Series: Understanding the second coming – A study of Matthew 24

Part 1

It is not just about an end destination.  Even in the midst of talking about end times, Jesus was very concerned about how we are  living now. There is a danger in Christianity of just living for heaven, or as I got my ticket.  When we live that way, we miss out on what Jesus taught about living in this life. 

This series of posts will look at the Second Coming of Jesus.  To help narrow the conversation for better refection, this series of posts will be based on Jesus’ conversation in Matthew 24.

There is a neighbourhood in the Downtown of Ottawa that in the midst of a two to three year span saw two old church buildings sold.  These were buildings that had historical connections to the community.  Inside they were beautiful, but for one reason or another they closed their doors.  Today, we can look at these building from days gone by, or perhaps our own and say “Look Jesus is/was at this great building.”

In Matthew 24 the disciples did just that, as Jesus and the disciples left the temple. Instead of Jesus saying, “Yyes it is beautiful,” he shares the following:

24:2  “Do you see all  these things? he asked.  I tell you the truth not one stone here will be left on another; everyone one will be thrown down.”

Think about this for a moment, the temple was the pride and joy for the Jewish people.  Jesus it seems just dismisses it, saying it will not last.  Then, in the contexts of the passage we see Jesus talking about the end of ages.  In the midst of this conversation is the question of who we trust and who we are living for.

Where is your treasure?  This may seem strange because one wants to hear about end times.  However, Jesus is just as concerned about how we are living here and now.   Do you think your identity is wrapped up in what you have built and made?  Do you think that it is what brings acceptance from Jesus?  The gospel shares that God has accepted us, and calls us to trust him, not in the things of this world. The gospel shares our identity is now in Jesus.

As we begin this study on Matthew 24.  Where in your life are saying “Lord look at what we/I have built.”

Psalm 49:12-13 ” but man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beast that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves and of their followers, who approve their saying. ”

It is not our riches that will save us in the end. Are we working to build a great business or home?  What are our motives?  Perhaps they are pure, perhaps not. However, how do we live in light of everything being torn down?

Think about the place you live in right now.  In 100 years if it is still standing, you will not be there.  We put so much trust into the things of our life.  They do help bring meaning to us, and permanence in a life that will end at some point.  But they will end, Jesus does not.

For us it could be building a large organization, and the status we get from that, or family that looks good or big church programs across the city.  It could be rising in the ranks of our field, so all will look at us. But, not one stone will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.

How do we live in light of everything being torn down?

Matthew 24:46 “It will be good for that servant whose master finds himself doing so when he returns”

Doing what?  Living for God’s glory.  We are not about living for the glory of the great business or church, but living for the glory of Jesus.  Jesus will last, the building will not.  Jesus is King, we are not.

As we look at the Second Coming of Jesus.  It is not about having all the answers, the best written books or the largest things.  It is about Jesus, who will endure forever.

Where your treasure is there your heart is also.