SIGNS OF THE END OF THE AGE

Matthew 24:1-51
Key Verse: 24:14

    "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world
     as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

 
1. Read verses 1-3. How was Jesus' view of the temple different from
   that of the disciples? (Cf. Mk 13:1) To what future event(s) was
   Jesus probably referring? What was the disciples' response? (3)

2. Read verses 4-8. What did Jesus teach about the climate of the world
   at the end of the age? What warnings did he give his disciples? What
   was Jesus' attitude toward these things? Why? (6,8)

3. Read verses 9-14. What other things will happen in the last days?
   How will many people react under such pressure? What should Jesus'
   people do? What did Jesus promise?

4. Read verses 15-22. What does this "abomination" refer to? (cf. Da
   9:27; 11:31) When abominable things happen, what must God's people
   do?  Why might worldly attachments ensnare people? (16,17,18) How
   will God help his own?

5. Read verses 23-35. How will false prophets try to deceive God's
   people?  How can we not be deceived? Who will mourn and who will
   rejoice when the Son of Man comes? What lesson can we learn from the
   fig tree?

6. Read verses 36-51. What does it mean to be ready? What can we learn
   from the faithful steward? What happens to the unfaithful steward?
   (45-51)