{"id":46417,"date":"2021-08-23T21:44:45","date_gmt":"2021-08-23T18:44:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=46417"},"modified":"2025-06-04T23:49:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T20:49:00","slug":"why-did-the-disciples-ask-jesus-in-private","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2021\/08\/23\/why-did-the-disciples-ask-jesus-in-private\/","title":{"rendered":"WHY DID THE DISCIPLES ASK JESUS IN PRIVATE?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Understanding the Power of Intimacy in Revelation<\/em>
Scripture Reference: Matthew 24 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Throughout Jesus\u2019 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This deliberate move toward intimate conversation<\/strong> wasn\u2019t out of fear, but out of reverence and a desire for deeper understanding especially on matters related to the end of the age<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Why Ask in Private?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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<\/strong> with the Lord, away from the distractions of the crowd (Mark 4:34, Luke 9:18).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Matthew 24:1\u20133 \u2013 The Setting<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u201cThen 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, \u2018Do 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.\u2019
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying,
\u2018Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?\u2019\u201d
(Matthew 24:1\u20133, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In this passage, the disciples asked three critical eschatological (end-times)<\/strong> questions:<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    When will these things happen?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    What will be the sign of Your coming?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    What will be the sign of the end of the age?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Each of these questions relates to the prophetic unfolding of God\u2019s redemptive plan <\/strong>His second coming, judgment, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.<\/p>\n

    Let\u2019s explore each one, theologically and scripturally.<\/p>\n

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    1. \u201cWhen Will These Things Happen?\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    (Matthew 24:3; answered in verses 36\u201344)<\/em><\/p>\n

    This question was about timing <\/strong>the human desire to pinpoint when Jesus would return and God\u2019s plan would be completed. Jesus responded:<\/p>\n

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    \u201cBut of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.\u201d
    (Matthew 24:36, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Key Theological Truth:<\/strong>
    Even Jesus, in His incarnate state, voluntarily limited His divine knowledge (Philippians 2:6\u20138) to demonstrate complete submission to the Father. This emphasizes that no human or angelic being<\/strong> has been given the calendar date of Christ\u2019s return.<\/p>\n

    Instead of focusing on when<\/em>, Jesus called them to watchfulness<\/strong> and readiness<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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    \u201cTherefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.\u201d
    (Matthew 24:44, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Practical Application:<\/strong>
    The Church is called to live in a state of readiness<\/strong>, not complacency knowing that the day of the Lord will come “as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).<\/p>\n

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    2. \u201cWhat Will Be the Sign of Your Coming?\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    (Matthew 24:3; answered in verses 4\u201328)<\/em><\/p>\n

    Jesus gave a detailed list of events that would characterize the season<\/strong> of His return, though not the exact time.<\/p>\n

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    \u201cTake 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.\u201d
    (Matthew 24:4\u20137, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Key Theological Insight:<\/strong>
    These signs align with birth pains<\/strong> (Romans 8:22) an escalation of chaos as creation groans under the weight of sin. Yet, they are not to produce fear but awareness.<\/p>\n

    Notably, false prophets<\/strong>, increasing lawlessness, persecution of the saints, and the global preaching of the Gospel are all listed as indicators (Matthew 24:11\u201314).<\/p>\n

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    \u201cAnd 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.\u201d
    (Matthew 24:14, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Fulfillment in Our Time:<\/strong>
    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.<\/p>\n

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    3. \u201cWhat Will Be the Sign of the End of the Age?\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    (Matthew 24:3; answered in verses 29\u201331)<\/em><\/p>\n

    This refers to the final consummation of history <\/strong>the moment when time, as we know it, ends, and God’s eternal kingdom is established.<\/p>\n

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    \u201cImmediately 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.\u201d
    (Matthew 24:29\u201330, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Key Eschatological Truths:<\/strong><\/p>\n