"later Later!"

Language is a funny thing. You can say one thing but it can mean something all together different to those who hear it. For instance my brother left the following message on my phone today, “Call me later. I mean later you can call me, but you don’t have to call me later.” Now was he asking me to call him at a later time, or did he wish for me to call him by the name ‘Later?’ Which ‘Later(s)’ should be capitalized in his message?

As Jesus and the disciples left the temple Jesus called attention to the magnificent buildings there and said, “I tell you the truth, don’t be impressed by all these things because it will be completely demolished and not one stone will be left standing on another.” Outside the city Jesus sat with his disciple on the Mount of Olives and the disciples came to Him with a question.

"Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

What were the disciples asking Jesus about? I believe they were asking Jesus ONE question. They wanted to be prepared for Jesus to establish His kingdom and put an end to the Roman occupation. Remember Jesus had entered Jerusalem in triumph hailed as a king, and the buildings adjacent to the temple included the Antonia Fortress which was the center of Roman power in Jerusalem. The disciples just wanted to be ready to be by Jesus’ side when He took the throne.

Jesus heard THREE questions. When will these things happen—the destruction of the city and end of Roman occupation? What are the signs of your coming—your second coming to establish your kingdom? And when will the world come to an end—when will you execute judgment upon the living and the dead? His answer focused on the later two questions, and he ignored the first question all together.

[4] Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
Matthew 24:3-5 (NIV)

Jesus repeats this warning to guard against being deceived two more times. He did not want his disciples (or us) to misunderstand him. Above all else we must not let anyone deceive us through anything they might say or do. Be on guard deception is all around us. His coming is near.