading his word… by praying and by walking in the Light. This commitment can not be one you place last on your list of things to do… it needs to be first. None of the things that occupy your time right now have the ability to save your soul. If you place Jesus in his rightful number 1 position, all the other things in life will fall into place.
  Matthew 6:19-21 ¹⁹ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:²⁰ But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:²¹ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

²⁵ Behold, I have told you before.

Prior notes:You have been warned.