In the events of Holy Week, today is often labeled “Busy Tuesday.” Jesus was out in public with His disciples. He gave the “Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree,” had His authority challenged by and debated with the Jewish leaders, gave some warning parables, and talked about last things. You can find those events beginning in Matthew 21, Mark 11, and Luke 20.
Perhaps the one that intrigues us most is His discourse on the things that will happen at the end of the age, found in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13 and Luke 21. I think those things intrigue us because we see so many of them at least partially fulfilling in our time.
As we read those chapters, especially the two in Matthew, we often focus on the wars, earthquakes, famines, and such. But Jesus did not just tell us about the things going on around us, He warned us of how we are to act amid those things.
He gave the Parable of the 10 Virgins … “Therefore, be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.” [Matthew 25:1-13 HCSB]
He gave the Parable of the Talents … “Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!” [Matthew 25:14-30 HCSB]
He told about the Sheep and the Goats … “I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” [Matthew 25:31-46 HCSB]
It is not enough to just be aware of the things that will happen at the End of the Age. In the midst of all the upheaval of the End Times, Jesus’ followers are to be alert, faithful, compassionate, and giving.
