theDestruction

ofJerusalem

a neglected question – Matthew 24

Leaving the city of Jerusalem after: Rebuking the Pharisees – Mt.

23 Foreshadowing Jerusalem’s

Fall- 23.37ff Praising the widow – Mark

12.41ff Exiting the city, one of His

followers remarks on the temple:

In response, Jesus reveals the future:

Matthew24-

ContextLuke 21:5

Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful

stones and donations…

Matthew 24:1…and His disciples came up to show

Him the buildings of the temple.

Mark 13:1…one of His disciples said to Him,

"Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!"

Matthew 24:2 "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to

you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be

thrown down."

The disciples struggled with what Jesus was saying: Peter, Andrew, James, and

John came to get further clarification – Mk. 13.3-4

As Matthew records, their questions revealed a misunderstanding – Mt. 24.3 They misunderstood the

kingdom (Acts 1.6). They thus misunderstood

Jesus’ words here. To the disciples, the

destruction of Jerusalem and the temple could only mean the “end of the age” (KJV – world).

Jesus will deal with their question on Jerusalem’s destruction first, before proceeding to discuss the end of time.

Matthew

24-

A ShockingRevelatio

n

The shock of Jesus’ words leads immediately to this question—WHEN? “When?” is a natural

question for these men after being confronted by such shattering imagery.

A different question could have proved immensely beneficial for the confused, but dedicated, followers- Acts 1.6

The question the disciples never ask? WHY? Asking this question:

Might have prevented the Garden skirmish.

Would have clarified the Acts 1.6 question.

Could have kept Peter from lying.

Matthew

24-

A Neglecte

dQuestion

Why would Jerusalem be destroyed?The hypocrisy of the nation –

Mt. 23.1-5 They devoured the needy –

23.14› Cf. Luke 20.46-21.5› “It is never right to do wrong to do

right.” Their obedience was empty –

23.23Rejection of God’s message–

23.33-36 Their fathers did so – 23.35 They were doing so – Matthew

12.14Rejection of God’s Son –

23.37-39Judaism was never intended

to be permanent – Hebrews 8 It found its purpose in drawing

men and women to Christ – Galatians 3.23-24

Matthew

24-

Why?

What does the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70 communicate to us?

The mighty power of God. Daniel 4.32; Luke 21.20

God’s disdain for hypocrisy. Jeremiah 7.4,12; Matthew

23.36-37

The superiority of Christianity. Zechariah 11.11; Daniel 2.44

The divinity of Jesus Christ. John 10.38

Matthew

24-

A Demonstra

tion