How does Matthew 24:25 encourage us to trust Jesus' prophetic words today? Setting the Scene • On the Mount of Olives, Jesus lays out literal events that will unfold before His return. • Midway He pauses with a simple reminder: “See, I have told you in advance.” (Matthew 24:25) • That single sentence becomes a standing invitation to trust every word He speaks about the future. Why Jesus’ Advance Warning Builds Faith • He proves His divine omniscience—only God can disclose tomorrow before it dawns (Isaiah 46:9-10). • He protects believers from deception: knowing truth ahead of time keeps us from swallowing lies about false messiahs and counterfeit signs. • He demonstrates loving shepherd-care: forewarning is evidence that He wants His followers prepared, not panicked (John 16:1-4). Historical Fulfillments that Validate His Words • Destruction of the temple in A.D. 70 (Matthew 24:2) • Rising tide of false christs and false prophets in the first century and beyond (24:5, 11, 23-24) • Ongoing global hostility toward believers (24:9) Seeing these prophecies literally fulfilled anchors confidence that the rest will likewise come to pass. Confidence for Prophecies Still Ahead • The worldwide preaching of the gospel to every nation (24:14) • The visible, unmistakable return of the Son of Man (24:30-31) • Final gathering of the elect (24:31) Because what He has said already happened, we can bank on what is still pending. Scriptures That Echo the Same Assurance • John 13:19 – “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He.” • John 14:29 – “And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.” • 2 Peter 1:19 – Peter urges believers to pay attention to the “prophetic word” made more sure. • Revelation 19:10 – “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Living Out Trust in Jesus’ Prophetic Words Today • Read His predictions plainly, resisting the urge to spiritualize away their literal meaning. • Watch world events through the lens of Scripture rather than headlines. • Stand firm when culture mocks biblical prophecy; fulfilled history is on Christ’s side. • Let future certainties fuel present obedience—holy living, urgent evangelism, steadfast hope (1 John 3:2-3; Titus 2:11-13). Jesus told us in advance. That settled fact calls us to take every prophetic word from His mouth as certain, trustworthy, and life-shaping right now. |
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