Go! And Endure to the End - Matthew 24:3–14
Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
As we open Your Word today, prepare our hearts to receive the truth. Help us to see Jesus clearly, trust Him fully, and obey Him joyfully. In these days of uncertainty, may we find strength and hope in Christ alone. Speak, Lord, for Your servants are listening.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Introduction: The Questions That Still Echo
Let me take you back to a quiet moment on the Mount of Olives. Jesus had just spoken words that shocked His disciples. He predicted the destruction of the temple—a symbol of spiritual and national identity. Later, the disciples came to Him privately and asked three questions that still echo in the hearts of believers today:
Matthew 24:3 (NLT): “Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, ‘Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?’”
Jesus’ answer is sobering, detailed, and powerful. And today, in a world marked by crisis, confusion, and conflict, we need to hear His words afresh.
Matthew 24:3–14 (NLT): “Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, ‘Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?’
Jesus told them, ‘Don’t let anyone mislead you,
for many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah.” They will deceive many.
And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.
Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.
But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.
And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.
And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.
Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.
But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.’”
Point 1: Don’t Be Misled – Discern the Truth
Jesus begins with a command: “Don’t let anyone mislead you.”
The Greek word used here is p?a??s? (planese) – meaning to cause to wander, to be led astray. Deception will not only be external—it will come in Jesus’ name. False teachers, false messiahs, even religious movements will attempt to distort the truth.
2 Timothy 4:3–4 (NLT): “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.”
We are living in that time, friends.
Charles Stanley once said: "Satan doesn't need to get you to hate Jesus. He just needs to get you to misunderstand Him."
That’s why we must stay anchored in God’s Word. We must test every message, every movement, and every ministry against the Word of God. Truth is not subjective; it is found in Jesus Christ, the Living Word.
Point 2: Don’t Panic – Trust the Sovereign Hand of God
“You will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic…” (v.6)
Jesus doesn’t sugar-coat the future. He acknowledges the coming chaos—but commands calm. The Greek word translated “panic” is ???e?s?e (throeisthe) – to be troubled or terrified. It’s used in the passive form, meaning “don’t let fear master you.”
The Calm in the Storm
Picture the disciples in a boat during a storm. Waves crashing, wind howling, and Jesus… asleep.
He was at peace, because He was in control.
The same Jesus who calmed the storm then, calms our hearts now. In uncertain times, we anchor our hope not in the absence of trouble—but in the presence of Jesus.
Max Lucado said: "Fear never wrote a symphony, never healed a disease, never calmed a storm. Faith, not fear, is the fuel of the future."
We are not a people of panic—we are a people of promise.
Point 3: Endure in Love – Even When the World Grows Cold
“Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” (v.12)
This is one of the most sobering warnings in Jesus’ teaching. As lawlessness increases, love decreases.
The Greek word for love here is ???p? (agape) – sacrificial, God-like love. Jesus isn’t talking about romantic affection or friendship—He’s talking about the love that comes from God and reflects God.
When society unravels, love must not. We are called to endure—not just in faith, but in love.
1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT): “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
R.T. Kendall wrote: "The greatest evidence of the Spirit in your life is not charisma, but character. Not gifts, but fruit."
When the world is hateful, the church must be gracious. When the world is cold, we must be warm. When others walk away from Jesus, we must walk closer to Him.
Point 4: Proclaim the Gospel – Until the Whole World Hears
“And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world…” (v.14)
Despite persecution, deception, and hardship—the Gospel will go forth! Jesus doesn’t end with despair; He ends with mission.
The Gospel—e?a??????? (euangelion)—is the Good News that Jesus Christ died for sinners, rose from the grave, and offers eternal life to all who repent and believe.
Romans 10:13–15 (NLT): “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him unless they believe in him?... And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?”
John Piper said: "Missions exist because worship doesn’t. Our task is to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things."
Church, our job is not to predict the end—it’s to proclaim the King! We must be Gospel people in an end-times world.
Gospel Presentation: Christ, Our Only Hope
Let’s be clear:
We are not saved by endurance.
We are not saved by good works.
We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Jesus—God in flesh—lived a sinless life, took our sin upon Himself at the cross, was buried, and rose on the third day.
His victory over death is our victory.
His righteousness becomes ours when we trust Him.
You don’t have to fear the end if Jesus is your beginning.
Call to Action: Live Ready
“The one who endures to the end will be saved.” (v.13)
Endurance is the evidence—not the cause—of salvation.
Let us endure in faith, hope, and love.
Let us speak truth.
Let us shine light.
Let us preach Christ.
Invitation to Salvation:
If today, you realise you are not ready for the end—let me invite you to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
He loves you. He died for you. He rose for you. And He is coming again.
Will you turn from your sin and trust in Him today?
Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe You died for me and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust in You alone for salvation. Be my Saviour. Be my Lord. Help me to live for You, today and forever. Amen.
If you prayed that today—welcome to the family of God! You have nothing to fear and everything to hope for in Christ.
Benediction
As you go,
May you walk in truth, undeceived.
May you live in peace, unshaken.
May you love boldly, even when the world grows cold.
May you preach the Gospel, until the whole world hears.
And may you endure to the end, empowered by the grace of Jesus Christ, our soon-coming King.
Amen.
