Matthew 24:32-51

9 snips

Jun 4, 2024

Explore the intriguing parable of the fig tree and what it signals about imminent change. Discover the contrast between signs of Jerusalem's destruction and the unknown timing of Christ's return. Hear how the days of Noah illustrate sudden judgment and the importance of being alert. The discussion clarifies who will be taken and who will remain, emphasizing a call to faithful stewardship. Finally, practical applications remind listeners to diligently prepare for the unexpected arrival of the Son of Man.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Fig Tree Means Temple Destruction Is Near

Matthew 24:32–35 uses the fig tree to show visible signs point to the temple's destruction in 70 AD.
John Whittaker explains that those signs apply to that generation, not the timing of Christ's return.

ANECDOTE

Context In Matthew's Five Teachings

John situates Matthew 24 within Matthew's five teaching blocks and locates this passage in the fifth block.
He reminds listeners the chapter began with disciples asking about the temple's destruction and Christ's coming.

INSIGHT

No Signs For Christ's Return

Verses 36 onward contrast the fig tree: no one knows the day or hour of Christ's return.
Whittaker stresses only the Father knows, so the return will be unexpected and signless.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Matthew 24:32-51

32 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near; 33 so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 34 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

36 “But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 37 For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.

42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43 But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

45 “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household slaves, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 47 Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ 49 and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and he eats and drinks with those habitually drunk; 50 then the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, 51 and he will cut him in two and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com

GIVE - The Listener’s Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you!

Give here: https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give

STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up

MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit

https://www.johnwhittaker.net