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Matthew 24:3, Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and the end of the age?”

We are always looking for signs that inform us where to turn to get to our destination or to see if we are gaining the approval of someone. 

The disciples wanted to know what to look for so they would know when the Lord was going to return.  The Greek word for coming in this verse is parousia. The Vines Expository Dictionary states the word “signifies, not merely His momentary coming for His saints, but His presence with them from the moment until His revelation and manifestation to the world.”  Literally the question would be, when will you to come to be with us permanently?

Question three uses the phrase “end of the age” which means “end of the world”.  This question reveals an understanding of God’s plan to end this world someday.

The Olivet Discourse is Jesus’ prophetic reply to these questions.  A general outline could be verses 4:14 as general signs of conditions in the world leading up to the last days; verses 15-28 giving signs to indicate the final days of the Great Tribulation; verses 29-31 signs to occur at the triumphant coming of the Lord with power and in glory; verses 32-51 admonition for believers to be alert and spiritually ready for Christ’s coming for His faithful people (the rapture of the church).  Matthew 25 continues the thought of the rapture and describes the judgment of the nations. 

Tomorrow we will look at what the rapture of the church is and how it relates to the Olivet Sermon.  From there we will examine what Jesus was telling His disciples and how it relates to believers today.  

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