Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan. Jesus teaches that tribulation brings pressure, but it has purpose. Trials reveal our true character, produce patience, and fulfill God’s kingdom plan in every age. Christ overcame the world, and through Him, believers find peace and strength to endure. Tribulation affects both individuals and the church, pointing to our identity as God’s elect and our call to live out His will now.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Matthew 24:19-21, John 16:33, Matthew 13:21, Mark 4:17, Matthew 13:21, John 16:33, Acts 14:22, Romans 2:8-9, Romans 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 1:4, Revelation 2:22, 2 Thessalonians 1:6, Revelation 2:22, Revelation 7:14, Matthew 24:22, Matthew 6:9-10, Romans 8:29, 1 Peter 1:1-2, John 14:6, John 10:9, 1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 24:22, Revelation 17:14, Matthew 24:23-24, Matthew 24:25, John 14:29, John 14:29, Matthew 24:26-27, John 16:1, Exodus 13:21, Matthew 24:39, Matthew 24:42, Luke 17:37, Matthew 24:43, Matthew 24:46,
1 Peter 5:8, Matthew 24:48, Matthew 24:32, Daniel 2:20-21, Matthew 24:34, Matthew 24:14, Revelation 19:11-21, Matthew 24:50, Matthew 24:3, Habakkuk 1:8, Matthew 24:27, Matthew 24:37, Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24:39, Matthew 24:28, Luke 17:37, Matthew 24:28, Revelation 4:7, Matthew 12:30, John 4:35, Matthew 5:16, Revelation 4:7, Revelation 4:7, Exodus 19:4, Revelation 12:14, Deuteronomy 32:11, Deuteronomy 28:26, Deuteronomy 28:49, Jeremiah 4:13, Psalm 24:1, Matthew 24:28, Matthew 24:29, Matthew 23:34,
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
The Tribulation According to Matthew 24
And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:19-21).
These verses are powerful and vital. What kind of tribulation? Great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the what? The world. Do we know which world that is? Aion, Cosmos, or that other long one? We don’t know, do we? So we need to stop and look at that and find out which world we’re talking about here. It’s actually the beginning of the Cosmos, the beginning of the arrangement of things. Since the whole globe became adorned, there has never been anything like what we’re being taught here. So, since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Understanding the Tribulation in Context
I want to talk tonight about the tribulation, some, or the great tribulation, and the tribulations that we are in. Hopefully, we’re seeing some things as we take this study in Matthew 24. I’m hoping that we’re seeing two things. First of all, Matthew 24 and the great tribulation have to deal with Jerusalem and Judea in 70 A.D. And secondly, and more importantly, I’m hoping that we’re seeing that Jerusalem A.D. 70 is the key to the book of Revelation.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Let me be clear—the book of Revelation is not only about A.D. 70. I want to make sure we do not lock ourselves into that time frame. If we interpret everything as futuristic, we risk becoming fatalistic. If we see everything as only in the past, that is just as problematic. We must look at these texts in their proper context. If we do see a historical application, we still need to apply it to our lives today.
If we claimed that everything in Matthew 24 and Revelation had already happened in history, we would also have to say that the book of Ephesians only mattered for those long ago. We know that’s not true. So our goal is to understand the context first, but then bring its meaning into our lives now.
Eschatology, Tribulation, and Practical Teaching
Through this study, I’ve realized most people think they want to hear about eschatology. They say they want to learn it. But often, when we go deep, they lose interest. They want something practical, not just end-times talk. Eschatology is not always popular or easy to teach.
If you teach what you genuinely believe the Spirit of God is saying, especially if it’s different from what other teachers say, you may get pushback. Sometimes you may be called wrong. But our responsibility is to let the Word of God interpret itself. We must let the Spirit and the Scriptures, not just outside books or people, be our guide.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
The Nature and Purpose of Tribulation
When I try to show that Matthew 24 and 25 mainly focus on the fall of Jerusalem and the transition from the Mosaic Age to the New Covenant, I never mean that tribulation only happened once. The word “tribulation” comes from the Greek “thlipsis,” which means pressure, and from a Hebrew word meaning tightness or trouble. When the Bible says “great tribulation,” it means big problems, enormous pressures. We’ve all faced hard pressure in life. These trials have a purpose, but we should not say tribulation is a thing of the past. It is still part of life.
There are many other scriptures about tribulation besides Matthew 24. Mark 13 and Luke 21 are parallels. Let’s look at more examples. In Matthew 13:21 and Mark 4:17, we read about the seed and the sower. These verses describe four kinds of soil, and here the focus is on the stony soil.
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (Matthew 13:21).
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Tribulation Arises “Because of the Word”
Why did this tribulation come? “Because of the word.” Do you realize the Word of God puts pressure on us? It absolutely does. I feel it personally. It puts pressure on my family. It puts pressure on my church. Also, it puts pressure on my beliefs and my theology. The Word is supposed to do that.
But here’s what often happens. Many people start feeling that pressure. When it gets hard, some get offended. They fall away. They’re just like the seed that springs up quickly when things seem good. As soon as persecution or trouble comes, they lose heart and wither. The word brings pressure. John 16:33 says,
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33).
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Tribulation and Overcoming the World
The only real peace we have comes from Christ. In this world, we are going to have pressure. If you’re in the world, you’ll have trouble. But if you’re in Christ, you can have peace even while facing tribulation.
Notice, Jesus didn’t say you might have tribulation or you may have pressure. He said you shall have it. It’s a promise—we will go through tribulation. But, Jesus also says to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world.
Entering the Kingdom Through Tribulation
Acts 14 makes it clear: if we are in Him, then we, too, overcome the world.
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)
Is it necessary? Yes, you must go through much tribulation, pressure, and even anguish. That is the only way to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Pressure Reveals Our True Character
Let me share an example. I preached a message once called “Squeeze Me.” It came from the idea of squeezable bottles—ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, even jelly. You don’t know what’s really inside until you squeeze the bottle. Sometimes the label says one thing, but what comes out is something else. That thought inspired the sermon.
How do we find out what’s truly in us? Through pressure. When we are pressed or squeezed by trials, something comes out of us. We need to pay attention to what comes out—is it the character of Christ or something else? Is it sweet like jelly or bitter like mustard?
We must go through these experiences to discover what’s really in our hearts. When we go through tribulation, these pressures can actually help produce patience and something good in our lives. That is why I say, “Squeeze me.”
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; (Romans 2:8-9)
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (Romans 5:3).
The Result and Purpose of Tribulation
How many glory in tribulations? Oh, you’re just so happy when you see them. This is fun. Why though? Knowing that tribulation, pressure, works patience.
How many have asked for patience? Do you realize what you did? You do now. You probably didn’t know what you were asking for when you said, Lord, give me patience. Because what works patience? Tribulation. So when I see somebody who’s very patient, I know they have had a rough life.
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
That is a promise from Scripture. Whenever the word comes into your life, it often brings a kind of pressure or squeezing. It’s natural for this to happen—it brings things in your life to the surface.
This pressure can draw out what’s deep inside you. Some things will get squeezed out or pressed out. This isn’t just about your personal self. The pressures you experience can change your home, your finances, your children, and even your church.
Over time, if we let God’s work continue in us like leaven in dough, it starts to affect the whole environment. Even our city can be changed. That’s what this is all about, and that’s why we are here—to be part of that ongoing transformation.
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and your faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: (2 Thessalonians 1:4).
Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; (2 Thessalonians 1:6).
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Faith and Endurance Through Tribulation
Don’t fool around with the people of God.
I am confident that Matthew 24 points to the events in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. I am sure of that, and I think you are beginning to see it too. However, two other passages speak of a great tribulation. Of course, we have Matthew 24 itself. But we also find great tribulation in Revelation 2:22. These scriptures help us see the fuller picture.
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (Revelation 2:22)
There’s a great tribulation that deals with a false teacher or teachers called Jezebel, who seduces the saints. And the scripture says, Christ says to her, or to the angel, or to the pastor, or to the head shepherd at that church, he says, I’m going to cast her into a sick bed, and those that commit adultery with her into great tribulation.
Let me explain what’s going on here. The Bible talks about a false teacher who teaches adultery. I don’t think it means she’s encouraging literal adultery. Instead, she teaches spiritual unfaithfulness, or harlotry. It means the church can actually become an adulteress by turning away from Christ.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
As believers, we need to remember that we cannot have other lovers besides Christ. He is the only one. Spiritual intimacy belongs to Him alone. If we give our spiritual devotion to anything other than Christ, that is spiritual adultery.
The warning is clear. Jesus said those who follow that teaching will be cast into great tribulation. The church must be cautious about what it teaches. We have to teach the pure, unadulterated love for Jesus. That is our calling as pastors, teachers, and ministers. We are Christ’s bride. We belong to Him and He belongs to us. Anything else is adultery.
My point is that tribulation and even great tribulation are themes in the Scriptures. It’s not only found in Matthew chapter 24.
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14)
This verse speaks about a great multitude that no one can count, from every nation, tribe, and language. These people are described as wearing white robes, so I know they are martyrs. It says specifically that these martyrs have come out of the great tribulation. That means they’ve already gone through it. The text uses the past tense—it has already happened for them.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
So, I want you to see that the Bible speaks of three distinct great tribulations, not just one. I’m just pointing that out for clarity as we continue.
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:22).
This brings us to the principle of the elect. I know I’ve spoken on this before, and many of you have already heard it. But God has been challenging me on this idea of identity. When I listen to the Word, when I hear the Spirit, I sense that God put me here for a reason. I know in my spirit that He has given me a purpose.
Sometimes my flesh tries to convince me that I am nothing, just here by chance. But if I can’t believe what God says about me, how can I have true faith in anything? I need to be certain of who God says I am.
We all have to wrestle with the principle of God’s elect. Who are the chosen ones? Who are the select favorites of God? The word “elect” means those who are chosen by Him.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
God’s Purpose Across Covenants—The Elect Revealed
This is so important because if we say the elect are just natural Israel, we end up supporting a theology that says God must remove the church and reestablish His covenant with Israel. That would mean the Old Covenant failed, and God has to prove something all over again. That’s a significant issue—the way we see who the elect are changes everything about how we understand God’s plan and purpose.
So, I want us to look at how God’s purpose has unfolded through all the ages, dispensations, and covenants. What do you really see as His purpose for creation? Why has He worked with humanity for thousands of years? The answer to that question shapes how we understand everything else.
The disciples came to Jesus, and they said Lord, teach us to pray. He said Okay, I will. When you pray, say our Father which art in heaven.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10).
What did he say? “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done…” What is God’s will? What is his purpose? The establishment of the kingdom of God in its totality. An everlasting covenant that covers the earth as the waters cover the sea. That is what we first and foremost see as the very purpose of God: his kingdom on earth. Thy kingdom come, where? On earth as it is in heaven. That’s his will. That’s his purpose. Thy will be done. Thy kingdom come.
Everything that God has done has pointed toward one purpose. If we get off that purpose, then our theology is wrong and needs correction. I’ve had to erase a lot of what I thought before. Now I understand that it is all about this: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Anything that distracts us from that is mistaken.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
The Elect Through the Ages and Covenants
Let’s look at how God reveals His elect through covenants. The first covenant was with Adam. So, who were the elect then? It started with Adam and his family, and specifically with Seth —not Cain or Abel—because Seth is the one through whom the righteous lineage came. I want you to see that every covenant has an elect group, and the elect changes with each covenant.
Next is the age and covenant of Noah. His elect were Noah, his wife, his family, and, specifically, Shem among his sons. Shem received the blessing, while Ham was cursed, and Japheth received a different blessing. Every covenant had its own elect.
Then there is the Abrahamic covenant. Abraham had more children than Isaac, but Isaac was the elect. Each time, the elect group changes as the covenant progresses. After Isaac, the elect is Jacob, chosen over Esau, and then the blessing goes to Jacob’s twelve sons, leading into the Mosaic covenant, which establishes natural Israel as the elect people.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
That’s what many believe is the final group of elect. But the pattern shows us that God keeps working through new covenants—each with a new elect. It’s essential to recognize how this process works throughout scripture.
The New Covenant—A New Elect
With each new covenant, God has always chosen a new elect. Now let’s talk about the new covenant. Who are the elect in this time? It’s not just natural Israel anymore. The elect under the new covenant is spiritual Israel—the church, those washed in the blood of Christ.
But even now, that’s not the absolute end of God’s plan. There is still another growth, another stage yet to come. The everlasting covenant is ahead of us. When Jesus returns, He will end the present group and start a brand-new, everlasting group. That’s when mortality becomes immortality, when the kingdom of God finally comes in its fullness on earth as in heaven.
Right now, we are living as a part of spiritual Israel—the church. This is the group God has chosen in this age.
Just like all other ages, when one ends, a new elect is chosen. When the Mosaic age ended, the New Covenant began, and Christ and His church became the elect. The Bible calls Jesus the last Adam. So, the church is the last Eve. God’s mandate is still the same as it was in the beginning—take dominion, cover the earth, and fill it with His glory.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
That dominion mandate now belongs to Christ and His church, His bride, His family. He is the firstborn among many brothers and sisters, and we are to carry out God’s plan in this present age.
The New Covenant—A New Elect
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29).
Right now, we live in the church age, the dispensation of grace. The new covenant decides who the elect are in this era. In fact, every covenant has always identified the elect group for that time. That pattern never changes—each covenant has its own elect.
There are many scriptures about this, but we only have time to look at a few. For example, 1 Peter clearly shows this principle. I encourage you to read the rest of these passages on your own, and you’ll see the pattern confirmed throughout the Bible.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Here’s why all this is so important: if we keep our eyes set on God’s kingdom as His purpose, then everything else falls into place and makes sense. The most direct line between God’s plan and our understanding is to focus on the purpose of His kingdom. Anytime we lose sight of that or drift from it in our beliefs, our theology goes off track. We need to stay focused on God’s kingdom coming on earth.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:1-2).
What is the very first principle of the elect? Sanctification of the Spirit. You have to be set aside, set apart, segregated. I’m not a segregationist, except in the kingdom. Segregated for the kingdom by the Spirit unto what? Obedience.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
The second aspect of being in the kingdom of God and being the elect is being obedient. And then thirdly, and what? Sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. If you don’t have the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, you’re not of the elect. If you’re not obedient to him, you’re not an elect. And if the Spirit does not separate you, you’re not an elect. The elect of God, and I think we can summarize it by saying, has to be saved through Jesus Christ. He said I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He says I am the door, and no man enters except by me (John 10:9).
You cannot enter the kingdom of God unless you receive the blood of Christ and are set apart by the Spirit. You might stop at different places, but you can’t go where God is working today without both of these things.
Our Identity as the Elect Today
That is God’s purpose. That is what I am sharing with you. So, who am I? I am of the elect. I am the person God put in this city to do something specific. The Lord chose me for something. I may not know exactly what it is. However, I am part of the elect of God. I do not have to bow to anyone. I do not have to leave for seven years so someone else can get it right. God did not make a mistake with the first covenant and does not need to try again. That idea is simply wrong.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
I am telling you, God’s covenant with the Jewish people ended in AD 70. Those who moved on with God entered into the new covenant. I believe there is more coming after this, and I plan to keep moving forward with God as He leads. God is not finished—we are the elect of God today.
The elect of God is the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Then in 1 Peter chapter 2 and verse 9,
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; (1 Peter 2:9)
The Greek word “chosen” there is the same word Jesus used in Matthew 24:22, translated “elect.” Specifically, this generation that Peter is writing to is a special elect people and generation because it is at this point in this time that it came. They were the transitional generation. We’re back to this generation thing. Except for the elect’s sake, the days shall be shortened. Except for the church’s sake, except for those that’ve got the blood on them, except for those that are segregated and separated by the Spirit of God, all flesh would perish. However, for their sake, the days are shortened. Do you see that? Except for your sake and my sake, the Great Tribulation was shortened.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
One more because I want to hook up Revelation here. Look at Revelation 17.
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17:14).
Let’s look at the scene: It doesn’t say He will be Lord someday. He is the Lord right now.
When did Jesus become Lord of lords and King of kings? He said you’ll know—when you see the Son of Man coming in the clouds and Jerusalem falls, that’s your sign. That’s how you’ll know He is seated in heaven. AD 70 is critical for that understanding. We’ll cover more of this topic next week.
The text goes on: those who are with Jesus are called, elect, and faithful. The word “chosen” here means the same thing as “elect.” So, again, Jesus comes forth and does what He promised to Jerusalem. The true elect of God are those covered by the blood, set apart by the Spirit, and obedient in Christ. The elect is the church of Jesus. For their sake, the tribulation days were shortened.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
The Ongoing Role of the Elect
So, who are the elect? Does God still have a special role for natural Israel, or did natural Israel miss it by not moving on with God? It is vital to see that God is always moving forward. When AD 70 happened, God’s plan moved forward at a crossroads. Now, we are in a new era and moving toward another day, another time. We don’t know exactly how it will look, but we must be ready and keep moving on with God.
Then if any man shall say unto whom? You. Who is “you” here? Say them.
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:23-24).
We see the idea of the elect again in these scriptures. Jesus uses words like “you” and “your” many times in these verses—He’s speaking to that generation.
Next, the Bible warns about false Christs. The Greek word is “Pseudocristos,” which means something spurious or fake. I looked up “spurious” and found it means not coming from the actual source—just a pretense, not authentic or genuine. So these false Christs do not come from the same source as Jesus. They are not from the Father and are not chosen by God. They are self-appointed pretenders, not the elect.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Sadly, there are too many pretenders in the church world today. Many treat ministry as just a job. Some leaders are just waiting for the next opportunity, the next position, or a better offer. That’s not the right attitude.
Historical and Contemporary Examples of False Shepherds
Let me give you an example from my own experience. I went to a ministerial association meeting. There are over a hundred churches in this county, yet only three pastors showed up—me and two others. We talk about being concerned, but the reality is troubling. There’s too much division between us. Some pastors are more concerned about losing members to another church than truly shepherding people.
This reflects what happened in Jerusalem, historically confirmed by Josephus. At the city’s destruction, there were many false prophets. These false leaders caused real harm—some even led people to their deaths by giving them false hope and lies. The people trusted the wrong voice and were lost. It’s the same warning for us today: false shepherds, false men of God are still out there, and they can be dangerous. Their primary concern is to keep people under their control, even if it destroys them. And that is not right.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
He says, behold, I have told you, I have told you before all this happens.
Behold, I have told you before. (Matthew 24:25).
Jesus makes it clear—He says, “I’ve told you.” That’s a direct warning. You see this same idea in several Bible translations: “See, I have warned you,” or “Listen, I am warning you.” The Lord kept warning the disciples ahead of the events so they would understand what was coming. God always gives warnings ahead of events so we can believe Him. He is faithful to tell us what is coming.
Look at other instances, like Matthew 13, where Jesus speaks of Judas, the one who would betray Him. Jesus always gave warnings in advance and told His followers so their faith would be stronger when it happened. That’s what John 14:29 is about as well.
And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. (John 14:29)
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Jesus Warns of Events Before They Happen
The Lord tells of his going unto the Father. He says, I’m telling you this so that when it happens, you’ll believe who I’m saying I am. John 16:1 through 4, Jesus warns that they’ll put the disciples out of the synagogues, persecute them, and kill them. He says the same thing so that, when they do this to you, you’ll know who I am. The Lord warns his own. And here he’s doing the very same thing. He’s warning these people. He’s warning his disciples that Jerusalem will fall.
Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:26-27)
He warned us not to get distracted by such claims. The coming of the Son of Man will be like lightning—sudden, visible, and unmistakable from one side of heaven to the other.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Take note of how often Jesus uses the word “you” here. He’s talking directly to those listening to Him. Also, the original Greek has thirteen different words all translated as “coming” in the King James Version. Five of those words are found right in Matthew 24. This makes interpretation difficult because English doesn’t fully capture the depth of Greek or Hebrew.
Challenge in Translating “Coming,” “Come,” and “Cometh”
For example, the word “coming” appears in verses 3, 27, 30, 37, and 48. The word “come” shows up in verses 5, 6, 14, 17, 42, 43, and 50. “Cometh” appears in verses 27, 44, and 46. Each of these words can have a slightly different meaning.
Let’s look at one specific word: “ur comei.” This Greek word means “to come” or “to go.” I want you to get that idea—come or go. Often, Jesus speaks of His coming; He means both coming and going. Our minds are used to thinking only about His coming and staying, but Jesus comes and goes.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Vine’s dictionary says this word conveys both coming and going, but not necessarily an arrival to stay. I think that’s important. Jesus isn’t stuck in heaven; He can visit us when we pray, when we gather, or at any moment. I love that idea. It reminds me that Jesus can come and be present in our lives and our nation anytime He wants.
We need to understand that when the Bible talks about “coming,” it can mean both coming and going. We often only consider the arrival, but scripture shows it’s about both. The flood described in the Bible came and then went. The thief comes and goes. The servant who is blessed is the alert one, always ready for both the coming and going of the Lord.
This point is clear in several verses. For example, verse 5 says many false Christs will come and go. That’s precisely what the word means. We can see that ourselves in our own town—false leaders often come and go. It’s not just about arrival; it’s about movement.
Coming in the Clouds—Symbolism of Judgment and Covenant
When Jesus talks about coming in the clouds, that also means coming and going. Understanding this is important because clouds are a sign of judgment in the Bible. Clouds also represent a covenant sign. When God brought Israel out of Egypt, He gave them a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide and protect them (Exodus 13:21). It’s a meaningful symbol. That cloud was a covenantal sign.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
The cloud blessed Israel. It covered them by day. Do you know it kept the sun off of them, covered them by night, and gave them heat? The pillar of fire so they wouldn’t freeze to death. However, what was it to Pharaoh? Was it a blessing to him? It was darkness. Covered him with darkness.
He comes on the clouds, and we’ve got to understand that it’s a coming of judgment. It’s coming and going. It’s a judgment to one but a blessing to another.
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:39).
Parallels to Noah—Judgment Takes the Unrighteous
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (Matthew 24:42)
But we do not know what hour the Lord may come or go. All that’s the same word. If the good man of the house had known when the thief was coming or going, he would have watched.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
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 his house to be broken up. (Matthew 24:43)
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. (Matthew 24:46)
But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; (Matthew 24:48)
That’s what all those words there are used for, and that word in one word means coming and going. And he says that when I’m coming on the clouds, I’m coming and going. We just have to get a grip on that.
Then the next word that I looked at is in verses 6, 20, 21, 32, 34, 44. It means come to pass. It’s actually a prophetic word. And it means to cause to be, to become, to come into being. It actually means it’s the season. It’s the season for something.
In verse 32, when the fig tree branches, the word there means come to pass.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: (Matthew 24:32)
When the fig tree branches are caused to be tender, summer is near. In other words, it’s the season. And we’re going to be looking at seasons.
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: (Daniel 2:20-21).
And Daniel prayed to God. Daniel had a real problem. Nebuchadnezzar was going to kill him. Daniel had to find out what Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed about. So Daniel begins to give thanks to God. He said, Oh God, You are the one who changes times and seasons. You’re the one who sets up kings and takes them down. And seasons and times to God mean the changing of an age. And we’ll see that.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (Matthew 24:34).
That word “fulfilled” means to cause to be, to become, to come into being. All these things which Jesus here declares will come into being upon this generation. It’s a key verse in interpreting this passage. It means to come into being. It’s a season. It’s going to happen. Nothing can stop it and it’s going to happen to this generation.
The next word translated as “come” is “heko,” which means “to arrive.” It means to be present. That word’s used only twice: in verse 14 and in verse 50. The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, and then shall the end arrive, or the end come, or the end be present.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14).
They’re simultaneous. The gospel has to be preached, and then the end will come. The end will arrive. And then verse 50 says the Lord of the evil servant will arrive and be present with the evil servant.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, (Matthew 24:50).
It means he’s not aware. The signs at this point have passed. It’s too late. In other words, the gospel, once the gospel is preached to all the earth, it’s too late.
Then in verses 3, 27, 37, and 39, the word “coming” is “parousia.” This is the main word that’s used with the advent of Jesus Christ. It’s parousia, and it means being near. Say that back. A being near. It doesn’t only mean the advent. It means three things: a being near, an advent, and a return.
This is the question the disciples asked Jesus in verse 3 of 24: “What shall be the sign of your being near, or your advent, or your return?”
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24:3).
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
What’s the sign of it? And Jesus finally uses the same word in verse 27, which we’re looking at. Jesus finally uses the same word, and he says that his being near or his advent return will be like lightning. It will be sudden. It will be unmistakable. And if not expected, it will be frightening.
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:27).
Comparison to the Days of Noah
I can’t find a secret rapture in the Bible. I just can’t find it. He says it will be like lightning. When Jesus comes, everybody knows it. And every knee bows, and every tongue confesses he is the Lord.
Verse 37, this is how it was in the days of Noah, he says, so shall the being near, the advent, the return of Christ be.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:37).
I got into the things of Noah just a little bit, as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be. And I think I’ll bring some more thoughts out here in just a second. The being near, advent, return is just like it was in Noah’s age, verse 39. The coming will take the righteous.
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:39).
Is that what it does? Or does it take the righteous? Which did the flood take, the righteous or the unrighteous? It took the unrighteous, and it’s going to be that way again.
When Jesus returns, He’s not coming to take the righteous away. Scripture shows that it’s always the unrighteous who are taken in judgment. That pattern repeats throughout the Bible.
Whenever the Lord says He is coming, getting near, or returning, it happens the same way. He told us it would be just like the days of Noah. In Noah’s time, God came in judgment through the flood. He handled what needed to be done and then left. He did not stay.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
It was the same in Jerusalem in AD 70. Jesus came in judgment, did what He intended, and then departed. This is the biblical pattern—judgment comes, the unrighteous are dealt with, and then the Lord moves on.
Commentary on Parousia—Presence That May Be Brief
Let me pause and say something about the word “coming.” I’m quoting here from Hendrickson’s New Testament commentary.
“The Greek word is ‘parousia.’ It describes the return or advent of the Lord—His coming to bless His people with His presence. This word can mean more than just the idea of someone arriving to stay. It could also refer to a visit, like when a king or emperor comes to a city. The coming could be brief or for a longer time.”
The main point of the comparison is this: just like lightning that flashes across the whole sky and is clear to everyone, the coming of Christ will be obvious. Every eye will see Him. His coming will not be hidden or secret—it will be unmistakable.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7).
Perusia, that’s an important word. The important lesson here is that, according to Scripture, the word can and does mean something other than the advent as we picture it.
The coming of the Lord in AD 70 should be seen as parallel to what happened during the flood in Noah’s time. In both cases, the Lord came in judgment and then left. He did not stay on earth after either event.
There was no resurrection when the flood came in Noah’s day. In the same way, there was no resurrection when Jerusalem was judged in AD 70. Both were moments of judgment, not resurrection.
Resurrection is something that is reserved for the end of the age, when the everlasting covenant is fulfilled. That final resurrection did not occur in Noah’s day, nor did it occur in AD 70. It is still to come.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. (Matthew 24:28).
Parallel, Luke 1737.
And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. (Luke 17:37).
This verse describes the destruction and death that will come upon the people. Let me make this clear. The Living Bible says, “wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.” The NIV says almost the same thing. Jesus is not just talking about dead bodies. He’s describing a level of destruction and annihilation that the world had never seen before and will never see again. It is something truly terrible.
Now let’s talk about “eagles” in the Scriptures. When the Bible says “eagle” here, it simply means eagle. The word is used four times in the New Testament Greek. One place is in Matthew 24:28, where it mentions the gathering. Another is in Luke 17:37. But there’s more to it. In the Old Testament, “eagle” is used even more often.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Let’s look at Revelation 4. This passage uses the eagle as a symbol. The eagle is a covenantal sign in the Bible. We’ll see more about its meaning as we go, but it represents something significant about God’s covenant and His dealings with people—even in judgment. I’ll stay in Revelation for the rest of this topic to show you what I mean.
And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. (Revelation 4:7).
Let’s look at the scene in Revelation. John was caught up into heaven. He found himself before the throne of God.
He saw someone brilliant and shining, sitting on the throne. Around the throne was a rainbow, giving the whole scene a sense of wonder and awe. He also noticed a sea of glass surrounding the throne.
Then John saw four living creatures around the throne. Each one had a different face. One face was like a lion, another like a bull, another like a man, and another like an eagle. All of these images show something about God’s covenant and His relationship with His people.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Covenant Choices—Blessing or Cursing Pattern
God’s covenant is a covenant always with man, hasn’t it? Man always deals with it. And man can either covenantally get in or have the covenant kill him. You’re either for me or you’re against me (Matthew 12:30).
You’ve got two options. Live or die.
The covenant is always something to do with treading the wheat and treading and plowing. And it’s always got something to do with us doing something. There’s a covenantal response from us to him, from him to us. And that’s the bull. That’s the treader of the wheat. And we’re supposed to go forth and tread the fields for the white and the harvest (John 4:35, Matthew 5:16).
There’s always the covenant sign of the bull. He says he’s always in that. And we can either be the bull and tread or have the bull tread over us.
Then there’s the covenant with man, the bull, the lion. Two lions in the Bible. One you can be. One you can get eaten by. We can be of the lion of the tribe of Judah and be in his covenant. Or we can have the devourer devour us (1 Peter 5:8). There’s a devil that walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. So all these are covenantal things. And then he talks about the eagle.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Now let’s read this. And you’ll see where it’s at. Revelation 4:7.
And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. (Revelation 4:7).
And he says Where the eagles are gathered. The fourth beast was like the eagle.
Now we want to look at the eagle. The eagle is a scriptural symbol of both covenantal blessings and covenantal cursings. In Exodus 19-4, we don’t have time to turn to these, so I’ll just give you what I’ve got here. The blessing is shown. We have seen God speaking say, You have seen what I did unto the Egyptians and how I bare you on eagle’s wings and brought you unto myself (Exodus 19:4).
When they came out of Egypt, he likened the covenant relationship that he had with them to eagles’ wings. He says, “I took you, I gave you eagles’ wings, and I bare you on eagles’ wings.”
And in Revelation chapter 12 in verse 4, the church, the woman there, guess what he gives her? Wings of a great eagle to flee into the wilderness (Revelation 12:14). The eagle is a covenantal symbol.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: (Deuteronomy 32:11).
In Jacob are the twelve tribes, so I don’t have to get into all that. And then in Deuteronomy 28, we start the cursings. How many understand that Deuteronomy 28 primarily deals with curses? Now there are some blessings there, but it’s dealing mainly with curses.
And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away. (Deuteronomy 28:26).
What will come if you break the covenant? To eat your flesh? Part of the covenantal curse was that the fowls of the air would eat their flesh if they broke the covenant. How many want to break the covenant with God? No.
The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; (Deuteronomy 28:49).
A nation will be sent from God as swift as an eagle. Did that happen? Yes! In 721 BC, Assyria came upon Israel swiftly.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
What about Jerusalem, AD 70? Can you see the same? It’s the same covenant. It’s the same curse. Those people broke the covenant with God. God is sending his eagles.
Jeremiah 4-13, speaking of Nebuchadnezzar, shall come as clouds. Clouds of judgment and his chariots shall be swifter than eagles. And then Jeremiah says, Woe unto us, for we are spoiled.
Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled. (Jeremiah 4:13).
And Habakkuk also talks about the eagle.
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. (Habakkuk 1:8).
The eagle is the covenantal symbol, and it’s a blessing or it’s a cursing.
In Revelation 4, we see that it’s part of the four beasts, which talks about the four corners of the earth. How much of the earth is the Lord’s? All of it (Psalm 24:1).
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
He’s got a covenant with it all. It’s his, and he’s got a covenant with all of it. There are four beasts. There are four corners of the compass. The earth is the Lord in its fullness. It’s a lion, it’s a bull, it’s a man, it’s an eagle. And all of his covenant deals with all those things, and there they are for you.
Now look at Revelation 19, and we’re done. Let’s connect everything. We’re talking about the eagle’s coming upon Jerusalem. Then we’re going to end it and say something.
Revelation 19—Judgment of the Nations, Gathering of the Fowls
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:11-21).
Who is this? Who? That’s the Lord. He’s coming. The eagles, the vultures, the fowls of the air are all invited. And Jesus says, where the carcasses are, that the eagles shall be gathered, that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Do you know how I taught that one time? I drew a picture. I had these guns aimed at heaven. These big old nuclear warheads were aimed at heaven. The Antichrist was ruling. But here comes Jesus on his white horse with the saints after we’d been raptured for seven years. The Antichrist’s guns are aimed at heaven. He’s going to shoot us. That’s the battle of Armageddon. That’s how I used to teach it. I don’t see it that way now.
This is what I see now. I don’t see anything that would take me away for seven years. That’s why we’re here, to see his kingdom come on earth and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
We’re going to rule and reign with Him. Not up there. Right here. And that’s what it’s about. Anything that deviates me from that now is wrong.
For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. (Matthew 24:28)
The eagles have gathered. It’s over. It’s lights out for Jerusalem. Lights out for that system. Lights out for that age. Okay. Lights out. Stars fall. The sun doesn’t give its light.
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: (Matthew 24:29).
The moon doesn’t give us light. That’s next week. We’ll see that in the scriptures. But right now we’re talking about coming, the eagle coming in judgment.
Do we understand that because Israel was guilty of the blood of the prophets, the blood of the wise men, the blood of the teachers, that Jesus said, the temple and Jerusalem will be destroyed (Matthew 23:34, 38)?
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
Matthew 24 Verses 21-28: How to See God’s Tribulation Plan
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