9 “Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 And at that time many will [ f ]fall away, and they will [ g ]betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will rise up and [ h ]mislead many people. 12 And because lawlessness is increased, [ i ]most people’s love will become cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. 14 This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole [ j ]world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:9-14 (NASB) 中文

Mt. of Olives

Now they’re on the Mt. of Olives and Jesus begins responding to the disciple’s questions. In the previous passage they had asked, “When will the end come?” and, “What are the signs?” He first cautioned them to be on their guard so they won’t be misled. Now He gives the detailed answers. Some have two fulfillment time periods.

Persecuted to death

Jesus breaks the news to His disciples that they will be killed for their faith. Indeed, all but John were martyred. But this also has future fulfillment. Throughout history, many Christians have (and still are) martyred for their faith. This will, like birth pains, increase as the end draws near. 

Falling away

I believe Jesus is talking about the church here. Indeed, professing Christians do fall away and even betray and hate others. This is so sad. But Jesus expects it. Are these true believers? I would hope not – since we are all part of the body of Christ. But alas, fights do occur in churches today. Again, this should get worse as the end approaches.

Related to this is v12. As lawlessness increases, most people’s love will become cold. He doesn’t say a few, as we see today. In certain countries like the US and Europe, we can see churches and their members growing cold, turning from the truth and leaving the faith. We can expect this to increase as the time draws nigh.

What will be a key cause for this falling away and cold love? False prophets. “In the Bible, prophets often had both a teaching and revelatory role, declaring God’s truth on contemporary issues while also revealing details about the future.” (gotquestions.org) And, today, there are plenty of men and women claiming to proclaim God’s word but are actually teaching lies and perversions of the truth in the Word. This will only get worse as the day approaches.

Endure to the end

“Endure to the end” is similar encouragement Christ gives to the 7 churches in Revelations 2-3 (“The one who overcomes”). It’s the exact wording Jesus used when He sent His disciples out in Matthew 10:16-23 (v22) when He warned them of persecution they will face. 

Critical criteria

Of all the criteria for the end, one critical one is, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world”. This is good news that the good news will get to every corner of the world. “Through persecutions, the church will not only survive but thrive.” (TGC) “Nations” in v14 is ἔθνος (ethnos) which means a people or race belonging and living together, not nations as we would think of them today. 

RЯeflection

• And Jesus’ word to us is the same. Be alert and ready. When persecution comes knocking, when false prophets arise, when the love of others toward God grows cold, stand firm! How can we prepare? See yesterday’s reflection. 
• How are you involved in getting the good news to all people and races in the world? First, you should consider going. If God calls you to say, you should ask how you are supporting others – prayer, finances, encouragement, etc.