Today’s Reading: Matthew 24:1-31
Matthew 24 contains several teachings from Jesus concerning the future. As His death drew closer, Jesus knew the disciples needed to be prepared for the suffering and persecution that would eventually come, and He also knew they needed a reason to maintain hope when things grew challenging. Jesus prophesied about the fall of the temple, which took place in the year A.D. 70. To the disciples’ question concerning signs of the end, Jesus replied that we should not misinterpret the signs. Persecutions of various types are to be expected. False messiahs will arise. People will be deceived. All of these things are preludes to the end of the age, when Jesus Himself will return and right the world once and for all. It can be hard to process teachings like these from Jesus because the final days come with so much uncertainty, but the most important takeaway is that Jesus will return again. We must be ready when He does.
Where is your great hope? Is it in a job? In a relationship? Ask the Spirit to show you where you are placing your hope and to lead you to hope in Christ, who alone can satisfy and will never disappoint you.
Memory Verses: John 13:34-35; John 15:4-5
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Excerpted from Robby & Kandi Gallaty, Foundations: A 260-Day Bible Reading Plan for Busy Believers. © 2017 Lifeway Press. Used by permission. www.LifeWay.com/Foundations
