Verses 1-3
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In these three verses, Jesus is answering two questions. He is speaking about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (which happened in AD 70), and He is speaking about His Second Coming (which has not happened yet).
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This chapter contains what we call dual-prophecy. It speaks to events that will take place twice, and at two different times. Remember this.
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For this teaching, I will be applying the Scriptures to the time before the Second Coming.
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Verses 4-8
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In generations immediately before the end of the world, there will be an increase of false teachers and religions, many even that use the name of Jesus, and claim to be the answer or the way of salvation. There will be an increase of conflict between nations, and an increase of natural disasters.
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I believe that we are in this time called the “beginning of sorrows” right now.
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Verses 9-14
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In the generation that sees the end of the world:
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All nations will hate and persecute Christians (hasn't happened yet),
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False prophets (of the antichrist) will use signs and wonders to deceive people (Revelation 13:11).
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The truth about Christ will at a point be known by every nation on the planet.
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Believers will have to endure through these times without losing faith. Keep your faith today, and grow strong so that you will still prosper if you have to live through this time of the end!
Verses 15-22
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See Daniel 9:26-27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. There will be a world leader known as the antichrist who will stand in a Jewish temple and proclaim that he is God.
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When you see this happen, you will know that we are in the end. This time is called the Great Tribulation.
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Know that it will be very hard; so hard, in fact, that if it did not have an end, all believers would deny their faith. But believers will be able to keep their faith because the tribulation will have a timely end.
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To make things easier, flee out of cities immediately, ideally to places off the grid or out of reach.
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To do this right, be ready to move quickly. Sell houses and lands so that you can leave them behind, before this great persecution begins (Acts 4:34-35, 8:1). If you watch, you will know when this time is approaching.
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Verses 23-31
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During the end, or the Great Tribulation, people will believe that the antichrist is the Christ. One reason for this is that one known as “the false prophet” will deceive many by using demonic power to perform miracles, including healings (Revelation 13:11-15, 19:20).
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Now that you know this, do not believe it when people try to tell you that “Jesus is already here”. It is a lie. The real Christ will return dramatically from heaven with lightning, and there will be a lot of death as a result.
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Christ's coming will be at the very end of the Great Tribulation, when there is trouble even in the solar system.
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This is when believers will be raptured from the earth to meet Christ in the air as He descends from heaven to judge the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
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Verses 32-35
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Just like a fig tree shoots forth leaves to indicate the soon arrival of summer, the signs before the end let us know that the end is near.
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Verse 34. Understand that the generation that sees the signs discussed in verses 9-25 will surely see the Second Coming.
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This verse does not mean that the generation of the twelve disciples saw Christ's return.
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Verse 35. These words, along with all the words of Christ, will forever be preserved, outlasting the universe itself. Trust Christ's word!
Verse 36
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No one knows or can claim to know the day that Jesus will return. Don't listen to people that claim to know specific dates.
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We can know, however, the general season of time.
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Watch for the signs, but do not focus your time to studying times and seasons (Acts 1:7). Focus on the Word and the kingdom.
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Verses 37-51
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Verses 37-41. The days of the end—the Great Tribulation—will be like the days of Noah. There will be rampant evil, but death will come suddenly.
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People will be “taken away” to death suddenly, like the flood of Noah swept people away suddenly. Therefore...
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Verses 42-47. As believers, our job is to be watchful and ready by being diligent in our obedience to the Word and in serving others (Luke 12:42-43). Verses 48-51. Losing focus and getting into sin is dangerous! Sinning is failing to be watchful.