by furaha nchimbi | 23 August 2021 08:46 pm08
Understanding the Power of Intimacy in Revelation
Scripture Reference: Matthew 24 (NKJV)
Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, His disciples often heard Him teach profound truths sometimes through parables, sometimes in direct instruction. On several occasions, they asked for clarification immediately. But there were critical moments when they chose to wait and approach Jesus in private.
This deliberate move toward intimate conversation wasn’t out of fear, but out of reverence and a desire for deeper understanding especially on matters related to the end of the age.
The disciples recognized that some spiritual truths require not just hearing but contemplation, stillness, and undivided attention. They understood that some answers could only be received in moments of quiet communion with the Lord, away from the distractions of the crowd (Mark 4:34, Luke 9:18).
Likewise, for believers today, seeking the Lord in solitude is key to understanding divine mysteries. God still speaks but often in the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), not in the chaos of daily noise.
“Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.’
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying,
‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’”
(Matthew 24:1–3, NKJV)
In this passage, the disciples asked three critical eschatological (end-times) questions:
When will these things happen?
What will be the sign of Your coming?
What will be the sign of the end of the age?
Each of these questions relates to the prophetic unfolding of God’s redemptive plan His second coming, judgment, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Let’s explore each one, theologically and scripturally.
(Matthew 24:3; answered in verses 36–44)
This question was about timing the human desire to pinpoint when Jesus would return and God’s plan would be completed. Jesus responded:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
(Matthew 24:36, NKJV)
Key Theological Truth:
Even Jesus, in His incarnate state, voluntarily limited His divine knowledge (Philippians 2:6–8) to demonstrate complete submission to the Father. This emphasizes that no human or angelic being has been given the calendar date of Christ’s return.
Instead of focusing on when, Jesus called them to watchfulness and readiness:
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
(Matthew 24:44, NKJV)
Practical Application:
The Church is called to live in a state of readiness, not complacency knowing that the day of the Lord will come “as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).
(Matthew 24:3; answered in verses 4–28)
Jesus gave a detailed list of events that would characterize the season of His return, though not the exact time.
“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name… and you will hear of wars and rumors of wars… and there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”
(Matthew 24:4–7, NKJV)
Key Theological Insight:
These signs align with birth pains (Romans 8:22) an escalation of chaos as creation groans under the weight of sin. Yet, they are not to produce fear but awareness.
Notably, false prophets, increasing lawlessness, persecution of the saints, and the global preaching of the Gospel are all listed as indicators (Matthew 24:11–14).
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
(Matthew 24:14, NKJV)
Fulfillment in Our Time:
Most of these signs are visible today: global evangelism, geopolitical unrest, moral decline, pandemics (e.g., COVID-19), and rising deception in the church all pointing to the nearness of Christ.
(Matthew 24:3; answered in verses 29–31)
This refers to the final consummation of history the moment when time, as we know it, ends, and God’s eternal kingdom is established.
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light… Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
(Matthew 24:29–30, NKJV)
Key Eschatological Truths:
Jesus will return visibly, bodily, and gloriously (Acts 1:11, Revelation 1:7).
Cosmic disturbances will accompany His coming fulfilling prophecies from Joel 2:31, Isaiah 13:10.
The final judgment will follow (Matthew 25:31–46), separating the righteous from the wicked.
Judgment Day will be fearful for the unprepared (Revelation 6:15–17), but glorious for those in Christ (Titus 2:13).
We live in a generation that has seen nearly all prophetic signs fulfilled. That means the return of Christ is imminent it could happen at any moment.
The question is not “When?” but rather “Are you ready?”
Jesus warned that His coming would be sudden and unexpected. Two will be in the field one taken, one left (Matthew 24:40–41). There will be no warning, no last-minute signs, no dramatic pause.
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”
(Matthew 24:42, NKJV)
Repent and believe the Gospel (Mark 1:15)
Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 1:12)
Be baptized in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
Walk in holiness and readiness, keeping your lamp burning (Matthew 25:1–13)
Need Prayer or Baptism?
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ, or if you need help being baptized, please call or message us at 0693036618. We would be honored to pray with you and help you take the next step in your faith.
The Lord bless you.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2021/08/23/why-did-the-disciples-ask-jesus-in-private/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.