In the book of Matthew we come to the twenty-fourth chapter. Within this chapter is Jesus teaching events to come.
The audience
Those that listen to this message is not the masses or those in religious power. This message is to those chosen by Jesus Himself to be his closest followers. His apostles. All twelve were present for this. The last time, really all would be for this important lesson that Jesus was to bestow upon them.
For the most part they did not understand. They were still blinded to the fact that Jesus was more than a man, more than human. It is something they still stayed blind upon until after His resurrection.
Even though many have studied the word of God since that time. Many of these are still blind to the full truth. God’s plan is complicated, as is the fact that we live within corrupt and sinful bodies. For these reasons God allows us insight to His plan as it is needed and to those that are willing to listen and understand. It has always been this way and it will continue to be so.
The fact that the apostles did not see is telling and something that all of us need to ponder and think upon. For there is much misunderstanding and misinterpretations of this Bible. This is shown in the fact that there are so many subgroups within the Christian faith itself. The Methodist think this way, the Baptist that way, and at the same time the Catholics think an entirely different way.
What is important is that each and every person study the Bible for themselves and never take to words of others as the truth, even my words. We are all to seek true understanding of the Bible. If you hear a version that is too far away from what you know, confirm or deny it yourself by studying painstakingly the scriptures. If what the other says does not match the Bible. Turn away from them and do not listen.
Jesus had already reached this point with the people of Israel. They had rejected Him. So he taught important facts like He is about to relate only to the apostles and no one else. For at that time, even though they didn’t understand most of what he said they would later have the scales fall from their eyes and they would see and understand. That is still true today for those that have accepted Christ as our Savior. In time the scales will fall when the time is right and we will come to understand.