How does Daniel's prophecy relate to Matthew 24:15's warning? Connecting Daniel and Jesus • Matthew 24:15—“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand)….” • By citing Daniel, Jesus links His end-time warning directly to Daniel’s vision of the “abomination of desolation.” • The Lord treats Daniel’s prophecy as literal, future, and essential for understanding the last days. Snapshot of Daniel’s Prophecy “...The people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary…He will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination of desolation….” “His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation.” “From the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.” Key points • “Abomination” – a blasphemous, idolatrous act. • “Desolation” – the devastating results that follow. • Timing – occurs midway through a final seven-year period (“one week”). How Jesus Applies Daniel in Matthew 24:15 • Jesus places Daniel’s “abomination” in the future relative to AD 33. • He warns those in Judea to flee (24:16-20), indicating an event visible in Jerusalem’s temple. • By adding “let the reader understand,” Jesus urges every generation to study Daniel to grasp the timing and nature of the coming tribulation. Historical Foreshadows Antiochus IV (167 BC) – desecrated the Second Temple with pagan sacrifice (Daniel 11:31 partially fulfilled). Titus (AD 70) – Roman destruction of the temple echoed Daniel’s warning (Luke 21:20-24). These events preview but do not exhaust the prophecy; Jesus still points forward. Future Culmination • A coming “prince” (Daniel 9:26-27) = the man of lawlessness/Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:14-15). • Mid-Tribulation moment (Revelation 13) – image of the beast set up in a rebuilt temple, outlawing true worship. • Countdown of 1,290 days (Daniel 12:11) begins, leading to Christ’s return (Matthew 24:29-31). Why Daniel Illuminates Matthew 24 1. Confirms Jesus’ warning is anchored in earlier Scripture. 2. Supplies timing markers (seven years, mid-point desecration, 1,290 days). 3. Identifies the main actor (future world ruler opposing God). 4. Reveals God’s sovereign plan: judgment followed by ultimate deliverance (Daniel 12:1-3). Living in the Light of These Truths • Trust the reliability of Scripture—Jesus validates Daniel. • Stay alert: watch for global movements toward a rebuilt temple and centralized, anti-God authority. • Hold hope: desolation is temporary; the Son of Man will come “with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). |
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