Question 1

What does it mean when Jesus says not to go to the desert or secret chambers?

Accepted Answer

Jesus warns that when people claim, “He is in the desert” or “in the secret chambers,” His followers must not believe them or run after them. He is telling the disciples that false Christs and false prophets will try to draw people to hidden places with promises of salvation or rescue. The true Christ is not hiding in some private location. His real coming will not be limited to one spot or one group. This keeps believers from chasing spiritual fads or secret movements and calls them to stay steady in what He has already taught.

Question 2

What does “as the lightning cometh out of the east” say about Jesus’ coming?

Accepted Answer

The picture of lightning flashing from east to west shows that the coming of the Son of Man will be sudden, bright, and seen by all. Lightning is not quiet or hidden; everyone notices it. In the same way, Jesus’ coming in judgment and glory will not be a private event that only a few people know about. It will be open and obvious. This helps believers test claims about Christ’s return. If someone says, “He’s here in secret,” that already does not fit what Jesus said about His own coming.

Question 3

What does “wherever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered” mean?

Accepted Answer

This verse has been understood in more than one way, but the main idea is that judgment or gathering will be sure and fitting. Some understand the carcass as a picture of a nation or people spiritually dead, with the eagles showing how judgment, like birds of prey, will surely come. Others see the carcass as Christ Himself, with believers gathering to Him as eagles to their food. In both readings, the point is that people will be drawn where Christ truly is, and that no one escapes the judgment that matches their condition.

Question 4

Are the sun, moon, and stars in this passage literal or symbolic?

Accepted Answer

The wording about the sun being darkened, the moon not giving light, and stars falling has been read in more than one way. Some take it as a picture of heaven and earth themselves being shaken at the end. Others see it as symbolic language for God shaking kingdoms, rulers, and religious life, such as the loss of God’s presence in the temple and the ending of old ceremonies. Either way, the message is that God’s judgment and Christ’s coming will deeply affect everything people trust in, and nothing will remain untouched.

Question 5

What is the “sign of the Son of man in heaven” that appears?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that after the great shaking, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn. Some see this sign as the open display of Christ’s glory and authority when He comes, turning every eye toward Him. Others link it to His rule being shown in acts of judgment in history. In both cases, people realize that the One they ignored or opposed is truly Lord, which leads to deep mourning for those who have rejected Him.

Question 6

Why do all the tribes of the earth mourn when they see the Son of Man?

Accepted Answer

When the Son of Man appears in the clouds with power and great glory, people will finally see clearly who He is. Those who have resisted Him or taken Him lightly will be filled with grief and dread, because they now face the One they have not believed. The mourning points to deep regret and sorrow. At the same time, for believers, this same coming brings comfort and joy, because the Lord they trusted in by faith is now seen openly. The same event brings very different reactions, depending on the heart.

Question 7

What does it mean that Jesus comes on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory?

Accepted Answer

Coming on the clouds of heaven shows Jesus as the exalted Son of Man, sharing God’s authority. Clouds in Scripture often point to God’s presence and majesty. His coming with power and great glory means He does not return in weakness or hiddenness, like His first coming in lowliness, but in a way that shows clearly that He is Lord over all. No earthly power can stand against Him. This picture gives weight to His warnings and also steady hope to those who suffer for His name.

Question 8

How will Jesus’ angels gather His elect from the four winds?

Accepted Answer

Jesus says He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. The trumpet sound marks a clear, decisive moment. The four winds picture every direction, meaning no distance, land, or scattering can keep His people from Him. Even if believers are spread across the world or feel forgotten, this promise says they are known and will be brought together. Their safety rests in His command and in His knowledge of who they are.

Question 9

How should believers respond to false claims about Christ’s return today?

Accepted Answer

Believers should use the tests Jesus gives here. If someone says Christ has returned in a hidden place, in a certain country, or only to a special group, that does not match His own words. His coming will be like lightning, open and unmistakable, and joined with wide gathering and judgment. So Christians should refuse to be drawn by fear or excitement into groups that promise secret knowledge. Instead, they should stay rooted in Scripture, trust that He has warned them ahead of time, and wait in steady faith and obedience.

Question 10

What does this passage teach about God’s care for His people in times of tribulation?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God does not leave His people in the dark about hard times. Jesus speaks honestly about tribulation and great shaking, but He also promises that these troubles are not the end of the story. He will come with power and glory, and He will send His angels to gather His elect from every place. Even when nations fall and religious systems collapse, His people are remembered, named, and gathered. This gives courage to endure suffering, knowing that present pain leads to future gathering and joy in His presence.

Matthew 24:26

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

The Return of the Son of Man

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Matthew 24:26

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

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The Return of the Son of Man

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