Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons calls believers to watch the unfolding of God’s purposes rather than hunt for a secret date on the calendar. Jesus links the fig tree, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of an age to show that judgments close one era and open another. The passage urges Christians to discern these seasons, live in obedience, and stay ready for Christ’s appearing.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Matthew 24:32-35, Luke 21:29‑30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1, Matthew 16:2‑3, Matthew 24:36, Matthew 24:44, 1 Corinthians 15:26, Matthew 24:33-41, Matthew 24:36, Matthew 24:34, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 4:14-5:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4, 2 Peter 2:5, Matthew 24:5‑8, Matthew 24:9, Matthew 24:14, Luke 21:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:3, Romans 11:17‑18, Romans 11:19-22, Romans 11:23, Romans 11:24-29, 1 Corinthians 15:25, Hebrews 10:11‑12, Hebrews 10:13, 1 Corinthians 15:24, Habakkuk 2:14, 1 Corinthians 15:25, 1 John 3:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 12:2, 1 John 3:3, Ephesians 4:12, Ephesians 4:13, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:26, John 14:12, Ephesians 5:25-27, John 16:33, Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 15:24, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, 1 Corinthians 15:51‑56, 1 Thessalonians 4:16‑17, John 16:33, John 6:35-44, John 6:45-54, Romans 6:23,
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Overview of the Fig Tree in Matthew 24
We are still in Matthew 24, and one day we will finally move on, but this chapter has been very rich. As we have worked through it, I have learned a great deal. I have given you an entire page filled with those “fig tree” references. None of them ever likened the fig tree to national Israel. The olive tree is used that way, but the fig tree never is.
We have often been told that the fig tree represents natural Israel. So, when people read Matthew 24 and see the fig tree, they say it refers to Israel. They claim the fig tree “blossomed” in 1948 when Israel became a nation, and from there they count a generation of 40 years to predict the end of the age or the great tribulation.
Then they went back seven years for a supposed seven‑year tribulation, and some concluded the rapture would be in 1981. When that failed, others tried for three and a half years and pushed it to around 1984. They still missed it. Now people keep coming up with new dates. It just keeps happening, and clearly something is wrong with this whole approach. That is where we were in our last study.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
We were looking at the fig tree in Matthew 24.
Matthew 24:32-35, KJV
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
“All the Trees” and Biblical Seasons
However, Luke doesn’t say, “Fig tree.” Luke says, “All the trees,” and that is important.
“And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.” (Luke 21:29‑30)
When you look at a tree and see it begin to blossom, you know what season is near? Spring or summer. That is what Jesus is teaching. He was not saying that there was something special about the fig tree itself, because Luke adds “and all the trees.”
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
We’re going to see today that we can look at biblical seasons and see what seasons we’re into, or that we’re going into, or what’s happening. We’re going to look at 1 Thessalonians 5 and verse 1 where Paul clearly says,
“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1)
He says you can look and see. Jesus himself even said to the Pharisees,
“He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:2‑3)
We ought to be able to look around and recognize the scriptural times. It really is not difficult. That is what the fig tree lesson is about, and nothing more. It does not teach that natural Israel is the fig tree. Scripture likens natural Israel to the olive tree, not the fig tree, and we may look at that passage later tonight.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Readiness, Not Date‑Setting
What really matters is whether we are ready for whatever happens. Are you prepared if there is a tribulation? Are you ready if there is no rapture? In every case, the issue is readiness. That is what Jesus is emphasizing. He tells us that the day or the hour is not what is essential.
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
The Lord is saying that no man knows that. Not the angels, not even my messengers, not the aggolas, not even the angels from heaven. What’s important is that you need to be ready.
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44)
Jesus then moves into a discourse about Noah and then about the faithful servant. From that point on, the central theme is simple: be ready, no matter what happens. Readiness is the focus.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Do we understand the signs for the end of our age? If the great tribulation and the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 marked the end of the Mosaic age, then what will mark the end of our age? What are the signs? Can you name two signs for the end of our age? One of them is this: overcoming the last enemy, death.
“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)
What is another sign? Can anyone name one? We are going to look at that. I am going to give you seven signs that point to the end of our age. When you start to see these seven things take place, you will know it is getting close to “summertime,” that Jesus is on the way. That is our focus.
Consider this question from Matthew 24: Who is taken and who is left? Who exactly is taken? Is this describing the rapture? Are you protected and covered? Are you living in obedience? Do you know how to walk in obedience? Could there be a great tribulation and yet not a hair of your head be harmed (Luke 21:18)?
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Obedience and Protection
That kind of protection is only valid if we walk in obedience. It depends on whether we have studied what the Lord has said, applied it to our lives, and are willing to act when we see the signs begin to appear. That is the heart of what we are dealing with in this section. Verses 36 through 42 develop that idea, and we will look at those verses in detail later.
Today, though, I want to slow down and focus on one central point: Be ready like Noah.
We will work our way to verse 36, beginning at verse 33. Remember, words like “you,” “ye,” “your,” etc., mean the disciples to whom Jesus is speaking, i.e., Peter, James, John, and Andrew.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Matthew 24:33-41
“So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” (Matthew 24:33)
“Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” (Matthew 24:34)
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:37)
“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,” (Matthew 24:38)
“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)
“Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40)
“Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Matthew 24:41)
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matthew 24:42)
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
We’ve looked at all that before. We’ve taught it several times, but today we’re going to look at verse 36. We’ll actually begin about verse 33; we’re going to tie all this together, but as far as we’ll get is verse 36.
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
The Unknown Day and Hour vs. the Known Signs
Jesus mentions the “day and hour,” but only to say that this exact time is not important. A specific day and hour would pin everything down to a precise moment, yet he tells us that no one knows it. No man knows it. No angel knows it, and no messenger from heaven knows it. We have studied the Greek word “angelos” translated as “angels.” It primarily means a “messenger.” The point is clear: nobody knows the exact time. The exact time was not important then, and it is not important now.
What truly matters are the signs. What matters is that we can recognize those signs and assess our readiness. The real issue is whether our lives, our homes, and our church are prepared for whatever may come. If the Lord came today and stood in front of me, would I be ready to meet him? Would I be ready, whether I rise from the grave or am still alive and remain? That is the question each of us must face.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Fathers, are you ready for your homes to be judged? Your home, your children will judge you, and how your home is in order. It’s your responsibility (Ephesians 5:23).
Wives, are you ready to be judged? Are you a submissive wife? (Ephesians 5:22)
Children, are children ready to be judged? Have you obeyed your parents? (Ephesians 6:1)
The real question is whether we are ready for whatever happens. The exact day or hour doesn’t matter. What matters is our readiness. Are we living like Noah? Are we acting like the faithful servant that Jesus described? He said that no one knows the time or the hour, yet some are still trying to pin it down to a date.
“Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” (Matthew 24:34)
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Generations, AD 70, and Readiness
A generation is roughly forty years, and in fact, only about thirty‑seven years passed between Jesus’ words and the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The main point, though, is not the exact span of years. The emphasis is that the specific day and hour were not important then and are not important now. What matters is this: are you ready?
In 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, where Paul has just been talking about the catching away.
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
Now here he’s talking about those who have gone on to be with the Lord.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
1 Thessalonians 4:14-5:1
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15)
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1)
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Now, were there any seven years in there? Was there? Did we see it? Don’t let that chapter break there stop you from the flow of what Paul is saying. What Paul is saying here is that you don’t need anyone to come and tell you or teach you about the times and seasons. There are times and seasons that we can determine when the Lord is coming. But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you.
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4
“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4)
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Why are we not in darkness about these things? Paul says that day will not overtake us like a thief because we are in the light. We are meant to have understanding. We should be able to do what verse 1 in 1 Thessalonians 5 points to: interpret the times and the seasons. That is precisely what Jesus is dealing with in the closing verses of Matthew 24. He is teaching us to read the seasons so that they do not catch us off guard.
We do not need to know the exact day or hour. That is not the issue. We need to recognize the seasonal change as we move from one age to another, and even from one stage of life to another. We should be in the light about the times and seasons so that these things do not catch us off guard. The world will be caught off guard. It will be in darkness and will experience sudden destruction. Destruction always marks the close of a dispensation; there is always a judgment that ends one age and opens the way for the next.
Seasons at the End of Each Age
That leads into the second point on your notes: the seasons before the end or the beginning of an age. There is always a new beginning after an ending. One age ends, and another begins. So we talk about “seasons of the end” and “seasons of the beginning” of the next age. For example, take the Adamic age. The season that closed that age was Noah’s preaching in 2 Peter 2:5, where he is called a preacher of righteousness.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;” (2 Peter 2:5)
Noah is described as a preacher, a righteous preacher. His message, the building of the ark, and then the flood marked the end of that age. The wicked were destroyed. The wicked were the ones taken in judgment.
In the Abrahamic age, the plagues and judgments that fell on Egypt, recorded in Exodus chapters 7-12, marked the closing season of that age. Again, the destruction of the wicked marked the end. The pattern repeats: the wicked are judged and removed.
In the Mosaic age, which we have already discussed, the end came in AD 70. That is what Matthew 24 is dealing with. It describes the events leading up to that judgment. Jesus speaks of the “beginning of sorrows,” which includes false Christs, false prophets, wars, rumors of wars, nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and also famines, pestilence, and earthquakes.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:5‑8)
Then he says there will also be deliverance for the saints who are persecuted.
“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9)
He says there will be preaching of the gospel of the kingdom to all the nations.
“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)
There will be the abomination of desolation, which is the surrounding of Jerusalem by the armies,
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.” (Luke 21:20)
The Mosaic age ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. That judgment marked the close of that era. Who were destroyed, who were taken in that judgment? It was the wicked. The wicked are always the ones taken away in these endings.
From Mosaic Age to Church Age: A New Question
When I reached that point in my study, I wrote “Church Age” in my notes and asked a new question. If the great tribulation marked the end of the Mosaic age, as I have been teaching for several weeks, then what are the signs that will mark the end of the Church Age? No one had ever really taught me that. I had never read a book that laid out the signs of the end of this age. So I began searching the Scriptures and realized how little we talk about them. We have focused so much on Matthew 24 that we have ignored other passages.
So what are the signs of the end of this age? Some of you have already read ahead and seen the list. What struck me, as I gathered these scriptures, was that none of them actually mentions a “great tribulation” as the sign for the end of our age. The closest thing I can find to that is the “sudden destruction” Paul mentions in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
Turning to Romans 11: The Olive Tree and Israel
In all these other passages we have studied, a “great tribulation” is not mentioned as the sign of the end of our age. So now I want us to turn to Romans. Do not run ahead of me, because I want this to sink in tonight. We are going to take our time in Romans chapter 11.
The first indicator that our age is reaching its climax—the age of the church, the dispensation of grace—is found here. This is one of the key things on the Apostle Paul’s mind that must happen before this age ends. I saw it clearly in Romans 11. I want to begin at verse 17. In chapters 9, 10, and 11, Paul talks about the Jews and how God has dealt with them in history and how he is dealing with them now in Christ. At first glance, it may seem that God has turned his back on Israel, but that is not entirely true.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.” (Romans 11:17‑18)
In verse 17, he says that some of the branches were broken off, and we, as a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them and now share the root and fatness of the olive tree. He warns us not to boast against the natural branches. If we boast, we must remember that we do not support the root; the root supports us.
Paul uses the picture of an olive tree to describe what God has done. There is a tame olive tree and a wild olive tree. The tame olive tree has a holy root and represents Israel, God’s covenant people. The wild olive tree represents the Gentiles and those who did not believe.
Paul is saying that we Gentiles have now been grafted into that holy root. We have been grafted into the good tree, into the tame olive tree, and share its life. Then, in verse 19, he anticipates our response: “You will say then, ‘The branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.’”
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Romans 11:19-22
“Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.” (Romans 11:19)
“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:” (Romans 11:20)
“For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.” (Romans 11:21)
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” (Romans 11:22)
What did he say happened to natural Israel? They were broken off. Because of what? Unbelief. They did not receive the Messiah. They don’t believe in Jesus Christ; therefore, they’re broken off.
“If…” What’s that “if” there for? If is conditional, he won’t spare you “if,” if you continue in goodness, otherwise thou also shall be cut off.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Judy was sharing something when we were down in Griffin, talking with Buren. She said she wanted to preach a message someday on the “ifs, ands, and buts” of God. I think that would make an excellent message. Scripture is full of these conditional words. We tend to skip over them, but when you start circling them, you see how many there are. Some of you have already marked them in your Bibles, and you probably should.
One example is, “If you continue in goodness, otherwise thou shalt be cut off.” That kind of statement goes straight to the question of eternal security. I can say, “I am eternally secure,” and you can say it too—but only if I continue in goodness. Then Paul adds another “if” for Israel:
“And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.” (Romans 11:23)
This is where I want to really concentrate. What does he say God is able to do for Israel? Where are they right now? Are they broken off right now, or are they grafted in? They’re broken off right now, but what will he say he can do? He can graft them back in. God is able to graft them in again.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Romans 11:24-29
“For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?” (Romans 11:24)
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” (Romans 11:25)
“And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:” (Romans 11:26)
“For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” (Romans 11:27)
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.” (Romans 11:28)
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:29)
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
How long will Israel be blind? Until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. So when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, what’s going to happen to Israel? They’re going to open their eyes, they’re going to see Christ as the Messiah, and they’re coming in. And so all Israel shall be saved. Is that what it says? All of Israel shall be saved.
Now are they “in” today? No. But they will be, as it is written, there shall come out of Zion the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Before the end of this age comes, before Christ’s final appearing, Paul says something must happen. According to Scripture, the Jews must be grafted back in again. All Israel must be saved. That is one clear marker. So I have to ask: has that happened yet? Will it be fulfilled anytime soon? Obviously not.
What I am trying to do is align our eschatology and theology with the Word. I am not attacking anyone. I want a proper understanding of God, and I want to know his ways, understand how he thinks, and recognize the signs that must appear before I see his appearing again. This regrafting of Israel is one of those signs.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Now, for the second point, let us turn to Hebrews chapter 10. The same idea also appears in Acts 2:35 and in 1 Corinthians 15:25.
“Until I make thy foes thy footstool.” (Acts 2:35)
“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.” (1 Corinthians 15:25)
Hebrews 10 and the Seated Christ
We will come back to 1 Corinthians in a little while and read the related verse from chapter 15 then. For the moment, though, I want us to focus on Hebrews chapter 10.
“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;” (Hebrews 10:11‑12)
Who is “this man”? It is Jesus. After he offered one sacrifice for sins forever, he sat down at the right hand of God.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Where is he sitting? On the right hand of God. Is he in the throne now? Is he ruling now? Did we say that we’re in the kingdom of God now? That we don’t have to wait for the kingdom to come? Could I say that I’m now in the millennial reign of Christ Jesus? If I say that, I’ll upset you, so I won’t.
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God for how long? Henceforth. From the time he sat down until now, from the time he sat down until he gets up, he’s ruling, and he’s reigning forever.
Christ Seated Until His Enemies Are Subdued
“From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.” (Hebrews 10:13)
The NIV Bible says he sat down, and since that time, he waits for his enemies to be made his footstools. Christ sat down, and what’s he sitting there waiting on? His enemies to be made his footstools. Are there still some enemies of Christ in the earth today? Sure, there are. Well, how long will Christ sit there? Until the enemies are overcome. Until there is a kingdom that he can offer to the Father.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father.” (1 Corinthians 15:24)
Until the earth is covered with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14)
Waiting “Until,” Not “Any Minute”
Jesus will remain at the right hand of the Father for a while. He will stay there until something happens. He will sit there until there is a church that is going forth, triumphant, and actually producing a kingdom. The question is not “Could he come any minute?” The question is “Until what?” Scripture says he must remain there until his enemies are made his footstool.
Yet many are still waiting for an “any minute” rapture—next week, next Tuesday, or some date on a calendar. That cannot happen while his enemies are not yet under his feet. Hebrews 10 makes it clear: his enemies must be made his footstool.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
I was once before a group that felt like a Sanhedrin, and someone said to me, “It sounds like you have Jesus bound in chains.” I did not say this out loud, but I wanted to answer, “No, something far stronger than chains holds him there—his own word holds him there. The Scriptures hold him there.”
“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.” (1 Corinthians 15:25)
This present age cannot end until all enemies are defeated. Every enemy must be put under his feet. That is non‑negotiable.
Sign Three: A People Like Him
For the third point, I want us to look at three related truths, beginning in 1 John 3:2.
Have we seen any mention yet that a great tribulation ends this age? No. I am not denying that we may go through tribulations or that the earth will face hard times. But those are not what bring this age to an end. That is not what brings Christ back.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Christ returns when certain positive things come into view. He will come when you start seeing Israel restored. He will come when there is a visible kingdom that he can present to the Father. Christ will come, as we are about to read, when there are people on the earth who are like him.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be. But we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
When Jesus comes, how will his people be? They will be like him. That is the third significant sign. First John and many other passages speak about a people who are conformed to his likeness. Are they fully here yet? No. But we are growing toward that.
This is why it is so important to see that change is good. Christ himself is our anchor, and our faith is firmly anchored in him. We do not move away from Christ. Our foundation in him does not change. But our minds must change. Our understanding must keep growing. When we look into the mirror of the Word, we are called to change from glory to glory.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
I can’t remain the same. I’ve stayed the same in my anchor. My anchor never changes. My faith in Christ never changes. It can’t change. I can’t have faith in anything else but Christ. But my mind has to be renewed and changed.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
And that’s why it’s so important to accept change and really love change, because when we’re changing, we’re growing.
Purity and the Hope of His Appearing
So there’s going to be a people like him. When he appears, First John 3:2 says there’ll be a people like him. And then verse three says that everybody who has this hope purifies himself.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3)
There will be a pure people on the earth. That means you will be actively purifying yourself. Purity and Christlikeness always go together. You cannot live a vile life and still be like Christ. Purity is part of what it means to be like him. When we truly carry the hope of his appearing, we begin in earnest to purify ourselves. So one of the signs is that there will be people who are like him.
Connect that with Ephesians chapter 4. Many of you can quote this. We hardly have a service go by without touching it. Ephesians 4:11 says that he gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).
Why are these ministries given? For the perfecting of the saints.
“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12)
Why is it necessary to perfect the saints? So there’ll be a people like him for the work of the ministry. Why is it necessary to perfect saints for the work of the ministry so they can produce people like him?
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)
How long will we have prophets and apostles and evangelists and pastors and teachers? Till. Till how many of us come? All. Till we all come to the unity of faith, and I could have used all of these, but all of these tie together in the very last section of this verse, to the unity of faith, to the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect or a mature man, unto what measure? The measure, the stature, and the fullness of Christ.
People Like Him and the Defeat of Sin and Death
There’ll be a people like him. When you start seeing a people doing what he did, acting like he acted, pure like he was, when you see that, you can begin to look and know that the end of this age is close. Do you know why?
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
What does sin work? Death. But when there’s a pure people, people overcome sin; there is no sin, no death. What is the last enemy? Death.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)
When there’s a sinless people, there’ll be a deathless people. Ephesians 4.13 tells us that there’ll be a people that’s coming to the measure and the stature and the fullness. How full is full? Fullness of Christ. People like him.
Let’s look at St. John 14:12.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” (John 14:12)
These verses are not new to you. You hear them often. But I have never placed them in this setting before, as signs of the end of the age. In John 14:12, if you are using a red‑letter Bible, you see Jesus speaking directly.
So will there be a people like him? Yes. There will be a people who have actually become like him when he comes, who have entered into the measure, the stature, and the fullness of Christ. And Scripture says plainly that those who believe in him can do the works he did, and even greater works. That is our third sign: a people like him.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Sign Four: A Glorious, Holy Church
Number four, Ephesians 5:27.
Ephesians 5:25-27
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Ephesians 5:25)
“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” (Ephesians 5:26)
“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:27)
What kind of church must exist for him to return? Is he going to compromise and say, “That’s close enough”? No. There must be a holy people. There must be a pure people. A people must be like him. There has to be a comparable mate for him so that he can rule and reign with her, and she with him.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
This helpmate is the church. She must be holy. She must be glorious, and she must be without spot, without wrinkle, and without blemish. Are we there yet? Are we at that place? No, not yet. But Scripture says there will be such a glorious church. Up to this point, we still have not seen anything that says tribulation itself is the key sign. Yes, in this world there will be tribulation, but that is not the defining mark of the end.
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The Kingdom Christ Can Present to the Father
We are going to face trouble in this world. We may even see more world wars. That would not surprise me. But none of that, by itself, will bring Christ back. Great tribulations are not what trigger his return. What brings him back is a functioning kingdom in the earth that he can present to the Father. That is the key.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Now look at Matthew 16:18. You have heard this many times. These are verses we use almost every time we gather, but again, not usually in this context.
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
What picture do you get from “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”? It does not show us running away from hell’s gates. It shows us charging them, and shows that the gates of hell cannot stand against the advance of the church. The church becomes, in that sense, a “violent” church—a fighting church, an army.
This is a church that goes out to storm hell and tear down its strongholds. Pornography is a stronghold of hell. Abortion is a stronghold of hell. Many such things are entrenched powers of darkness, and the church is meant to defeat them. Before Christ can come again, before this age can end, that kind of church must exist. This age cannot close until that church is in place.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Sign Six: The Last Enemy Destroyed
Number six. Let’s go now to 1 Corinthians 15. We’re getting real close now. We’re getting close to the end of the age. You’ll begin to see these things start happening: Israel starts coming back in, the enemies of God being defeated, people beginning to be like him, signs and miracles and signs following them that believe (Mark 16:17).
There’ll be a glorious church that’s raised up. And a church that’s an army that has a voice in the earth and brings forth purity and righteousness. Not that dictates it, but brings it forth. That lives it, brings it forth, and permeates it. And causes people to be envious of the purity that an individual has.
1 Corinthians 15 verse 24.
“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” (1 Corinthians 15:24)
Then cometh the what? What? Say it loud. The end. Then cometh the end. When? When he shall have what? Delivered up the kingdom to God. Even the Father. When he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Is that what we’ve been talking about? Is that what this is saying? There’s going to be a kingdom that he can offer to the Father. There’s going to be a kingdom that’s come under his feet. Everything is under him. Put down all rule and all authority and power. Verse 25.
1 Corinthians 15:25-26
“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.” (1 Corinthians 15:25)
“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)
Jesus cannot return until the last enemy is defeated. Scripture names that last enemy as death. Because death is the fruit of sin, we see a link between the two. There will be a people who have moved into a place of victory over sin. In that sense, they become “sinless,” and therefore “deathless.” How will that look in practical terms? Do they have to live to be five hundred years old? I do not think we can define it that neatly.
I believe it will simply permeate their lives. It will be evident. They will not seem to age in the same way. They will live. I cannot explain it all. I only know what the Bible says: “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” Christ will remain seated until every enemy is under his feet. That is the sixth sign from 1 Corinthians 15: the last enemy destroyed, and then the end comes.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
There must also be a people who mirror his victory over the grave. He conquered death because there was no sin in him. In the same way, there must be a people coming forth who are like him when he appears. They will be brought to the measure, the stature, and the fullness of Christ. They will live a life patterned after his sinless walk. There have to be such people.
Sign Seven: The Resurrection of the Dead
Then we come to number seven, the final and undeniable sign that the age has ended. When this happens, there is no more guessing about dates. When you see it, you will know it is over. At that point, the day and the hour will not matter, because if you waited for that moment, you waited too long. This is why the day and hour are not the focus; understanding the signs is. When you see this sign, you will say, “Here it is; I must be ready.”
What is that last sign? It is the resurrection of the dead. Who can argue that the age has not ended when graves open, bodies rise, and are reunited with their souls? No one can deny that something final has happened. That is the unmistakable marker—not the great tribulation. The sign of the end of this age is the resurrection of the dead.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
All the other things we have listed must happen as well. Every one of them is part of the process. They are all signs and seasons pointing toward the end. But this one—the resurrection—is the climactic sign. You never see Christ’s return in his Advent in Scripture without it. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:51 and following,
1 Corinthians 15:51‑56
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.”
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
The resurrection day is the last day. It’s the sign of the end of this age, not the great tribulation. Resurrection. All the issues mentioned must happen, but this is it. It’s the last day.
In 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, we read it earlier.
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16‑17)
Resurrection is coming. It’s the last day. Not the great tribulation. Now look at St. John again.
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
John 6: Bread of Life and the Last Day
We have been talking about a people who will be like him, and now in John 6, we see another angle on that hope. Here is where Jesus gives the “bread of life” teaching. Jesus says that he will raise us up at the last day if we eat his flesh and drink his blood. That is why communion is so important. The bread and the wine are not just ritual; they are symbols of his body and his blood.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
In John 6, beginning around verse 35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” He says that the one who comes to him will never hunger, and the one who believes in him will never thirst. He is not talking about natural bread and water. He is talking about himself as the true source of life. When we “feed” on him by faith—pictured in eating his flesh and drinking his blood—we receive eternal life, and he promises to raise us up at the last day.
John 6:35-44
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
“But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.” (John 6:36)
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)
“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (John 6:38)
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.” (John 6:39)
“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40)
“The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.” (John 6:41)
“And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?” (John 6:42)
“Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.” (John 6:43)
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44)
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
The resurrection is the last day. Scripturally, it is the last day. They were programmed to think about heaven much as we are. Tell me somebody what is heaven. The scriptural definition of heaven is the throne of God (Isaiah 66:1).
Jesus isn’t saying I come out of a cloud in the sky. He came out of God’s throne. He’s saying, I came with God’s authority. I came with his word, his anointing. Jesus came out of heaven.
When is the resurrection? The last day.
John 6:45-54
“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” (John 6:45)
“Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.” (John 6:46)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” (John 6:47)
“I am that bread of life.” (John 6:48)
“Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.” (John 6:49)
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
“This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.” (John 6:50)
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)
“The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (John 6:52)
“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” (John 6:53)
“Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:54)
The “last day” is resurrection day. The final day of this age is the day when the dead are raised. That is the ultimate sign. These things we have been studying are the signs and seasons that point to the end of our age.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Tribulation’s Role vs. Resurrection’s Role
A great tribulation, by itself, has nothing to do with that final marker. Tribulation may be part of the journey. It may push us toward these things. Hard times can drive you deeper into Christ. Storms, struggles, and trials can force you to change and to be conformed more fully to his image. But the end of the age is marked by resurrection, not by trouble (Romans 5:3‑4).
Tribulation does not bring Jesus Christ back. What tribulation does is work in us. It produces patience. It forms virtue and character in us. We need to see that, even in the face of great tribulation, it has nothing to do with the second advent of Christ, except as a tool God may use to help perfect his people.
Everything said so far is scriptural. The great tribulation marked the end of the Mosaic age, but it will not mark the end of this age. What ends this age is the resurrection. It is the final defeat of the last enemy, death, the rise of a church that functions as the army of God, storming the gates of hell, and a glorious church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. It is a people who have sold out to God, presented their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, and have had their minds renewed so that they can truly be like him (Romans 12:1).
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Footstools, Israel’s Fullness, and Recognizing the Time
The enemies of God become his footstools (Hebrews 10:13). The things that we so abhor and hate today have become his footstools, and watching all of Israel come in (Romans 11:26). Then you can know this time.
I want to highlight a few thoughts and then close. All of these items, and probably others as well, are signs of a change of season—from the Church Age into the everlasting, or immortal, age. It is almost time to stop, so let me stress one key observation.
None of these signs appear in Matthew 24. Think about that. You have studied Matthew 24. Is there a glorious church in that chapter? Is there the restoration of Israel? How about a resurrection? No. Not one of these are in Matthew 24. There is no engrafting of the natural Jew. There is no complete defeat of all the enemies of the kingdom, and placing them under his feet. No description of a people like him is given, no glorious church without spot or wrinkle, no army‑church storming hell, no resurrection, and no transformation from corruption to incorruption or from mortality to immortality. None of those end-of-our-age signs are in Matthew 24.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Matthew 24, AD 70, and the Last Day
Matthew 24 deals with AD 70 and the destruction of Jerusalem, not the final return of Christ. The second, i.e., the last, advent is tied to the resurrection of the saints on the last day. Do you see the difference? In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we clearly see the catching up of believers and the resurrection taking place on the same day.
That passage is about the resurrection. Whatever you call the “rapture,” it is joined to that resurrection event, and that day is called the last day. After the last day, there are no more days—no extra seven years, no extra three and a half years tacked on. The resurrection gathers all, both just and wicked, and that closes history.
So does the exact day and hour matter? Not in the way people think. If you wait to see the day and hour, you have really waited for the resurrection itself, and then you have waited too long. What matters is learning to read the seasons and the signs. That is what is important.
Application: What Are We Praying and Living For?
As I close, I want to press this on us personally. What are you praying for: an escape in the rapture, or the salvation of Israel? Which one actually lines up with the signs that must come? The restoration of Israel is part of what brings Jesus back. Praying for a rapture date will not do that.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Ask yourself: are you living with an “any minute” mindset, or an “until” mindset? Are you changing toward the measure, stature, and fullness of Christ, or just hoping to get out of here? You should be overcoming, not just wanting to escape. Are you becoming like him? As a church, are we moving toward being spotless, or are we content to remain a weak, confused religious crowd? Are we storming the strongholds of hell, or are we in retreat? Finally, what is your mindset about overcoming death? Scripture says, “the wages of sin is death.” If that is true, what are you doing with sin in your life if you intend to overcome death?
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
What are you doing to sin in your life to overcome death?
Self‑Examination and Final Appeals
If the resurrection were today, where would you be concerning judgment? Would you hear the words, Well done, my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21)?
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Or would you say, but Lord, Lord, I’ve cast out devils in your name. I’ve done all these wonderful works in your name. I’ve done all these wonderful things. And what do you say? Depart from me, you wicked work of iniquity. I never really knew you (Matthew 7:23).
Where are we at? As a body, as individuals, as families, as a church, as the corporate body of Christ, and the universe, where are we today? Where is our mentality? Most of the church, are they praying for these things, or are they praying for an any-minute rapture and waiting for it to happen?
We need some adjustments. Our theology is so balled up. And I know I sometimes sound angry about it. I get angry because it’s here, and every time I read it, I see something. And how we say so deluded. I just don’t know.
Closing Prayer for Alignment with God’s Word
Father, help us. Change us. Cause us to change. Lord, sometimes I worry if I’m not losing my mind at some of the things that I see that are so contrary to what I hear people say. But Lord, it lines up with your word, and your word is truth.
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
Matthew 24 Verse 36: How to Read the Age-Ending-Seasons
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