“As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”” Matthew 24:3 ESV
Reflection: how do you envision “the end times” to be? Are we in it?
In the northern hemisphere, most are experiencing the fall season these days. Crisp air, beautiful colors as some trees and plants fall asleep; some even die. But as we all know, after the cold winter comes spring, and new life springs forth everywhere; some from the trees and plants that made it through the winter. Others through seeds from their parent plants. We are used to seeing this cycle, year after year. Death and rebirth. One leading to the other. And while we are hanging on to the last days of the year, the year is finally swallowed up by a new year starting. The new cannot come until the old is gone. So as we think about the “end times”, which can sound a bit scary, we see this beautiful reference in the Bible to “end of the age”.
Obviously, Jesus had been talking with His disciples about the “end times” and what was to come. About a coming age, beyond this current age, about the age of His kingdom reign. In our focus verse today, we see them asking Him two questions 1) When will it be, and 2) what will be the signs that we are getting close. Now, in some translations, this phrase “end of the age” is translated to “end of the world”, which perhaps is better in one way, but can also be very misleading. Because the “world” is sometimes used synonymously with the physical earth, which is not correct; at least not here. The “world” refers to the system, including the political, economic, social, religious, etc subsystems that govern everything. And, of course, we can easily see the evil in these systems, the corruption, unfairness, the immorality, and so on. This world system is (mostly) in opposition to God’s commands and government, which is why Jesus was, and still is, such a threat. Why Christians are still being persecuted and even killed. But we have the famous words of Jesus, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 ESV.
So there is an end of this age, including the end of this evil world as we know it, coming. Perhaps soon. This idea, this reference of “an age” as a period of time in history is not foreign to us. For instance, we had the Bronze Age coming before the Iron Age, we can understand this idea of an age. Scripturally, we are still in a “church” age, if you will, as the gospel is continually spread across the world. Some refer also to this age as an “age of grace”, when we can still accept the work of Christ as atonement for our sins; to believe in His name and follow Him as Lord of our lives. But this age will end; another will begin; it will happen in the “fullness of time”.
Jesus came, in the fullness of time, as was foretold. And He will come again, as He promised, and usher in a new age. As the disciples asked Jesus when the end of this age will be, and what signs to look for, He had a curious response. Because even before He responded to their question, He gave them a stern warning. “And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.”Matthew 24:4 ESV. That is kind of an odd way to respond, don’t you think? And if you look at the three gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, they all record the same, that this is how Jesus responded first. To not be led astray, not be deceived, which indicates that this is a real threat to all believers. Let’s continue to read. “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” Matthew 24:5 ESV.
Do we see any of this today, that many are being led astray? While not claiming “I am the Christ” directly, we see a lot of worship of music, of church, of religion and doctrine, of religious symbols, even more than worship of our living Lord Jesus Christ. And, let’s think about His warning, as we head into the Christmas season. While we know the time of year is not right for his birth, we also see the worship of Christ being lost in all the focus on decorations, parties, food and presents. Let’s take a hard look at who are we truly honoring and worshiping.
Jesus warned the disciples then, and warns us today, not to be deceived. Because, many will be led astray.