THE GREAT OLIVET DISCOURSE

PART #1

Matthew 24: 42-51
   Chapers 24 and 25 form what is known as the "Olivet Discourse", so named because this important pronouncement was given on the Mount of Olives.  The discourse is entirely prophetic;  it points forward to the Tribulation Period and the Lord's second coming.  It primarily, though not exclusively, concerns the nation of Israel.  It's locaion is obviously Palestine.
   In his short life on this earth Jesus spoke many timeless words that were filled with love, joy, peace, and compassion;  but here we find Him and the Apostles on Mount Olivet privately discussing latter day prophecy.  Now let's find out what they were talking about.  Matthew Chapter 24 begins when Jesus departs from the temple, and this action reminds us of the words that he spoke in (Matt. 23-38)  "...Your house is left unto you desolate"  (read the description of the glory departing from the temple in Ezekiel 9:3; 10:4; 11:23).
   The disciples wanted the Lord to admire the beauty of the temple with them, but as William MacDonald puts it in his classic "Belivers Bible Commentary":  "They were occupied with the transient instead of the eternal, concerned with shadows rather than substance."  Much like the apostles many Christians today are so blinded by the temporary things of this world that they no longer talk about eternal things.  He now begins his instructions to the Apostles.
   (V.42)  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.  This verse tell us that  no man knows the hour of his second advent.  (V.43) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered (allowed) his house to be broken up.   (V.45) Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  (V.46) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  (V.47)  Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods. (V.48)  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart My lord delayeth his coming; (V.49) And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and to drink with the drunken; (V.50) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour he is not aware of. (V.51) And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
   Dear reader, be not like those who put their trust in straws in the wind for these last days will test every child of God to see if they will stand or fall. 

Until He Comes Again,