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The Contrast of Two Slaves: Matthew 24:45-51
““45) Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46) Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 47) Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48) But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ 49) and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; 50) the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, 51) and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭45‬-‭51‬
Jesus now shares a contrast of two slaves. Each was put in charge of his Masters household to provide food and care for those under his care in the perceived absence of his Master.
One was faithful, diligent and occupied with His Masters work. He carried out his charge with honor and respect as if his Master was present. Jesus pointed out that when the Master returns, he will be honored, blessed and promoted.
The second was negligent, abusive and self indulgent. He beat and exploited those under his care. He celebrated his Masters absence. Jesus called Him an evil slave and pointed out that severe consequences awaited him upon His Masters return.
So what can we conclude for this story? Jesus was making a strong statement to His disciples. The focus is not to be on figuring out the day or hour of the Masters return. That is a wrong pursuit and mindset. The goal is to faithfully carry out the Masters work no matter when he returns.
Jesus calls us to love Him and serve Him with all of our heart. He calls us to focus on doing our absolute best with the gifts, positions and work entrusted to us. He calls us to serve in His absence just like we would in His presence.
A number of years ago, it dawned on me that because we are living in the age of the indwelling Holy Spirit, He is not absent. He is absolutely present with each one of us in the person of the Holy Spirit. He has come to set up His abode “in” each one of us. He is here to lead, guide, teach and empower every born-again believer. We should live, serve and abide in the conscious awareness of the presence God.
When I started grasping this point, the day and hour of the bodily return of Jesus became irrelevant. I am as much His bond-servant now as I will be when He returns. I enjoy intimate fellowship as much with Him now as I will when He returns. I look forward to the face to face revelation and worship of Jesus Christ at His return, but I enjoy spirit to Spirit revelation and worship with Him now. I am working to remove all barriers of abiding in His presence now.
I have come to realize that He does not view me as a slave in our current relationship, He views me as a beloved son. I am continually invited into His presence. There is no limit to the breath and length and hight and depth of the relationship I can enjoy with Him now. (See Ephesians 3:16-19) I can be filled up to all the fulness of God right now!
I have put aside the constraints of theological institutions, doctrines of men, ideologies, traditions, denominations or the expectations of others to pursue personal intimacy with Jesus Christ. I am engaged in a relentless pursuit of Jesus Christ through His Spirit.
For the child of God who has entered into constant communion with Jesus through His Spirit, the only thing that will change at the return of Christ is His address. It will change from heaven to earth. His reign on earth will radically affect human civilization, but it will not change the potential depth of our communion with Him through the Spirit. Don’t wait for His return to draw near to Him or serve Him. Pursue Him now!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Always Be Ready: Matthew 24: 40-44
“40) Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41) Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.” Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭40‬-‭41‬ ‭
This is frustrating! We get all the way through the chronology of end time events in Matthew 24:4-31 and Jesus gives no clear mention of a rapture, then suddenly in His conclusion or final wrap He includes these two verses. There shall be two men working in a field and one is taken and one will be left. There will be two women grinding at a mill and one will be taken and one left. It certainly sounds like a description of a rapture. But when does it happen?
The reader is left perplexed. Though this sounds like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, it has no time attached in the context. Does it happen at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of tribulation? We are left scratching our heads.
It appears like a normal work day for the four people in the parable. They were going about buisness as usual and suddenly one was taken and one was left. Jesus follows this warning with the next three verses. They deserve special attention:
““42) Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43) But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44) For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” (Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭42‬-‭44‬)
These three verses are often used to support the doctrine of the Imminent Return of Christ. That means Jesus can return at any time without warning or notice. The day and hour of His return is a mystery. Jesus wants His people to live in a constant state of readiness. He wants us to stay alert.
So, when is the rapture going to happen? When will one be taken and another left? Even after a careful study of Matthew 24, it remains a mystery. Jesus leaves us with the admonition to be alert and always ready. It could happen at any moment!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Don’t Let A Zebra Pass You By: Matthew 24:36-41
““36) But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭36‬ ‭
We are to be aware of the signs of the times (Matthew 16:2-3), but we cannot pinpoint the day or hour of the return of Jesus. It is known by the Father alone. He has not disclosed the timing to the angels or even His Son.
He is very patient, not wanting any to perish but more to come to repentance. (See 2 Peter 3:9 & 15) Any delay is an expression of His love an grace. I read this as a promise of fruitfulness in sharing the gospel right up to the return of Jesus. Any question about the focus of the church in the end times should be resolved by these verses.
Because of what seems like an endless delay, many mockers will come in the end times. (See 2 Peter 3:3-4) They will point to naturalism as an excuse to explain away the existence of God. They will say; “all things have continued the same since the beginning of recorded history.” They will not include the existence of God or Divine Intervention in their world view.
What a description of modern times. The signs of the times will be obvious to those paying attention, but most will be blinded by pleasures, addictions and worldly pursuits. They will be so focused on here and now they will not notice the storm clouds gathering.
Jesus goes on in the next few verses and uses the days of Noah as an example of the carefree attitude of the majority in the end times. These verses speak for themselves:
“37) For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38) For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39) and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭37‬-‭39‬)
To be fair, some see Noah suddenly entering the ark as a picture of the rapture. 1 Peter 3:20 even talks about the patience of God waiting in the days of Noah during the construction of the ark. Noah obeyed God and built for years without knowing the day or hour. 2 Peter 2:5 goes so far as to say he was a preacher of righteousness. His warnings were falling on deaf ears.
Then the animals started arriving at the ark because God sent them. What an amazing sign of the times! Who could miss that spectacle? Of course, Noah probably utilized some of the beasts of burden in the building process. I’m fairly confident elephants, oxen, horses and mules were common on the construction sight. But who could explain the sudden arrival of deer, antelope, lions, giraffes and zebras? Wait, did I just see a few sloths and anteaters go by? Let’s be honest, at some point things started looking very out of the ordinary!
Then one day God said; “Enter the ark!” The Bible indicates that God Himself closed and sealed the door. The day and hour had arrived. However, the people didn’t stop their partying until the rains came down and the floods came up. They were oblivious to everything happening around them for many years during the construction of the ark. But Noah and his family were spared from the judgement that came upon the world because they were safely in the ark.
In Matthew 24:37, Jesus said the coming of the Son of man will be just like the days of Noah. There will be many signs to be observed prior to the return of Jesus. Don’t let a zebra pass you by without wondering what on earth is going on!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Parable of the Fig Tree: Matthew 24:32-35
““32) Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; 33) so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 34) Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 25) Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭32‬-‭35‬
Jesus now gives the parable of the fig tree. You can tell summer is near by watching the trees bud, produce leaves and develop fruit. It is a sign that a new season is coming.
So also will be the coming of Jesus. All the birth pangs of Matthew 24:4-28 will begin to line up. The big difference according to Matthew 24:34 will be that the signs will span a full generation.
Some define a generation as forty years. I’m more inclined to look at a full life span. That could look more like eighty to one hundred and twenty years. Many Bible scholars believe the clock began ticking in earnest when Israel became a nation back in 1948. I’m definitely not one to set dates, but it’s amazing how many end time prophecies have lined up since since that notable event.
One prophecy that is especially interesting in found in Revelation 9:16 and 16:12. An army from the east with two hundred million soldiers will March toward Jerusalem. That was absolutely impossible in any other generation, because historically, no nation could field an army with anything close to those numbers. For the first time in human history that is now possible with China, and it is starting to rattle the saber. This explosion of world population has happened in the generation since Israel became a nation.
Finally, Jesus emphasizes the fact Gods Word will come to pass and not fail. Verse 35 says that the existence of heaven and earth are not as secure as Gods Word is dependable. It is easier for them to pass away than for Gods Word to fail. No other generation in history has seen the fig tree of prophecy blossom like this generation.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

After The Tribulation: Matthew 24:29-31
““29) 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. 30) 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. 31) 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 ‭24‬:‭29‬-‭31‬
In these three verses, Jesus talks about the end of the tribulation period. In this message, Jesus mentions nothing of the reign of anti-Christ, the beast or the one world government. The writings of Daniel, Paul and the book of Revelation fills in those details. That’s part of what makes the study of the end times so difficult. Many portions of Scripture add pieces to the puzzle.
Because we are primarily looking at the book of Matthew in this study, we are not going to dig deep into the various views of the Return of Christ. You have most likely discovered that there are many views and much confusion about the end times. I have found it best to keep it simple and focus on the Great Commission until He returns without getting distracted.
Notice, that Matthew 6:29 simply states that “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.” At the very least we can conclude the principalities and powers in the heavenly places mentioned in Ephesians 6:12 are being pulled down. The rule of the god of this world will come to an end.
From verse 30, the sign of the Son of man will appear in the sky and will be visible to all the nations and tribes on earth. The Son of Man is coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. This fulfills Acts 1:9-11 that says Jesus will come again just as He ascended into heaven.
According to Matthew 24:31, it is at this point that He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and gather His elect from around the world. This could be called “the great gathering together.” Jesus will gather His people to Himself.
Sufficient to say that Jesus promised in this text to return to earth, end the rule of the god of this world and set up His own earthly kingdom. Revelation 20 talks about the thousand year reign of Christ. It is often called the Millennial Kingdom. It will follow the Great Tribulation period.
The doctrine of the end times would be very simple if we just had this account from Jesus. But we need to factor in many other biblical texts such as Mark 13; Luke 21; 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 4-5; 1 Thessalonians 4-5; 2 Thessalonians 2; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 3; 2 Peter 2-3; Jude and the whole book of Revelation. There are also numerous Old Testament passages that speak to the end times.
Trying to synthesize all of these texts becomes very challenging and confusing. It has given rise to numerous views of the end times. You have most likely heard of terms like Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, Pre-Wrath and Post-Tribulation. These refer to different views as to when the Rapture of the church might occur. Others do not believe in the concept of a rapture.
I know and love people who hold to each position mentioned above. Because the end times are such a mystery, I am not emotionally or theologically tied to any position mentioned above. I see biblical pros and cons to each of them. The more I study the Bible the more neutral I have become. I trust my Loving Heavenly Father is in perfect control and things will unfold exactly according to His plan.
Another term sometimes used is A-Millennialism. This group does not believe that Jesus is returning to set up an earthy kingdom but is reigning mystically through His church. I fail to find support in the Bible for this view beyond being generally “Kingdom minded.”
I choose a very simple view of the end times. It can be summarized by saying Jesus is coming back to set up His Kingdom. The birth pangs or signs of the times are all fulfilled. His return is imminent meaning “at any time.” He has a future plan for both Israel and His church.
Furthermore, the Bible points to much tribulation for Gods people leading up to the seven years of the Great Tribulation when the reign of Anti-Christ will be consummated on earth. Satan is waging relentless war against the church. Very hard times are upon us and greater storm clouds are gathering fast.
However, we are instructed to walk in the Spirit and focus on the spread of the Gospel until He returns. Though we are to prepare for hard times, we are to be salt and light in the world. I believe we are the final leg of the relay race to reach the world with the gospel before the return of Christ. I view this cause as worthy of any sacrifice. May it be said of each of us; “Well done good and faithful servant!”
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

End Time Distinction Between Israel and the Church: Matthew 24:16-22
“16) then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. 17) Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. 18) Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 19) But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20) But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. 21) For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. 22) Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬-‭22‬
As a young Christian, these verses confused me. I didn’t understand how they applied to me. Jesus talked about things like being on a house top and heading to the mountains. There are no mountains in Minnesota and Iowa. Over time, my confusion began to clear. Let me explain.
When studying end time events, I believe it is important to distinguish between Israel and the church. In the above verses, Jesus was describing events that will unfold for the nation of Israel.
Notice, in this text He warns them to flee into the mountains. This is consistent with Revelation 12:14 that says God has prepared a place for the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she will be nourished for a time and times and half a time. I believe that God will not abandon His promises to Israel made in the Old Testament. Jesus specifically says this will be during the tribulation period. (See the full context of Matthew 24:15-28)
Much confusion comes when Christians try to apply Matthew 24 to the church. Nowhere in the New Testament does God instruct the church to flee into the wilderness. Revelation 12:17 does say the dragon will be enraged with the woman and will go off and make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandment of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ.
I do not claim to be an end time scholar, but it appears to me that Israel will make a flight into the wilderness, while the church will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18) I must add that this distinction is still a mystery to me, but I see it clearly taught in Scripture.
Much confusion comes when people try to force the church into texts like Matthew 24-25. Jesus was describing how end time events will unfold from the perspective of the nation of Israel.
The book of Revelation retains this distinction. Revelation 7:1-17 is a prime example. The first half of the chapter is dedicated to the 144,000 who are the remnant of Israel (Revelation 7:1-8) The balance of the chapter talks about the great multitude from every nation that cannot be numbered. (Revelation 7:9-17)
This perspective of the end times may raise questions in your mind, but I believe it is important not to force texts about Israel in the end times into what the Bible teaches about the Body of Christ in the end times. Granted, there will be overlap especially related to the rise of the rise of the anti-Christ and his one world government, but he will war differently against Israel than the church.
This is why it is important to keep an eye on Israel in the news. The Middle East is the stage for much of end time prophecy.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

The Great Tribulation: Matthew 24:15-28
““15) 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), 16) then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. 17) Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. 18) Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 19) But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20) But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. 21) For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. 22) Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬-‭22‬
Jesus now describes the Great Tribulation. Many believe that Matthew describes the seven years of tribulation from the perspective of Israel and not the church. It is a view that has strong validity.
Revelation 12:14-16 points out that God has a place in the wilderness prepared for faithful Israel during the tribulation. Meanwhile, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 notes that believers will be “caught up” together with Jesus in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is commonly referred to as the rapture.
It is difficult to argue against these two positions. God always takes care of His own. When Moses called down Gods judgement signs on Egypt in the book of Exodus, those who obeyed God were spared. The same held true for Noah and His family. They were spared from the ravages of the flood because they were “in” the ark.
In the broader context of these verses in Matthew 24, the warning is leveled against those who do not obey. The next chapter repeatedly warns the godly to be ready because the Master is coming back.
It can be observed that Jesus makes a distinction between the “birth pangs” (Matthew 24:4-14) and the “Great Tribulation.” (Matthew 24:15-28) The times of the birth pangs will unfold in one generation. The actual Great Tribulation will be a shorter period of time and will include the manifestation of the anti-Christ on earth. (See 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12)
So where are we today? If you have been reading my commentary on Matthew 24:4-14, you will note that I believe we have seen all of the birth pangs fulfilled since Israel became a nation in 1948. I believe we are ready for the “Great Tribulation” to start at any time.
This will be accompanied by special but slightly different events for both the nation of Israel and the church comprised of all born-again believers. Faithful Israel will have a place prepared for her in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16), and the church will be caught up to be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

All Eyes On Jerusalem: Matthew 24:15
““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),” Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬ ‭
Many look at the abomination of desolation as the fulfillment of Daniel 9:26-27. (Please read). This referrers to the Messiah being cut off, Jerusalem destroyed and the temple system cut off. As a result, abominations will happen on the temple grounds.
Scholars are divided on the meaning of these verses. Some look back and say this was fulfilled when the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and utterly demolished the temple as Jesus inferred in Matthew 24:2.
Others include that take over of the temple ground by Islam and the building of the dome of the rock on the temple grounds. Many wars and much tension has occupied this site.
Still others look at current times and Israel becoming a nation. They then see the antichrist going into a newly rebuilt temple and offering abominable sacrifices. Hence, this view says Jesus cannot come back until a temple is rebuilt and the sacrificial system restored on the temple sight.
My concern is that this view interrupts the doctrine of the eminent return of Christ by focusing on the temple. They looks at the significance of Israel becoming a nation in 1948, but are fixated on the need for the temple to be rebuilt.
Still others see this as the last week of the seventy weeks of Daniel 9:24 and conclude that verse 27 is referring to seven years of tribulation and the reign of antichrist. They believe a temple will be built and defiled during the tribulation. They see the tribulation of Matthew 26:21 being very significant.
My view is simply that the Middle East and Jerusalem very specifically are the focal point of end times prophecy. I believe that Israel becoming a nation in 1948 was very significant and the current state of no sacrificial system is profound with Islam holding much of the temple grounds. The tension between Israel and the displaced Palestinians plays heavily into the formula. I fully expect the Gentile nations to step in by force and try to impose a peaceful treaty or solution.
From my perspective, the prophecy of Daniel is being fulfilled right before our eyes and Jesus could return at any time. World attention is defiantly on Israel and the Middle East conflict unlike any time in history.
So much so, that consulting notable scholars of the past who lived prior to 1948 is of very little help. Prior to Israel becoming a nation, they spiritualized this whole subject and reduced end time prophecy to allegories. But suddenly “in our generation” the words of Jesus and the book of Revelation can be viewed literally. All of the birth pangs Jesus talked about in Matthew 24:4-15 are converging at the present time. All eyes are on Jerusalem.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

All Nations: Matthew 24:14
“14) This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭14‬
Jesus now presents the sign of the gospel being preached to the whole world. Again, as we look at the past generation, this sign has been fulfilled through the modern missions movement. The gospel has been preached to every nation.
In fact, when modern Christian television, radio and social media are added to the equation, the Word of God is often broadcast world wide within every 24 hour time period. It might be argued that the gospel is available in every nation every hour of the day, every day of the week all year long.
Some look at every nation, language and tribal group hearing the gospel. This goal is also close to being reached. We are nearing the goal of having key portions of the Bible translated into nearly every language. Certainly, the goal of every major language group has been reached.
When all of these signs are added together, the trumpet signaling the return of Jesus could sound at any time. We are at the door of the imminent return of Christ. No previous generation could make these claims.
I believe the birth pangs are complete. The clock is about the strike midnight. Everything Jesus said in Matthew 24:4-14 has been fulfilled. The return of Christ could happen at any time.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Perseverance of the Saints: Matthew 24:13
“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭13‬ ‭
As things go from bad to worse in the end times, we will see the concept of the perseverance of the saints shine. There will emerge glorious stories of genuine and godly believers remaining faithful to the end of their lives. They will not be bought off, threatened off or lured off by the world into sin and compromise. They will be like Stephen the first faithful martyr for Jesus.
“The end” seems to refer to “the end of their lives.” Whatever comes, they will remain true to their Master. They will not be saved by their works, but their works will testify that they are saved.
Though there are many false teachers and much forsaking of the truth in our day, there are also thousands of inspiring stories of the faithful and true forsaking all, including life itself for the love of Jesus. The last one hundreds years has added volumes to the story of the faithful and true.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global