Matthew 24:3

Context

Matthew 24:3 serves as the pivotal opening to the "Olivet Discourse," Jesus' extensive prophecy concerning the end times. This discussion takes place immediately after Jesus and His disciples have left the Temple in Jerusalem, where Jesus had just pronounced judgment upon the city and predicted the utter destruction of the Temple itself (Matthew 24:2). As they sat on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem and the Temple, the disciples approached Jesus privately. Their questions in this verse directly prompt the profound teachings that follow in Matthew 24 and 25, making it a foundational text for understanding biblical prophecy.

Key Themes

• Disciples' Inquiry into the Future: The verse highlights the disciples' natural human curiosity about future events, particularly regarding the culmination of history and Jesus' return. Their questions are direct and comprehensive, setting the stage for Jesus' detailed answers.
• The Destruction of the Temple: The first question, "when shall these things be?", refers directly to Jesus' preceding prophecy about the Temple's desolation. This event, fulfilled in 70 AD with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem, was a major concern for the disciples, who understood its immense religious and cultural significance.
• The Second Coming of Christ: The question, "what shall be the sign of thy coming?", points to the anticipation of Jesus' return in power and glory. This is a central theme of Christian eschatology, with believers throughout history looking for signs of His advent.
• The End of the Age: The final query, "and of the end of the world?", refers to the culmination of the current era, leading to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This encompasses not just the physical world but the entire system of human history and the transition into a new creation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the sign of thy coming" uses the Greek word parousia (παρουσία). While often translated as "coming," parousia more precisely denotes "presence" or "arrival," implying a period of presence following an arrival. In New Testament prophecy, it specifically refers to the glorious return of Christ. The phrase "end of the world" translates the Greek sunteleias tou aiōnos (συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος), which literally means "completion of the age." This signifies the consummation or close of the present epoch, rather than the literal destruction of the physical planet, pointing to a transition into a new spiritual and cosmic order.

Significance and Application

Matthew 24:3 is profoundly significant because it frames the entire Olivet Discourse, one of the most detailed prophetic passages in the Bible. It shows that Jesus' teachings on future events were not unsolicited but given in response to genuine questions from His closest followers. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of:

• Understanding Prophecy: It encourages us to study biblical prophecy to discern the signs of the times and God's plan for history.
• Expectation of Christ's Return: The disciples' questions about Jesus' coming remind us to live with an eager expectation of the blessed hope of His return.
• Readiness and Watchfulness: The ensuing discourse (Matthew 24-25) heavily emphasizes the need for believers to be ready and watchful, living faithfully until the Lord's appointed time (Matthew 25:13). This verse, therefore, is not just about future events but also about present-day living in light of eternity.