Christ’s Instruction Concerning Tribulation Days

Matthew Chapter 24-25

Read Matthew 24:1-8

Matthew chapters 24-25 are two unique chapters not repeated elsewhere in Scripture. They are unique because the purpose of Matthew’s writings is unique. Matthew is a book that is distinctly Jewish and focuses on the King and the Kingdom.

Today we will talk about the book so that the two chapters will make sense. We will see them in the context of the book and the context of the greater history of the world.

I. The Presentation of the Kingdom 1-4

a.       The identity of Jesus Christ

1.    The genealogy ch 1

2.    The virgin birth ch 1

3.    The deity of Christ Ch 1

b.      The International Recognition of Christ Ch 2 The Wise men from the East

c.       The Introduction of the King – Ch 3 – John the Baptist’s message as the forerunner.

d.      The Insurrection Attempt to the King and His Kingdom – Matt 4 – Satan’s temptations.

II. The Principles of the Kingdom  5-7 The Principles of the Kingdom is one of relationships.

a.       Relationships of the subjects of the Kingdom to Self 5:1-16

b.      Relationships of the subjects of the Kingdom to the Law 5:17-48

c.       Relationships of the subjects of the Kingdom to God 6:1-34

d.      Relationships of the subjects of the Kingdom to Others 7:1-29

III. The Power of the Kingdom 8-12

a.       The Miracles in the Book 8-9 reveal 12

1.    Nature – stilling the storm 8

2.    Physical – lots of healings

3.    Supernatural – raising some dead to life

4.    Spiritual – exorcism of demons.

e.       The Men of the Book – Ch 10- reveals the choosing of 12

f.        The Messianic Rejection 11-12

IV. The Parables of the Kingdom Chapter 13

a.       The Sower

b.      The Tares

c.       The Mustard seed

d.      The Leaven

e.       The Hid Treasure

f.        The Pearl of Great Price

g.       The Net in the Sea

h.       The Householder

V. The Promotion of the Kingdom 16-21

a.       The Revelation in view of the Rejection

1.        The Introduction to the “Church” concept ch 16

2.        The Imperial demonstration on the Mount ch 17

3.        The Instructions concerning church ministries 18-20

VI. The Prophetic Outlook of the Kingdom 21-27

a.       The Official Presentation – Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem 21

b.      The Religious Confrontation – 22

c.       The National Rejection – 23

d.      The Prophetic Anticipation – 24-25

e.       The Roman/Judeo Crucifixion of the King 26-27

VII. The Proof of His Messianic Claims – 28

a.       The account of the Resurrection

b.      The evidence presented by witnesses

c.       The mandate left to the church – The Great Commission.

Conclusion:  The Paradoxes Of The Kingdom

a.       He who is the Bread of Life began His ministry hungering.

b.      He who is the Water of Life ended His ministry thirsting.

c.       He was weary, and yet He is our rest.

d.      He paid tribute, and yet He is the King.

e.       He was called a devil, and cast out devils.

f.        He prayed, and yet He hears prayers.

g.       He wept, and He dries our tears.

h.       He was sold for thirty pieces of silver, and redeemed the world.

i.         He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and is the Good Shepherd.

He died and gave His life, and by dying destroyed death.

© Copyright 2004 Neil Sawatzky