What is the meaning of Matthew 24:12? Because Jesus utters this warning during His Olivet discourse. He has just listed earthquakes, famines, persecution, and false prophets, then says, “Because of the multiplication of wickedness…” (Matthew 24:12). • “Because” ties the moral climate directly to the spiritual temperature of people. Sin is not neutral; it erodes devotion. (Isaiah 59:2; Galatians 6:7–8). • Christ pinpoints cause before effect—a reminder that what we tolerate will soon dominate (James 1:14-15). The multiplication of wickedness The phrase pictures lawlessness spreading like an unchecked infection. • Similar patterns precede judgment in Scripture: “The earth was filled with violence” (Genesis 6:11) before the flood; “evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse” (2 Timothy 3:13). • Multiplication means more than isolated lapses; it is cultural saturation (2 Thessalonians 2:3-7). • Wickedness distorts what is good and applauds what is evil (Romans 1:28-32). As that mindset multiplies, tenderness toward God diminishes. The love of most Jesus is addressing His professing people, not merely the pagan world. • In Revelation 2:4 He rebukes the church at Ephesus: “You have abandoned the love you had at first.” • Love is the identifying mark of true disciples (John 13:35). When many professing believers lose that mark, testimony suffers and the church’s light dims (Philippians 2:15). • “Most” signals a sobering majority; only a remnant stays warm (Romans 11:5). Will grow cold Love doesn’t disappear overnight; it cools by degrees. • Picture embers neglected until they are gray and lifeless (2 Timothy 1:6). • Symptoms of cooling: – Diminished hunger for Scripture (Psalm 119:103). – Half-hearted worship (Malachi 1:13). – Indifference to people in need (1 John 3:17). • Christ counsels Laodicea to repent of lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-19). His remedy remains the same: return, repent, rekindle. • Romans 12:11 urges, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor.” summary Matthew 24:12 teaches that widespread, accelerating sin corrodes heartfelt devotion so thoroughly that the majority cools toward God and others. Jesus warns us so we will watch the culture, guard our hearts, and stay fervent in love while the world grows colder. |
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