In these verses, Jesus spoke to His disciples about how the temple would be completely brought down. Out of curiosity, they asked Him to tell them more about the signs of His coming and the end of the world.
Jesus began His response with a warning—to take heed, meaning they should be careful not to be deceived by anyone (Matthew 24:5 ).
I believe this warning is something we must all pay attention to, especially in these present times. The Word of God clearly tells us that many will come in His name, claiming to be Christ, and many people will be deceived (Matthew 24:5).
Even now, some disguise themselves as the Lord because they hold positions of leadership in religious settings. Many people have followed them for so long that they can no longer distinguish between truth and error. Some are so fixated on the words and actions of their religious leaders that they are no longer aligned with the Word of God. They do not stop to check whether what they are being taught is leading them away from the true God they simply follow blindly and gullibly.
I have come to a point in my life where reading Scripture is a time of reflection where I examine whether my life is still aligned with what the Word of God says, not merely the directives of men.
From verses 6 to 8 , the Lord spoke about wars and rumours of wars, nations rising against nations, and natural disasters in various places. Yet, even with all these, the end has not yet come these are only the beginning of sorrows.
In verse 9 , the Lord said that believers will be handed over to be persecuted and killed, and that Christians will be hated across nations because of their faith. This has already been happening and is still happening today. Across the world, hostility towards Christians and Christianity continues to rise.
This is not a time for believers to take their salvation or their relationship with God lightly. This is the time to examine whether you are truly in right standing with God, or if you are simply being religious. There is a clear difference between having a relationship with God and merely following religion.
From verses 10 to 14, the Lord explained that many will fall away, false prophets will rise, iniquity will increase, and the love of many for God will grow cold. But those who endure to the end will be saved, and the gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes.
Today, some believers are turning back to traditional practices, some because of betrayal, others because they feel Christianity is a religion imposed by one race on others. Even prayer altars have grown cold; some feel that God is no longer hearing them. In many homes, God has been left at the door while people embrace whatever seems to work for them.
Worldliness is now being justified even on the altar. Scriptures are being twisted to fit human agendas. Many are following blindly. People desire an audience, but they have abandoned the Audience of One, God Almighty.
This is not the time to follow the crowd. This is the time to follow Christ, even when others think you are being extreme in your faith. Follow Jesus. Know Him personally. Know His Word.
This passage highlights the abomination of desolation, as prophesied by Daniel. It describes a time of intense tribulation, unlike anything the world has ever seen. A time of such unrest that nowhere will feel safe.
It will be a time when what you carry within you the Word of God will be what sustains you, giving you hope and assurance. It will also be a time when powers and authorities come together to rule, and people’s lives will be subjected to these systems.
During this period, false prophets and false christs will rise and thrive. Those who do not truly know God will follow them, believing they have found their saviours. These individuals will perform signs and wonders, and even true believers, if not careful, can be deceived. But the Lord has already warned us about this (Matthew 24:15–25).
We are also warned not to be misled by claims that “Jesus is here” or “He is there.” We must remain grounded in Christ, because His coming will be sudden and unmistakable (Matthew 24:26–28).
Having said all this, it should not cause anyone to give up on living for Christ.
We are living in a fast-paced world, days go by quickly, and what is unreal is often presented as real. So much is constantly being pushed at us, whether physically or through technology. Only those who are truly grounded in God can discern the times and seasons.
The bottom line is this: God loves us deeply. Stay rooted in Christ. Prepare for His coming.
Do not rely solely on what others tell you, open your Bible and study the Word of God for yourself. Grow in your personal connection with Him. Do not become too familiar or casual with God or His Word.
Do not say, “I will try my best.” Instead, allow Him to guide you as you wait on Him.
I pray that God will help us all on this journey. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us as we make a conscious effort to live for Him now, so that we may reign with Him eternally.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
