On the coming tribulation (1)

Bible Passage: Matt 24:1-42; 10:17-23; 25:1-46

There have been so much mixed messages preached and prophesied by different groups and denominations about the second coming of Jesus and end of the world. The ‘end of the world’ Hollywood blockbusters with all the special effects of unimaginable natural disasters, viruses or alien invasions always seem to dominate the box office when released. The impression given in most of these messages seems to suggest that the world will be ended / destroyed in one or few days usually with no forewarned signs.

In today’s reading of Matthew 24, Jesus foretells all the end time events to have to happen before His second coming. He called these ‘Tribulation’. This is a familiar word frequently found in the epistles. It may not be of any one’s favourite term because it implies something unpleasant like affliction and trouble.

You may find that many of the Tribulation described in this chapter strikes certain similarity to those found in the Book of Revelation. In fact, haven’t some of these events such as wars, famines and earthquakes been unfolding in different corners of the world since a while ago? The great tribulation to come however is described as ‘not been seen since the beginning of the world’.

I have gathered two key messages in Jesus’ sermons on tribulations.

“But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (V13). Jesus wants us to endure through these tribulations and also the trials that we face in life. Do not give up half way through the journey. 

Secondly, we know that the gospel of the kingdom would have been preached and brought to every single corner of the world before the end comes (v14). This reminds us that time is drawing near and we ought to take every possible and available opportunity to bring the glad tidings to people who have yet to receive it.

In Matthew 10: 17-23, Jesus pre-empted the 12 apostles (likewise to us) who were just starting out their journey to preach. Jesus warned they will be persecuted for testifying for the Lord. Again, Jesus wants us to endure (v22). Have you had any first-hand and direct experience of such persecution in your labour for the Lord?

The parables of the ten virgins and of the talents recorded in Matthew 25 remind us of the preparation for the second coming of Jesus. Do we sometimes ‘slumber and sleep’ and did not give much thoughts about the infilling of oil in our vessels thinking that time is on our side? Jesus wants us to stay watchful and vigilant.

There are another two key themes in this chapter which I am not going to dwell in further. These are amongst some of the most quoted reference in sermons and bible studies. How much talents have you received from the Lord? What have the five talents’ and two talents’ servants done to have deserved the Lord’s praise and being called the good and faithful servant?

On the practice of love recorded in V31-45, one thing I noted is there are many opportunities and channels for us to demonstrate and show our love to those in needs as these people are lacking in many aspects. Did you notice the righteous ones also receive and take care of ‘stranger’ (v38)? As it is of course natural to love and care for people whom we are close to, Jesus further expects us to love those of whom we may not know or like.

I hope all of us would strive to endure until the end. I pray that He will keep us in His grace till the end.