Matthew 24:3-14
The King warns His disciples to endure deception and suffering while the gospel of the kingdom is proclaimed to all nations.
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?”
4 Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.
5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray.
6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places.
8 But all these things are the beginning of birth pains.
9 Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake.
10 Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another.
11 Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray.
12 Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But he who endures to the end will be saved.
14 This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
The King warns his disciples to endure deception and suffering while the gospel of the kingdom is proclaimed to all nations.
Matthew presents Jesus' private instruction on the Mount of Olives to prepare his disciples for deception, upheaval, persecution, endurance, and worldwide gospel witness before the end.
Jesus sits on the Mount of Olives after leaving the temple and announcing its coming destruction. The disciples approach Jesus privately, seeking clarity about the temple's fall, Jesus' coming, and the end of the age.
The Olivet Discourse: Temple Desolation, Coming Judgment, the Son of Man, and Watchful Readiness
Because Jesus’ words are certain, his coming is sure, and his timing is unknown, disciples must reject deception, endure persecution, continue gospel mission, discern judgment rightly, and live as watchful, faithful servants until the Son of Man comes.