Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery teaches us that God controls the seasons and times and decides when one era ends and another begins. Jesus’ kingship is evident in these verses, and we must recognize scriptural imagery rather than just literal events. Imagery helps us interpret prophecy and see Christ’s authority through events such as the destruction of Jerusalem, showing his rule over all of history and the transition into a new covenant.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Matthew 24:34 KJV, Luke 21:20-22 KJV, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 24:29-30 KJV, Ezekiel 1:1-28 KJV, Exodus 13:21-22 KJV, Exodus 14:19-20 KJV, Exodus 14:24 KJV, Exodus 19:9 KJV, Exodus 19:16-19 KJV, Psalms 18:1–14 KJV, Psalms 104:3 KJV, Isaiah 19:1 KJV, Ezekiel 32:7–8 KJV, Matthew 24:30 KJV, Revelation 4:5–8 KJV, Matthew 24:29–30 KJV, Isaiah 13:9–11 KJV, Daniel 2:20–21 KJV, Amos 8:9 KJV, Ezekiel 32:7–9 KJV, Acts 2:14–21 KJV, Revelation 21:1 KJV, Revelation 4:8 KJV,
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Matthew’s gospel presents Jesus Christ as King. That’s especially clear in Matthew 24. In this chapter, we see that God controls the seasons and the times. The book of Daniel uses words like “times” and “epochs” in some translations to make the same point. God decides when one age ends and another begins. When a king’s era is over, a new king arises according to God’s plan.
The Kingship of Christ and the End of the Age
Matthew 24 teaches that when certain events occur—such as the destruction of Jerusalem—we recognize that Jesus truly is on the throne. He is in heaven and is exactly who he claims to be.
The central truth we need to see in Matthew 24 is not about which end-times theory is correct. It is about Jesus Christ being King. He reigns on the throne, and the Father is the one who rules over all seasons and times.
Introduction
If you notice, we’re only going to try to study two verses. And I doubt we’ll even get that because there’s just so much here. It’s just so rich. I believe we have scripturally seen that Jesus spoke to the generation of AD 33 and told them, This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
“Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” (Matthew 24:34 KJV)
The Great Tribulation and Days of Vengeance
The great tribulation described in Matthew 24 happened in AD 70. These were called the days of vengeance, as explained in Luke 21:20-22. During this time, all the blood of the righteous—from Abel to Zacharias—was avenged. That was the purpose of the days of vengeance.
If you haven’t fully grasped this idea yet, at least let it serve as a seed for future study. I hope that you are beginning to see it. If not, I won’t keep pressing the point. I ask that you keep this in mind when you study your Bible in the future or when you come across these Scriptures again, so you’ll be aware of this perspective.
Before we continue, I want to look at Luke chapter 21. Luke 21 runs parallel to Matthew 24. Specifically, Luke 21:20 provides essential context about these events.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:20-22 KJV)
And here’s what I want, verse 22. These were the days of vengeance.
Judgment on Jerusalem and Scriptural Imagery
In the past few weeks, as we’ve studied Matthew 24, we focused on how God brought vengeance on Jerusalem and Israel. This judgment happened because they killed the prophets, and the blood of the saints was upon that system. As a result, God judged Jerusalem.
Today, we are looking at a law of scriptural interpretation called scriptural imagery. I should say it is one law among many used to understand Scripture. Scriptural imagery is the use of symbols or images to express a complete idea, a principle, or even an entire sermon. Many prophetic books in the Old Testament and the book of Revelation use this type of imagery.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Understanding scriptural imagery is very important. For Jews, a single image could represent an entire sermon or concept. If we don’t grasp this, we will miss much of what Revelation and the prophetic books are trying to say. Imagery is found throughout Scripture. Learning how to recognize and interpret it isn’t difficult, but does take some effort and study. Most Christians don’t read their Bibles enough to be familiar with these images. The imagery can be confusing to them. However, once learned, it opens up Scripture and provides a strong biblical foundation rather than one based on feelings.
Much of the doctrine today is often rooted in emotions—the “soulish” part of us. If you ask your spirit about walking on streets of gold, it doesn’t care, but your flesh does. This shows how some teachings appeal more to the flesh than the spirit. We want to move away from soulish interpretations and build our understanding on the proper foundation found in Scripture.
Jesus Teaches About the End of the Age
Let’s return to Matthew chapter 24 and look at verse 3. You’ll remember that Jesus had been teaching and preaching in the temple for several chapters. In chapter 23, he strongly rebuked the scribes and Pharisees. He told them the blood of the prophets would be required of their generation. He even said that their house—the temple—would be left desolate.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Then, as Jesus and his disciples were leaving, the disciples came to him privately.
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)
We’ve studied that the word “world” here and see it actually means “age.” They were asking about the end of the age. Their real questions were: What is the sign of Jesus’ coming, and what marks the close of this era? If you continue to verse 29, you see that Jesus finally answers that question, describing what to look for and what will happen at that time.
“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: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:29-30 KJV)
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
The Meaning of the Cloud
Here’s the sign. The disciples wanted a sign, and Jesus gave them one. If you try to interpret this passage strictly literally, it poses some challenges. It’s difficult to relate this coming of the Lord to the events of AD 70, when he came in judgment. In this passage, Jesus comes in power and glory. My goal is to explain this, but it can be hard when past doctrines try to combine his advent with this coming at the resurrection. Last week, we discussed that the word “coming” has several different meanings.
The most important thing to understand is the cloud. Jesus is coming on the cloud. If we don’t grasp what the cloud means, we miss the whole message. Let’s take enough time to really focus on this cloud. In Ezekiel 1, the cloud is vividly described. If you want to enter into the glory of God like Ezekiel, I encourage you to read Ezekiel chapters 1, 2, and 3.
As we explore these passages, you will see a special connection. The meaning of the cloud opens up in a new way. It has always seemed to refer simply to angels and saints, but now I see it differently—a new depth and dimension have been revealed, especially after my experiences. I want to share this insight with you.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Ezekiel 1:1-28 KJV
“Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity, The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.
And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man…As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle…
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings. And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings. Above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.”
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Exodus 13:21 talks about the cloud.
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” (Exodus 13:21-22 KJV)
Exodus 13:21-22 says the cloud went before the people by the pillar of fire and pillar of the cloud.
In Exodus 14:19, the cloud stood between the Egyptians and Israel.
“The angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: It came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.” (Exodus 14:19-20 KJV)
It was darkness to the Egyptians, but it was light to Israel. So it’s a blessing for one, it gives light. It’s a cursing on another; it brings darkness.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
In Exodus 14:24, the cloud troubled the Egyptians, and the Lord caused their chariot wheels to break.
“And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,” (Exodus 14:24 KJV)
In Exodus 19:9, Moses was told by the Lord that the Lord would speak to Moses from the cloud, out of a thick cloud.
“The LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.” (Exodus 19:9 KJV)
In Exodus 19:16-19, the Lord came in the cloud, and here’s how he comes.
Exodus 19:16-19 KJV
“It came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. When the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.”
The Signs of the Cloud
The cloud in Scripture comes with specific signs. Whenever you read about lightnings, thunderings, or earthquakes in the Bible—especially in the book of Revelation—you should associate these with the cloud. The cloud includes all these elements: thunderings, lightnings, the sound of a trumpet, and a mighty voice. When God came in the cloud, there was fire, smoke, and even earthquakes.
These signs appear often in Revelation and are simply symbols of God’s glory cloud. Lightnings and thunderings always point to God’s glory. If you are in the right place spiritually, the cloud will protect you. It will shield you from harm and heat. On the other hand, if you are not where you should be, the cloud brings judgment—fire, lightning, thunder, and shaking of the ground.
For some people, the cloud means blessing and protection. For others, it means judgment and punishment.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Psalms and Songs About the Glory Cloud
Psalms 18:8-14 gives a vivid description of the cloud. Paul encourages believers to sing Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and this is one of the songs he meant for us to sing.
If you look at the details included under the heading of Psalm 18, you’ll see information about the instruments, the writer, and the occasion for the psalm. For example, it notes that David wrote this Psalm after God delivered him from all his enemies, including Saul. These intros often tell us the background, the beat, who played the music, and who it was written for. This kind of information helps us understand what they were singing and why.
Listen to how they sang. And Paul says to sing this way.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Psalms 18:1–14, KJV
“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple,
and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.”
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
We sing about many things from the Psalms, especially those first few verses. In verse seven, the earth is described as shaking and trembling. The foundations of the hills were moved because God was angry. They sang about God’s anger in these songs. That’s not something we usually sing about today. Most of our songs ask for blessings.
The Psalm says smoke went up from God’s nostrils and fire came out of his mouth. Coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens and came down, and darkness was under his feet. He rode upon a cherub, flying on the wings of the wind. Darkness was his secret place, and dark waters and thick clouds surrounded him. When brightness came before him, the thick clouds passed, bringing hailstones and coals of fire. The Lord thundered from the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice with hailstones and coals of fire.
All of this is associated with the cloud. God sent out his arrows and scattered his enemies. He shot out lightning and defeated them. I want to sing about this God—the one I am learning to know more deeply. He is both gracious and severe. I want to know him as the true God, and I want to sing about him as he truly is. That is the God this song declares.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Old Testament Cloud Imagery
“Who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:” (Psalms 104:3, KJV)
“The burden of Egypt. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.” (Isaiah 19:1, KJV)
“And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 32:7–8, KJV)
If I were a Jew who knew the Scriptures and I stood among Jesus’ disciples while he talked about coming on the clouds with great power and glory, I wouldn’t picture a gentle, fluffy cloud. It wouldn’t be an image of a cloud with a lamb and a bird on it. The biblical image is much more powerful. It’s about a God who can breathe fire on the wicked.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
From a disciple’s perspective, hearing Jesus speak of coming in the clouds would have evoked imagery of power and majesty, as in Matthew 24:30. In biblical language, clouds symbolize the Lord’s coming to protect his people and destroy the wicked. The cloud means both judgment and protection. It reveals the heavenly realm.
Ezekiel saw the heavens open and God enthroned, with his heavenly court in attendance. In Chilton’s book “Days of Vengeance,” he explains that the opening of Revelation is not about Christ’s future return, but about Christ’s coming in judgment on Israel. This was to establish the church as the new kingdom. Jesus had to come in judgment on Israel because that period was coming to an end. It was time for a new king and a new kingdom.
Clouds as God’s Chariot and Sign of Authority
When the Bible says that Jesus is coming with the clouds, it means more than just a weather event. The clouds represent the glory cloud, which is God’s chariot and a sign of his visible presence. This imagery shows that when Jesus comes with the clouds, he comes with power.
The glory cloud means safety and protection for God’s people. At the same time, it also implies judgment for those who oppose him. So, the coming of Jesus with the clouds is a picture of both blessing and judgment, depending on where you stand with God.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30, KJV)
Do you see the cloud more clearly now? Jesus says he is coming, and all these powerful images are with him. In the same way that other Bible terms, like “whale’s belly” or “juniper tree,” bring whole sermons to mind, the cloud brings a complete image of glory, power, and judgment.
Whenever Jesus said he was coming in the clouds of glory, those words would create a vivid picture for those who understood the Scriptures. The cloud meant much more than weather. It meant God’s presence, power, and protection.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
The Glory Cloud in Revelation
We also find aspects of the cloud in the New Testament, especially in Revelation. In chapter four, John describes being caught up into the throne room surrounded by the glory cloud. He hears thunder and lightning, and sees all kinds of dramatic signs. These signs keep showing up throughout Revelation—chapters 4:5-8; 8:5;11:19;15:8;16:18. They all relate to the glory cloud, just like in Ezekiel. The same cloud that brought God’s glory and activity in Ezekiel appears again in Revelation, always with the same meaning and the same display of God’s power.
Revelation 4:5–8, KJV
“Out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. The first beast was like a lion, the second beast like a calf, the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
The four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”
Jesus’ Authority and Coming on the Clouds
When Jesus says people will see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, he is declaring his authority. The cloud represents his power and glory. Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When he comes, he comes to judge some and to bless others. This is the sign he talked about. When the disciples saw this sign, they would know that he truly had come.
I want to move on to the next important image in this passage: heaven shaken. This is the last major topic for tonight. After discussing the cloud and the sign, we still need to understand what it means for heaven to be shaken. Then, after this, we can look at the tribes of the earth and the sign before leaving this section of Scripture.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Heaven shaken.
“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: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:29–30, KJV)
Before the sign of the Son of Man appears in heaven, there must be a significant event—a shaking of the heavens. The sun, moon, and stars will stop giving their light before the sign is seen. The focus here is on the sign itself. The Son of Man is in heaven, in the glory cloud, and seated on the throne. But what people see is the sign.
Jesus seems to say that his coming will occur right after the tribulation. We know that didn’t literally happen in AD 70, although that is when the great tribulation took place. This may challenge how we understand these events, but it leads us to consider scriptural imagery.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
After the tribulation, it says the universe will collapse. Many teachings today claim these passages describe atomic warfare or massive destruction, like what is suggested in books by Hal Lindsey. However, I don’t agree with those views. I believe the devil only has power where people give him power, and that God’s people are meant to rule and reign on earth.
I do not believe these verses are talking about a literal atomic war or the destruction of the earth. Instead, I want to encourage you to look at the scriptures themselves and to build on a scriptural foundation. We often interpret these passages based on things we’ve read rather than what the Bible actually says. We need to see who Jesus was talking to—his disciples—and remember that scriptural imagery can pack an entire sermon into one phrase.
Historical Examples of Scriptural Imagery
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Now, let’s run through this.
Isaiah was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel around 700 BC. In this passage, he is actually prophesying about the destruction of Babylon. This event would take place about two or three hundred years after Isaiah’s time. Isaiah makes it clear that he is speaking to the real, historical Babylon, not a symbolic one.
“Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.” (Isaiah 13:9–11, KJV)
In chapter 13, verse 1, Isaiah introduces his prophecy as “the burden of Babylon.” As you read further, you see the calamity that Babylon is about to face. The prophet describes the troubles and judgment that will come upon this actual nation. Isaiah’s message is direct and specific—he is declaring what God will do to Babylon in the future.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
“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, KJV)
When I first started studying this, I was nervous because I had never heard teaching like this before. I kept researching, and eventually, others more experienced helped me understand it. In Daniel chapter two, King Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream about a great statue and seeks an interpretation.
Nebuchadnezzar threatens to kill all the wise men if they can’t explain the dream. Daniel, along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, turns to prayer. God answers by revealing the dream’s secret to Daniel in a night vision. Daniel blesses the God of heaven for giving him this wisdom.
Studying this taught me something new about heaven. Heaven, at its core, is simply God’s throne. Daniel praises God, recognizing that wisdom and power belong to him. Daniel also says that God changes the times and the seasons—what some translations call “epochs.” This means that God is in control of world events and shifts in authority.
“And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:” (Amos 8:9, KJV)
In Amos 8:9, the prophet is speaking to the nation of Israel around 722 BC. He warns them that the Assyrians will invade. Amos urges the people to get ready and pay attention to God’s warning.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Now, let’s move to Ezekiel 32, verses seven through nine.
“And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord God. I will also vex the hearts of many people, when I shall bring thy destruction among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known.” (Ezekiel 32:7–9, KJV)
Ezekiel prophesied against Egypt while living in Babylon. In those verses, Ezekiel explains how Egypt would suffer and be destroyed because of God’s judgment. The language suggests dramatic changes—the kind that signal the end of a nation’s season.
Imagery of Darkness and Shaking
Jesus used similar imagery when he talked about the moon not giving light, the sun going dark, stars falling, and the heavens being shaken. To a Jew, that kind of language did not mean a literal cosmic disaster. It meant that one order was ending and another was beginning. Jesus was talking about Jerusalem and the old covenant, not actual astronomical events.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
If even one star crashed into the Earth, it would destroy everything. This shows that the words are meant as spiritual imagery. We need to use Scripture as our foundation for understanding these images. From this point on, the imagery of heaven, the cloud, darkness, and light should mean something new to you. They point to the end of an era and the beginning of something new—the end of the old covenant and the start of the new covenant.
The destruction of the temple and Jerusalem marked the close of one period and the beginning of another. The sign for the following new covenant would be the immortal body and the resurrection. In every period of change, God gives a sign. These things didn’t happen literally, but they occurred in a spiritual, scriptural sense. Babylon’s time ended, Israel’s northern kingdom ended, and Egypt’s power ended. The church, under the new covenant, became the new light. The old covenant’s light was extinguished, and a new day began.
See Joel 2:1-11.
Pentecost and the New Era
I remember a time in prayer when others encouraged me with a particular scripture. We talked about the idea of “lights out” as a spiritual transition. At first, I was not sure what it meant, but someone pointed out how the book of Acts confirms this. Peter quotes Joel, showing that Pentecost fulfilled God’s promise.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Pentecost was actually the “last days” of the old covenant, as Peter explained in Acts chapter two. The outpouring of the Spirit marked the beginning of a new era for God’s people. Knowing this helps us understand how scriptural imagery describes these critical transitions. It teaches us not just to only read the words, but to look for what they represent in God’s plan.
I’m gonna open something for us here, and if we can grab it.
Acts 2:14–21, KJV
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
On my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: It shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
When Jesus spoke of the moon stopping, the sun going dark, the stars falling, and the heavens being shaken, he meant that everything we know would change. Our whole system and way of living would be shaken. There will be another outpouring, and one day, this mortal life will be replaced by immortality.
Jesus was saying “lights out,” marking the end of an era. When the Spirit was poured out on the church, not long afterward Jerusalem was destroyed, and a great tribulation marked the end of the old age. This was the transition from the old covenant to the new. The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, and believers became the new temples of God.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
The Heavenly City and New Creation
The old Jerusalem and Babylon were left desolate, making room for a new city—the heavenly Jerusalem. The church now shines as the new light. If you can see it, there is a new heaven and a new earth, because the old covenant and system have passed away. Everything is being made new.
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1, KJV)
When the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, God’s presence moved to a new place. Pentecost marked the time when believers became the new temples. The old Jerusalem and Babylon were left behind and replaced by a new city.
This new city—the heavenly Jerusalem—is the church, and it became the light for the world. Scripture says there is now a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and earth have passed away. God created something new, and everything changed when the old was gone.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
Scriptural Imagery, Change, and Worship
The changes described in Scripture—such as heaven shaking, the sun and moon darkening, and stars falling—are not meant to be taken literally. They are examples of scriptural imagery. The Bible uses this special vocabulary to teach us spiritual truths. Our misunderstanding arises when we try to interpret these images through modern ideas, such as atomic warfare, rather than letting the Bible interpret itself.
This imagery appears in different passages about Babylon, Israel, and Egypt, and always shows a spiritual change, not a physical one. So, be careful with what you read and how you interpret it. The real message isn’t about war or disaster alone, but about the end of one era and the start of another.
What can we learn from all this? You can experience God as Ezekiel, Isaiah, and John did. You can come near his throne and encounter his glory. God is in control of everything. He rules over seasons, times, and kings. No matter how chaotic things seem in the world, nothing can happen outside of God’s will.
Let’s praise God together. We are his temples now, because the old earth and old heaven have passed away. Today there is a new people, a new city, and new temples—God’s people and God’s church. We ask God to open the heavens, to show us his presence, and to help us understand our relationship with him. We worship him as King and invite his spirit to fill us anew.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30: How to Grasp Scriptural Imagery
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8, KJV)
For your pleasure, all things were and are created. Thank you, Lord God.
Lord, I believe you’ve done a work tonight. Holy Spirit, I thank you. I believe you’ve got something across that I’ve been wanting to get across. Lord, I believe you brought it tonight, Lord, in a way I haven’t been able to, and I thank you. Thank you, Lord. Let us plant it in our hearts, take it home with us, and see that we have a king. In Jesus’ name we pray, and everybody says, Amen.
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30 part 1
Matthew 24 Verses 29-30 part 1
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