1. Matthew 24:36–51 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

Specific

Matthew 24:36–51 (ESV)

36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

  • Within the Movement to the cross section (Matthew 19:1–25:46), a further subdivision can be made:1

    • The road to Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1–20:34)

    • The beginning of Passion week (Matthew 21:1–22:46)

    • The fifth discourse: The Guilt and Judgement of Israel (Matthew 23:1–36)

    • The sixth discourse: Olivet (Matthew 24:1–25:46)

      • The destruction of Jerusalem and events of the end time (Matthew 24:1–35)

      • The need for spiritual vigilance (Matthew 24:36–44)

      • The parable of the faithful and wicked slaves (Matthew 24:45–51)

      • The parable of the ten bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1–13)

      • The parable of the tenants (Matthew 25:14–30)

      • Teaching about the final judgment (Matthew 25:31–46)

  • The Olivet discourse is named for the place where it was presented, Mount Olivet, immediately outside the city of Jerusalem. It was close to the Temple Mount so that it was possible to pass directly from one to the other without having to go through the rest of Jerusalem.2 This is the final discourse of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew and it contains a didactic (teaching) section (Matthew 24:4–35) followed by exhortations (Matthew 24:36–25:46).3 The essence of the didactic teaching is that disciples will face many difficult circumstances before Jesus Christ returns in glory and they must be ready to persevere while they wait for him. The essence of the exhortations is that believers must be ready for Jesus to return at any moment and use their time to serve him.