‘Now or Later’ or ‘Now and Later?’
Matthew 23:37-24:2
1. God Responded to Jerusalem’s Sinfulness:
a. He Sent Them Prophets. (Matthew 23:37a)
b. He Desired to Gather Them. (Matthew 23:37b, Ezekiel 18:23)
Ezekiel 18:23, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” This is the declaration of the Lord GOD. “Instead, don’t I take pleasure when he turns from his ways and lives?”
2. Jerusalem (Israel):
a. Responded with Evil to the Prophets. (Matthew 23:37a)
b. Rejected God’s Offer to Gather. (Matthew 23:37b)
3. God’s Secondary Response:
a. Was to Abandon Their “House.” (Matthew 23:38)
b. Was to Withdraw from Their Presence. (Matthew 23:39)
c. Was to Destroy Their “Religion.” (Matthew 24:1-2, Matthew 12:6)
Matthew 12:6, I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.
4. God’s Resurrected Response:
a. He is Always with Believers! (Matthew 28:20)
Matthew 28:20, And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
b. He is Always Ready to Help! (Hebrews 4:16)
Hebrews 4:16, Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.