The Teaching of Jesus God s Wrath on Israel

The Teaching of Jesus God’s Wrath on Israel in that Generation Matthew 23: 29 -39 And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. I tell you the truth, all this will come upon this generation. (Matthew 23: 35 -36 NIV)

Jesus’ Prediction of the Destruction of Jerusalem And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. I tell you the truth, all this will come upon this generation. (Matthew 23: 35 -36 NIV) Famines – Earthquakes – Wars – (24: 6 -8) Persecution – False Prophets – Betrayal (24: 9 -12) Fleeing to the mountains (24: 16 -17) The Great tribulation- (24: 21) Sun and Moon darkened – Son of man coming – 24: 29 -30) I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (Matthew 24: 34 NIV)

Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. "Do you see all these things? " he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down. " As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us, " they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? " (Matthew 24: 1 -3 NIV)

Stones up to 40 feet long - 37 Tons Western (Wailing Wall) J. Culbertson

Josephus – an eye witness Caesar gave orders that they should demolish the entire city and temple, but should leave many of the towers standing … and much of the wall that enclosed the west side of the city. This wall was spared to make protection for the Romans and to demonstrate to future generations what kind of city the valor of the Romans had conquered. J. Culbertson

Longmont Building

• “Solomon’s Porch (Portico) was 300 meters long (nearly 3 football fields) with 162 Corinthian Columns up to 33 meters tall.

“These Things” – the destruction of Jerusalem Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. "Do you see all these things? " he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down. " As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us, " they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? " (Matthew 24: 1 -3 NIV)

“These things” – “they” – Destruction of Jerusalem "Tell us (1) when will this happen, and (2) what will be the sign of your coming and (3) of the end of the age? " (Matthew 24: 1 -3 NIV) Fulfillment at 3 different times or at the same time "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled? " (Mark 13: 4 NIV) "Teacher, " they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place? " (Luke 21: 7 NIV)

The sign of Jesus’ Coming is the same as the sign of Jerusalem’s Destruction "Tell us when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? " (Matthew 24: 1 -3 NIV) "Teacher, " they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place? " (Luke 21: 7 NIV)

Did the Lord Come in the same generation when the temple was torn down? "Tell us when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? " (Matthew 24: 1 -3 NIV) All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. (Matthew 10: 22 -23 NIV)

Did the Lord Come in the same generation when the temple was torn down? "Tell us when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? " (Matthew 24: 1 -3 NIV) For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. " (Matthew 16: 27 -28 NIV)

The End of the Age "Tell us when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? " (Matthew 24: 3 NIV) 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 King James Version)

The End of the Age "Tell us when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? " (Matthew 24: 3 NIV) Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (Hebrews 9: 26 -27 NIV) The End of the Jewish Age

The End of the Age "Tell us when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? " (Matthew 24: 3 NIV) He (Jesus) was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. (1 Peter 1: 20 NIV) The End of the Jewish Age

God’s Covenant with Israel Began with Moses and ended at the end of the age The End of the Age Moses Last Days 1400 B. C. Beginning of the nation of Israel 30 A. D. Fall of Jerusalem 70 A. D. End of the nation of Israel

God’s Covenant with Israel But God found fault with the people and said: "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. … … …By calling this covenant "new, " he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. (Hebrews 8: 8 -13 NIV)

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, 'and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Matthew 24: 4 -8 NIV) Did this happen in the first century?

Josephus – eyewitness and historian The land was over run with magicians, seducers, and imposters, who drew the people after them in multitudes into secluded places and deserts to see signs and miracles promised by the power of God 64 -68 A. D. Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power. " (Acts 8: 9 -10 NIV)

Josephus – Eyewitness and Historian There was another body of wicked men gotten together, not so impure in their actions, but more wicked in their intentions, which laid waste the happy state of the city. These were men who deceived and deluded the people under pretense of Divine inspiration, but were for seeking innovations and changes of the government; and these prevailed with the multitude to act like madmen, and went before them into the wilderness, as pretending that God would there show them the signals of liberty. … … But there was a false prophet that did the Jews more mischief than the former; he was a cheat, and pretended to be a prophet also and got 30, 000 men that were deluded by him

Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. (Acts 5: 36 NIV) When Fadus was procurator of Judea, an imposter called Theudas persuaded a vast crowd to take their belongings and follow him the River Jordan; for he claimed to be a prophet, and promised to divide the river by his command provide an easy crossing. A great many people were deceived by this talk. Fadus did not allow them to enjoy their folly but sent the calvary against them. These attacked them without warning, killed many, and took many alive, capturing Theudas himself, whose head they cut off and conveyed to Jerusalem Josephus – First Century Historian

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, 'and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Matthew 24: 4 -8 NIV) All of these things happened between 30 – 70 A. D.

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24: 9 -13 NIV) The Book of Acts tells this story

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24: 9 -13 NIV) And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (Acts 8: 1 NIV)

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24: 9 -13 NIV) Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. (2 Timothy 4: 9 -11 NIV)

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24: 9 -13 NIV) I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20: 29 -30 NIV)

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24: 14 NIV) Was this done in the first century? Understanding the Bible use of “whole world” and “all nations” Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. (Luke 2: 1 NASB) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (Luke 2: 1 KJV)

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24: 14 NIV) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (Luke 2: 1 NIV) Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. (Luke 2: 1 NASB) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (Luke 2: 1 KJV)

Understanding the Bible use of “whole world” and “all nations” Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. (Acts 2: 5 NIV) Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" (Acts 2: 9 -11 NIV)

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24: 14 NIV) Was the gospel preached to “all nations” in the first century? First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. (Romans 1: 8 NIV) according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; (Romans 16: 25 -26 NASB)

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24: 14 NIV) Was the gospel preached to “all nations” in the first century? if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. (Colossians 1: 23 NASB)

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24: 14 NIV) Was the gospel preached to “all nations” in the first century? the gospel, which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; (Colossians 1: 5 -6 NASB)

"Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; (Matthew 24: 15 -16 NASB) "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand. "Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are in the midst of the city depart, and let not those who are in the country enter the city; (Luke 21: 20 -21 NASB)

Matthew 24: 15 “Abomination of Desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet” (536 B. C. ) "Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate. " (Daniel 9: 26 -27 NASB)

Is Matthew 24 talking about a universal destruction (end of universe) or local catastrophe? "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation, ' spoken of through the prophet Daniel-- let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. (Matthew 24: 15 -20 NIV)

Is Matthew 24 talking about a universal destruction (end of universe) or local catastrophe? "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation, ' spoken of through the prophet Daniel-- let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant If a Universal destruction women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will – what does this mean to not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. (Matthew those in USA or Australia 24: 15 -20 NIV)

Is Matthew 24 talking about a universal destruction (end of universe) or a more local catastrophe? "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation, ' spoken of through the prophet Daniel-- let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. (Matthew 24: 15 -20 NIV)

Is Matthew 24 talking about a universal destruction (end of universe) or a more local catastrophe? If the holy place 'the "So when you see standing in thewhole world is abomination that causes going to be destroyed – desolation, ' spoken of through the prophet Daniel-- letdoes it matter if a woman let the reader understand-- then those who are in Judea flee to the pregnant? Let no one is mountains. on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. (Matthew 24: 15 -20 NIV)

Is Matthew 24 talking about a universal destruction (end of universe) or a more local catastrophe? "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation, ' spoken of through Are believers in Australia the prophet Daniel-- let the USA supposed to then let and reader understand-- pray those who are in Judea fleeagainst each other? no one to the mountains. Let on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. (Matthew 24: 15 -20 NIV)

Is Matthew 24 talking about a universal destruction (end of universe) or a more local catastrophe? "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the The Sabbath days’ journey abomination that causes desolation, ' spoken of through the prophet Daniel-- letand reader understand-- then let the closing of the city gates would be a those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one hindrance to anything on the roof of his house go down to takeescapingout of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. (Matthew 24: 15 -20 NIV)

The Greatest Period of Tribulation For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-- and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24: 21 -22 NIV) Josephus – Eyewitness and Historian “All the calamities which have befallen any nation from the beginning of the world to now were but small in comparison with those of the Jews”

The Greatest Period of Tribulation Daniel (536 B. C. ) sees the Roman Period "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people-- everyone whose name is found written in the book-- will be delivered. (Daniel 12: 1 NIV) "It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed. " (Daniel 12: 7 NIV) 3 ½ years, 42 months, 1260 days 70 A. D

The Great Tribulation of 66 -70 A. D. • The Jewish Rebellion, 1, 000 killed in Jerusalem. • Three Jewish factions inside the city fighting each other while the Romans surrounded the city and killed or made slaves of anyone who left. • Those who tried to desert the city were killed by their fellow Jews • Jews in every city of the Roman Empire were killed or persecuted (Prediction in speech of Agrippa II in 66 A. D. recorded by Josephus)

The Great Tribulation of 66 -70 A. D. • Example, the day of Jewish rebellion saw every Jew murdered in Caesarea (the Roman capital of Judea) • A few days later 50, 000 were killed in one stadium in Alexandria, Egypt • Three civil wars in Rome at the same time as Jewish rebellion – Romans fighting Romans for control • Nero – the emperor – killed members of the senate and his own family • Four Emperors of Rome either committed suicide or were assassinated within a few months

The Great Tribulation of 66 -70 A. D. • Example, the day of Jewish rebellion saw every Jew murdered in Caesarea (the Roman capital of Judea) • A few days later 50, 000 were killed in one stadium in Alexandria, Egypt • Three civil wars in Rome at the same time as Jewish rebellion – Romans fighting Romans for control The Great Tribulation • Nero – the emperor – killed members of the senate (66 -70 A. D. ) and his own family • Four Emperors of Rome either committed suicide or were assassinated within a few months

At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect-- if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert, ' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms, ' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. (Matthew 24: 23 -28 NIV)

Josephus – eyewitness and historian A false prophet was the occasion of these people’s destruction, who had made a public proclamation in the city that very day, that God had commanded them to get up upon the temple, and that they should be given miraculous signs of their deliverance. Now, there was then a great number of false prophets used by the tyrants (zealots) …… that they should wait for a miraculous deliverance of God

From the death of Herod the Great. . To the destruction of Jerusalem, the Jewish history is filled with names of false Christs and false prophets who deceived both the Jews and the Samaritans. None appeared BEFORE this period and not more than one for five or six centuries AFTER IT. Kett’s History of the Bible

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (1 John 4: 1 -3 NIV) The Apostle John in 65 A. D.

The Apostle John in 65 A. D. Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. (1 John 2: 18 NIV)

At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect-- if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert, ' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms, ' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. (Matthew 24: 23 -28 NIV) Wherever the Jews are (Carcass), the Romans (Vultures) will be

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ' "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24: 29 -31 NIV) I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (Matthew 24: 34 NIV)

"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. " He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (Luke 21: 25 -32 NIV)

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ' (Matthew 24: 29 NIV)

Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Because of this, all hands will go limp, every man's heart will melt. Terror will seize them, pain and anguish will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame. See, the day of the LORD is coming--a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger-- to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. I will make man scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir. Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the LORD Almighty, in the day of his burning anger. (Isaiah 13: 6 -13 NIV)

Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Because of this, all hands will go limp, every man's heart will melt. Terror will seize them, pain and An oracle concerning Babylon that anguish will grip son ofthey willsaw: (Isaiahwoman in labor. Isaiah them; Amoz writhe like a 13: 1 They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame. See, the NIV) day of the LORD is coming--a cruel day, with wrath and fierce See, I the stir up against them the anger-- to make willland desolate and destroy the sinners within it. The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show Medes, who do not care for silver and their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will have no delight in gold. (Isaiah 13: 17 not give NIV) I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked its light. for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. I will make man scarcer than Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the pure gold, moreof the Babylonians' pride, will be I will glory rare than the gold of Ophir. Therefore make the heavens tremble; andlike earth will shake from its overthrown by God the Sodom and place at the wrath of the LORD Almighty, in the day of his Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13: 19 NIV) burning anger. (Isaiah 13: 6 -13 NIV)

Isaiah (700 B. C. ) saw the King of Babylon as a STAR falling, happened in (536 B. C. ) you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has come to an end! How his fury has ended! (Isaiah 14: 4 NIV) How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. " (Isaiah 14: 12 -14 NIV)

Isaiah (700 B. C. ) saw the King of Babylon as a STAR falling, happened in (536 B. C. ) But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: "Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble? (Isaiah 14: 15 -16 NIV) "I will rise up against them, " declares the LORD Almighty. "I will cut off from Babylon her name and survivors, her offspring and descendants, " declares the LORD. (Isaiah 14: 22 NIV)

Sun and Moon dark when Egypt fell (600 B. C. . ) "Son of man, take up a lament concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: (Ezekiel 32: 2 NIV) When I snuff you out, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you; I will bring darkness over your land, declares the Sovereign LORD. (Ezekiel 32: 7 -8 NIV)

The Little Horn of Daniel 8 (Antiochus Epiphenes) Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. (Daniel 8: 9 -10 NIV)

Joel’s Prophecy fulfilled in the first century (30 -70 A. D. ) These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ' (Acts 2: 15 -21 NIV)

Joel’s Prophecy fulfilled in the first century (30 -70 A. D. ) These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young. And will see visions, your old men will dream men everyone who calls on the name of the on my servants, saved; and women, I will dreams. Even. LORD will be both menfor on Mount Zion those days, and they there pour out my Spirit in and in Jerusalem will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven the LORD has the will be deliverance, as above and signs on earth below, among the survivors whom the The sun said, blood and fire and billows of smoke. will be turned to darkness and the NIV) to blood before moon LORD calls. (Joel 2: 32 the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ' (Acts 2: 15 -21 NIV)

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ' "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24: 29 -31 NIV) I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (Matthew 24: 34 NIV)

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ' "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24: 29 -31 NIV)

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; The Destruction of the stars will fall from the sky, andathe heavenly Jerusalem was SIGN the bodies will be shaken. ' "At that time the sign of the Son of Man was in heaven Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see thein then will appear the sign of the Son of man Son of heaven, and then allclouds of the earth will Man coming on the tribes of sky, with power and great glory. And he will send of man coming mourn, and they will see the Son his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect on the clouds of heaven with power and great from the four (Matthew 24: 30 RSV) the heavens to glory; winds, from one end of the other. (Matthew 24: 29 -31 NIV) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall 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)

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moonis the location light; “In heaven” will not give its the stars will fall of the Son of Man, heavenly from the sky, and the not of bodies will be shaken. ' "At that time the sign of the sign and all the Son of Man will appear in the sky, nations of the earth will mourn. They will see thein then will appear the sign of the Son of man Son of heaven, and then allclouds of the earth will Man coming on the tribes of sky, with power and great glory. And he will send of man coming mourn, and they will see the Son his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect on the clouds of heaven with power and great from the four (Matthew 24: 30 RSV) the heavens to glory; winds, from one end of the other. (Matthew 24: 29 -31 NIV) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall 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)

At the ascension – Jesus went up in the clouds to the right hand of God – authority was given to him "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Daniel 7: 13 -14 NIV) The Destruction of Jerusalem was his coming in Judgment (a Sign) that he was King of the kingdom

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21: 27 NIV) He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (Luke 21: 29 -32 NIV) The Destruction of Jerusalem was his coming in Judgment (a Sign) that he was king of the kingdom

But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God. " Jesus said to him, "You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter*** you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN. " (Matthew 26: 63 -64 NASB) *** footnote in NASV says “from now on”. The High Priest – that generation, would see this And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall 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)

But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God. " Jesus *said to him, "You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter*** you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN. " (Matthew 26: 63 -64 NASB) Then the high priest tore his robes, saying, "He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; (Matthew 26: 65 NASB) The High Priest knew the language of Jesus here was a Messianic claim – When Jerusalem was destroyed, this was sign to that generation he had told the truth.

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ' "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and then And he will send of Man will appear in great glory. the sign of the Sonhis angels with a loud the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth from will trumpet call, and they will gather his elect(land) the mourn, (Matthew 24: 30 NASB) four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24: 29 -31 NIV) of Man will appear in heaven, "Then the sign of the Son and then all the tribes of the earth (land) will mourn, (Matthew 24: 30 NKJV) an offshoot, i. e. race or clan: -kindred, tribe. contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application): --country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.

"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. "In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. (Zechariah 12: 10 -11 NKJV) "In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness. (Zechariah 13: 1 NKJV) For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14: 2 NKJV)

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1: 7 NKJV) Another Clue that Matthew 24, Zechariah 12 -14, and Revelation are about the same event

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; Tribes of Israel the heavenly the stars will fall from the sky, and mourning, not Gentiles bodies will be shaken. ' "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and then And he will send of Man will appear in great glory. the sign of the Sonhis angels with a loud the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth from will trumpet call, and they will gather his elect(land) the mourn, (Matthew 24: 30 NASB) four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24: 29 -31 NIV) of Man will appear in heaven, "Then the sign of the Son and then all the tribes of the earth (land) will mourn, (Matthew 24: 30 NKJV) an offshoot, i. e. race or clan: -kindred, tribe. contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application): --country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; Did people in the first century the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly see shaken. ' come in the clouds? bodies will bethe Lord "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24: 29 -31 NIV) I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (Matthew 24: 34 NIV)

"For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and WILL THEN RECOMPENSE EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. " (Matthew 16: 27 -28 NASB) "But whenever they persecute you in this city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you shall not finish going through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man comes. (Matthew 10: 23 NASB)

They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. (Matt 24: 30) • Did they SEE him? • Yes, if we can understand SEE in a different way than literal eyesight – The pure in heart shall see God (Matt 5: 8) – The born again shall see the kingdom (John 3: 5) – “Yet a little while and the world sees me no more, but you see me” (John 16: 16) – The word “see” means “to know, be aware, have knowledge, perceive, be sure, understand

THE LORD COMING IN CLOUDS? Is this what we picture when we think of the Lord coming in clouds? Maybe we need to study our Bible more.

Then the earth shook and quaked; And the foundations of the mountains were trembling And were shaken, because He was angry. Smoke went up out of His nostrils, And fire from His mouth devoured; Coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down With thick darkness under His feet. And He rode upon a cherub and flew; And He sped upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him, Darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies. From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds, Hailstones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, And the Most High uttered His voice, Hailstones and coals of fire. And He sent out His arrows, and scattered them, And lightning flashes in abundance, and routed them. Then the channels of water appeared, And the foundations of the world were laid bare At Thy rebuke, O LORD, At the blast of the breath of Thy nostrils. (Psalms 18: 7 -15 NASB) The Bible paints a much different picture of his coming

Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him, And burns up His adversaries round about. His lightnings lit up the world; The earth saw and trembled. (Psalms 97: 2 -4 NASB)

THE LORD COMING IN CLOUDS The oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the LORD is riding on a swift cloud, and is about to come to Egypt; The idols of Egypt will tremble at His presence, And the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them. (Isaiah 19: 1 NASB)

"For the day is near, Even the day of the LORD is near; It will be a day of clouds, A time of doom for the nations. "And a sword will come upon Egypt, And anguish will be in Ethiopia, When the slain fall in Egypt, They take away her wealth, And her foundations are torn down. (Ezekiel 30: 3 -4 NASB)

"And when I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens, and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with a cloud, And the moon shall not give its light. "All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you And will set darkness on your land, " Declares the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 32: 7 -8 NASB) For thus says the Lord GOD, "The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon you. "By the swords of the mighty ones I will cause your multitude to fall; all of them are tyrants of the nations, And they shall devastate the pride of Egypt, And all its multitude shall be destroyed. (Ezekiel 32: 11 -12 NASB)

Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Surely Thou hast utterly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, 'You will have peace'; whereas a sword touches the throat. " In that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, "A scorching wind from the bare heights in the wilderness in the direction of the daughter of My people--not to winnow, and not to cleanse, a wind too strong for this--will come at My command; now I will also pronounce judgments against them. "Behold, he goes up like clouds, And his chariots like the whirlwind; His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!" (Jeremiah 4: 10 -13 NASB)

Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the LORD is coming; Surely it is near, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness. As the dawn is spread over the mountains, So there is a great and mighty people; There has never been anything like it, Nor will there be again after it To the years of many generations. (Joel 2: 1 -2 NASB)

Near is the great day of the LORD, Near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! In it the warrior cries out bitterly. A day of wrath is that day, A day of trouble and distress, A day of destruction and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of trumpet and battle cry, Against the fortified cities And the high corner towers. (Zephaniah 1: 14 -16 NASB)

"Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ' "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24: 29 -31 NIV) I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (Matthew 24: 34 NIV)

The Blowing of the Trumpet • Anticipated victory (Joshua 6: 4 -5; Judges 7: 19 -22) • Announced festivals (Ps 81: 3) • Preparation for battle (Eze 7: 14) • A warning and alarm (Eze 33: 3; Joel 2: 1) • Gathering People together (Num 10: 3) And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds

“Our Gathering Together to Him” "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken, and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. (Matthew 24: 2931) "Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. (Matthew 24: 34)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11: 1 -2 NASB) …… And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the kid, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze; Their young will lie down together; And the lion will eat straw like the ox. And the nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11: 6 -9 NASB)

“Ourdescribes a “gathering” of diverse animals, Gathering Together to Him” This literally but represents the gathering stem of Jesse, And Then a shoot will spring from theof Jews and Gentilesa branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11: 1 -2 NASB) …… And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the kid, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze; Their young will lie down together; And the lion will eat straw like the ox. And the nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11: 6 -9 NASB)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Then it will come about in that day that the nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious. Then it will happen on that day that the Lord Will again recover the second time with His hand The remnant of His people, who will remain, From Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, And from the islands of the sea. And He will lift up a standard for the nations, And will assemble the banished ones of Israel, And will gather the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth. (Isaiah 11: 10 -12)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Then it will come about in that day that the nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who willfirst time God assembled Israel was The stand as a signal for the peoples; And Hisafter theplace will be Babylon –Thensecond resting captivity in glorious. the it will happen on the day of thethe Lord Will again time is that day that reigning Branch of recover the second time Jesus. His hand The Jesse – that is, with Christ remnant of His people, who will remain, From Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, And there will be a highway Hamath, And from the For the remnant sea. And islands of the from Assyria He will lift up a standard for the nations, And of His people who will be left, will assemble the banished ones of Israel, And Just as there was for Israel In will gatherthe day that they of Judahout the dispersed came up From the four corners of the land of Egypt. (Isaiah of the earth. (Isaiah 11: 10 -12) 11: 16 NASB)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” "And I will make all My mountains a road, And My highways will be raised up. "Behold, these shall come from afar; And lo, these will come from the north and from the west, …… "Lift up your eyes and look around; All of them gather together, they come to you. As I live, " declares the LORD, "You shall surely put on all of them as jewels, and bind them on as a bride. "For your waste and desolate places, and your destroyed land--Surely now you will be too cramped for the inhabitants, And those who swallowed you will be far away. "The children of whom you were bereaved will yet say in your ears, 'The place is too cramped for me; Make room for me that I may live here. ' (Isaiah 49: 11 -20 NASB)

Surely, thus says the LORD, "Even the “Our Gathering Together to Him” captives of the mighty man will be taken away, And My mountains tyrant And My "And I will make allthe prey of the a road, will be rescued; For I will contend with the shall come highways will be raised up. "Behold, theseone who from contends with these. And I will save your north and afar; And lo, you, will come from the sons. "And I will feed up oppressors with their from the west, …… "Liftyour eyes and look around; All of own flesh, Andtogether, they come to you. As I them gather they will become drunk with their own blood as "You shall wine; And all live, " declares the LORD, with sweetsurely put on all of themflesh will know that I, the LORD, a bride. "For as jewels, and bind them on as am your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One your waste and desolate places, and your destroyed of Jacob. " will be too cramped for land--Surely now you(Isaiah 49: 25 -26 NASB) the inhabitants, And those who swallowed you will be far away. "The children of whom you were bereaved will yet say in your Notice the Judgment ears, 'The place is too cramped for me; Make roomassociated I maythis here. ' (Isaiah for me that with live 49: 11 -20 NASB) gathering.

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Behold, a day is coming for the LORD …… For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished, and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. …… And you will flee by the valley of My mountains, …… Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him! And it will come about in that day that there will be no light; the luminaries will dwindle. For it will be a unique day which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but it will come about that at evening time there will be light. And it will come about in that day that living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter. (Zechariah 14: 1 -8)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Behold, a day is coming for the LORD …… For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished, and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. …… And you will flee by the valley of My mountains, …… Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him! And it will come about in that day that there will be no light; the luminaries will dwindle. For it will be a unique day which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but it will come Elements also present in Matthew And about that at evening time there will be light. 24 it 1. come the Lord (Matt 24: 3, 29 -31) will. Day of about in that day that living waters will flow 2. of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea out. Jerusalem destroyed (Matt 24: 2) 3. The other flee (Matt 24: 16) and thefaithfulhalf toward the western sea; it will be in 4. He comes with in holy ones (Matt 24: 31; 16: 27 -28). summer as well ashis winter. (Zechariah 14: 1 -8) 5. Sun and moon darkened (Matt 24: 29)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council, and were saying, "What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs. "If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation. " But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish. " Now this he did not say on his own initiative; but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. (John 11: 47 -52 NASB)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council, and were saying, "What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs. "If we "And have other sheep, let Him go on like this, all. Imen will believe in Him, and This speaks are the of both our place which of not the Romans will come and take away this fold; I andgathering of certain one them also, our nation. " But a Jews and them, Caiaphas, must bring of who was high priest and year, said tohear My that they shall them, "You Gentiles all, nor do you take into account that the know nothing atinto voice; church shall and they it is expedient for you that one man should die for the become one flock with one people, and that the whole nation should not perish. " shepherd. (John 10: 16 Now this he did not say on his own initiative; but being high priest that year, he. NASB) prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. (John 11: 47 -52 NASB)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Therefore remember, that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, …… you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise …… But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. …… who made both groups into one, …… that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body …… AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, …… (Ephesians 2: 11 -22 NASB)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Therefore remember, that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, …… you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise …… But The Lord GOD, who now in Christ Jesus you who formerly of gathers the dispersed were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. …… Israel, declares, "Yet who made both groups into one, …… that in Himself others I will gather to He might make the two into one new man, thus them, to might already establishing peace, and those reconcile them both in gathered. " (Isaiah 56: 8 one body …… AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO NASB) THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, …… (Ephesians 2: 11 -22 NASB)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” And it will come about in that day, that the LORD will start His threshing from the flowing stream of the Euphrates to the brook of Egypt; and you will be gathered up one by one, O sons of Israel. It will come about also in that day that a great trumpet will be blown; and those who were perishing in the land of Assyria and who were scattered in the land of Egypt will come and worship the LORD in the holy mountain at Jerusalem. (Isaiah 27: 12 -13 NASB)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Yet the number of the sons of Israel Will be like the sand of the sea, Which cannot be measured or numbered; And it will come about that, in the place Where it is said to them, "You are not My people, " It will be said to them, "You are the sons of the living God. " And the sons of Judah and the sons of Israel will be gathered together, And they will appoint for themselves one leader, And they will go up from the land, For great will be the day of Jezreel. (Hosea 1: 10 -11 NASB) Both 1 Peter 2: 10 and Romans 9: 24 -26 quote the above as occurring when Gentiles join Jews in the Kingdom

“Our Gathering Together to Him” with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. In Him (Ephesians 1: 10 NASB) that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him. (Ephesians 1: 10 NKJV) in regard to the dispensation of the fulness of the times, to bring into one the whole in the Christ, both the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth--in him; (Ephesians 1: 10 YLT)

“Our Gathering Together to Him” Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (2 Thessalonians 2: 1 -2 NASB) What does the gathering together of Jews and Gentiles in Christ have to do with a first century judgment?

How is the Gathering Together to Him connected to the coming of the Lord? • The unbelieving Jews were hostile to the Gentiles coming into the church (1 Thess 2: 13 -16) • Jewish believers – as long as the temple stood – hindered the Gentiles by insisting they keep the law (Galatians 5: 1 -12)

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. …… For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? …… but the one who is disturbing you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. Would that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves. (Galatians 5: 1 -12)(NASB)

How is the Gathering Together to Him connected to the coming of the Lord? • The unbelieving Jews were hostile to the Gentiles coming in (1 Thess 2: 13 -16) • Jewish believers – as long as the temple stood – hindered the Gentiles by insisting they keep the law (Galatians 5: 1 -12) • The destruction of the old temple system paved the way for Gentiles to gather to Christ in abundance

(Matt 22: 1 -7) And Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king, who gave a wedding Matthew 22: 8 -10) "Then he said feast for his son. "And he sent out his slaves to call those whoto hisbeen invited to the wedding feast, and had slaves, 'The wedding is they wereready, butto come. "Again he sent out other unwilling those who were invited were not those who have been to slaves saying, 'Tell worthy. 'Go therefore invited, "Behold, Ithe main highways, dinner; many have prepared my and as my oxen and my as you find all butchered and fattened livestock arethere, invite to theeverything is wedding feast. "' slaves ready; come to thefeast. ' "And those"But they paid no went out their way, one to his attention and went into the streets, and own farm, gathered together the rest seized another to his business, and all they found, his slaves both them and killed them. and mistreatedevil and good; and the "But the king wedding hall was filled with destroyed those was enraged and sent his armies, anddinner guests. (NASB) murderers, and set their city on fire. Then …. .

Christ’s death tore down the dividing wall – the law that separated Jew and Gentile • Ephesians 2: 11 -16 • But Jewish Christians, 30 years after Pentecost, were still zealously keeping the law (Acts 21: 17 -21) • The Book of Hebrews repeatedly warned those in Jerusalem that they must leave that system in order to live, both physically and spiritually (Heb 13: 10 -14) Next chart

By calling this covenant "new, " he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. (Hebrews 8: 13 NIV) See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. " The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken-- that is, created things-- so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire. " (Hebrews 12: 25 -29 NIV)

We have an altar, from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. (Hebrews 13: 10 -14 NASB)