Jesus’s Return and the End of the Age, Part 1
Matthew 24:36-51
Having completed his detailed description of the fall of Jerusalem, Jesus now answers the disciples’ second question, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (24:3) Like the OT visitations (Day[s] of the Lord), Jesus’ return includes both judgment and salvation. Structurally, it’s important to notice that the rest of this chapter (vv. 36–51) is joined to all of the next (ch. 25).[1] All of the various judgments that Jesus describes in 24:37–25:46 accompany his return. Furthermore, they all have the same theme: being prepared for “the imminent arrival of an authority figure”.[2] Therefore, let’s examine how Jesus describes his return and the end of the age.
[1] France, Matthew, NICNT.
[2] France, Matthew, NICNT.