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    Jesus’ disciples wanted to know what the signs of the terrible disasters that would befall Jerusalem and the Jews that Jesus had prophesied would be. Perhaps they wanted to know how they would know when it was time to cut and run. Keep in mind that, even at that late date in Jesus’ ministry, many of those following Jesus still believe He had come to restore the earthly kingdom of David. What Jesus told them in response was that many things would happen to both His followers and to the Jews, but even then the end had not yet come.
    Many Christians today concern themselves with the same debate, striving after the understanding of symbols and signs, trying to predict when the end is near. To those Christians, the same answer comes, many things will happen, and all of those things will just be hints that the time leading to the end is near, but it has not yet come. Indeed, Jesus tells us that the end will come like a thief in the night [ Matthew 24:36-51].
    What is the point of these warning then? They are provided for our benefit so that we can see that God is indeed in control of all things. Even if we suffer, even if there are wars, even if others come claiming to be the Christ, none of these things mean anything to the faith of those who look to Jesus Christ as their salvation and are focused on the Kingdom of Heaven.
    Instead, the faithful must dedicate themselves to the Gospel. The end will come one way or another, either because we die or because Jesus comes again. In the mean time, many things may happen. Christians may have to suffer, even die, but not one of these things have any affect on the Gospel or on the Christian’s dedication to it. Such dedication, however, matters more to the Christian than life itself, because it is dedication to the Gospel through faith that ensures the Christian his place in Heaven.
DLH
