Lesson 21 What is the Sign of Thy Coming

1. Jesus foretells the impending destruction of Jerusalem.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:1–20 (see also Matthew 24:1–5, 9–13, 15–22).

A few days before Jesus was crucified, some of his disciples accompanied him to the Mount of Olives.

What two questions did the disciples ask Jesus? (See Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:4.

4 And Jesus left them, and went upon the Mount of Olives. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying: Tell us when shall these things be which thou hast said concerning the destruction of the temple, and the Jews; and what is the asign of thy bcoming, and of the cend of the world, or the destruction of the dwicked, which is the end of the world?

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:5–20 is the Savior’s answer to their first question, which was about the destruction of Jerusalem.

5 And Jesus answered, and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you;

6 For many shall come in my name, saying—I am aChrist—and shall deceive many;

7 Then shall they deliver you up to be aafflicted, and shall kill you, and ye shall be bhated of all nations, for my name’s sake;

8 And then shall many be aoffended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another;

9 And many afalse prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many;

10 And because iniquity shall abound, the alove of many shall wax cold;

11 But he that remaineth asteadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved.

12 When you, therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, then you shall stand in the holy place; whoso readeth let him understand.

13 Then let them who are in Judea flee into the amountains;

14 Let him who is on the housetop flee, and not return to take anything out of his house;

15 Neither let him who is in the field return back to take his clothes;

16 And wo unto them that are with achild, and unto them that give suck in those days;

17 Therefore, pray ye the Lord that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day;

18 For then, in those days, shall be great tribulation on the Jews, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, such as was not before sent upon Israel, of God, since the beginning of their kingdom until this time; no, nor ever shall be sent again upon Israel.

19 All things which have befallen them are only the beginning of the sorrows which shall come upon them.

20 And except those days should be shortened, there should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake, according to the covenant, those days shall be shortened.


Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–55 is the Savior’s answer to their second question, which was about his Second Coming.

21 Behold, these things I have spoken unto you concerning the Jews; and again, after the tribulation of those days which shall come upon Jerusalem, if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe him not;

22 For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.

23 Behold, I speak these things unto you for the aelect’s sake; and you also shall hear of bwars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet.

24 Behold, I have told you before;

25 Wherefore, if they shall say unto you: Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not;

26 For as the light of the morning cometh out of the aeast, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.

27 And now I show unto you a parable. Behold, wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together; so likewise shall mine elect be gathered from the four quarters of the earth.

28 And they shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars.

29 Behold I speak for mine elect’s sake; for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be afamines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

30 And again, because iniquity shall abound, the love of men shall wax acold; but he that shall not be overcome, the same shall be saved.

31 And again, this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come, or the destruction of the wicked;

32 And again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled.

33 And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

34 Verily, I say unto you, this generation, in which these things shall be shown forth, shall not pass away until all I have told you shall be fulfilled.

35 Although, the days will come, that heaven and earth shall pass away; yet my awords shall not pass away, but all shall be fulfilled.

36 And, as I said before, after the tribulation of those days, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory;

37 And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the dremainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

38 Now learn a parable of the afig tree—When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand;

39 So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors;

40But of that day, and hour, no one aknoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only.

41But as it was in the days of aNoah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man;

42For it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the aflood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage;

43And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.

44Then shall be fulfilled that which is written, that in the alast days, two shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other left;

45Two shall be grinding at the mill, the one shall be taken, and the other left;

46And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; awatch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come.

47But know this, if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to have been broken up, but would have been ready.

48Therefore be ye also aready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.

49Who, then, is a afaithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

50Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing; and verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

51But if that evil servant shall say in his heart: My lord delayeth his coming,

52And shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken,

53The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

54And shall cut him asunder, and shall appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and agnashing of teeth.

55And thus cometh the aend of the wicked, according to the prophecy of Moses, saying: They shall be cut off from among the people; but the end of the earth is not yet, but by and by.


What did Jesus prophesy about the temple in Jerusalem and the city itself? (See Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:2–3, 12.)

2And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple; and his disciples came to him, for to ahear him, saying: Master, show us concerning the buildings of the temple, as thou hast said—They shall be thrown down, and left unto you desolate.

3And Jesus said unto them: See ye not all these things, and do ye not understand them? Verily I say unto you, there shall not be left here, upon this temple, one astone upon another that shall not be thrown down.

12 When you, therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, then you shall stand in the dholy place; whoso readeth let him understand.

What signs did the Savior prophesy would precede the destruction of Jerusalem? (SeeJoseph Smith—Matthew 1:5–10.)

5 And Jesus answered, and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you;

6 For many shall come in my name, saying—I am aChrist—and shall deceive many;

7 Then shall they deliver you up to be aafflicted, and shall kill you, and ye shall be hated of all nations, for my name’s sake;

8 And then shall many be aoffended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another;

9 And many afalse prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many;

10 And because iniquity shall abound, the alove of many shall wax cold;


What did Jesus tell his followers to do to avoid destruction? (SeeJoseph Smith—Matthew 1:11–15.)

11But he that remaineth asteadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved.
12When you, therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, then you shall stand in the dholy place; whoso readeth let him understand.
13Then let them who are in Judea flee into the amountains;
14Let him who is on the housetop flee, and not return to take anything out of his house;
15Neither let him who is in the field return back to take his clothes;


Why was it important that they not return to their homes once they had fled? (See Luke 9:62; D&C 133:14–15.)


Although many Jews did not believe their great city and temple could be destroyed, the Lord’s prophecies were fulfilled in A.D.70. Believing that the Messiah would come and help them in battle, the Jews revolted against the Romans in A.D. 66. Four years later the Romans had destroyed the entire city. Those who listened to the Savior and fled into the mountains were spared. Those who did not heed this counsel were scattered and destroyed.

2. Jesus describes the signs that will precede his Second Coming.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–55(see also Matthew 24:6–8, 14, 23–51). The second question asked by the disciples concerned the Savior’s Second Coming and the accompanying destruction of the wicked (which is sometimes called “the end of the world”).


What sign of the Savior’s Second Coming is described in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:22?

22For in those days there shall also arise false aChrists, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.

What evidence do you see that this prophecy is being fulfilled?

How can we avoid being deceived by false prophets? (See Matthew 7:15–20; D&C 45:57; 46:7–8.)

What sign of the Second Coming is mentioned in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23 and 28?

23 Behold, I speak these things unto you for the elect’s sake; and you also shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet.

28And they shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars.

What evidence do you see that this prophecy is being fulfilled?

The Lord taught that we should “be not troubled” by wars and rumors of war.

How can we find peace during such troubled times? (See 1 John 4:16–18; D&C 6:34–36; 45:34–35;59:23.

Elder M. Russell Ballard gave the following counsel of hope and encouragement:

“Although the prophecies tell us that these things are to take place, more and more people are expressing great alarm at what appears to be an acceleration of worldwide calamity. … Admittedly we have ample reason to be deeply concerned because we see no immediate answers to the seemingly unsolvable problems confronting the human family. But regardless of this dark picture, which will ultimately get worse, we must never allow ourselves to give up hope! …
“… The Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful not to overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!
“But where do we find hope in the midst of such turmoil and catastrophe? Quite simply, our one hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ. … Armed with the shield of faith, we can overcome many of our daily challenges and overpower our greatest weaknesses and fears, knowing that if we do our best to keep the commandments of God, come what may, we will be all right” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 41–43; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 31–32).

What signs of the Second Coming are described in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:27 and 31?

27And now I show unto you a parable. Behold, wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together; so likewise shall mine elect be gathered from the four quarters of the earth.

31And again, this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto allnations, and then shall the end come, or the destruction of the wicked;

How are these prophecies being fulfilled today? (Missionary work is increasing, and the gospel is being taught and accepted in more and more places around the world.) What can each of us do to help fulfill these prophecies?

What signs of the Second Coming are described in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:29–30?

29Behold I speak for mine elect’s sake; for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be afamines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

30And again, because iniquity shall abound, the love of men shall wax acold; but he that shall not be overcome, the same shall be saved.


What evidence do you see that these prophecies are being fulfilled? What have latter-day prophets counseled us to do to prepare for the natural disasters that will precede the Second Coming?

What signs of the Second Coming are mentioned in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:32–33?


32And again shall the aabomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled.

33And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the asun shall be bdarkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the cstars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken.


The Lord told his followers in Jerusalem to “stand in the holy place” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:12), and he has given similar counsel in our day (D&C 87:8; 101:22).

What are some holy places in which we should stand? How will these places help protect us during the difficulties of the last days?

President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Holy men and holy women stand in holy places, and these holy places include our temples, our chapels, our homes, and the stakes of Zion, which are, as the Lord declares, ‘for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth’ (D&C 115:6)” (“Prepare Yourselves for the Great Day of the Lord,”Brigham Young University 1981 Fireside and Devotional Speeches[1981], 68).

What guidance did Jesus give to help us not be deceived in the last days before his Second Coming? (See Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37.)

37And whoso atreasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall bcome, and he shall send his cangels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the dremainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

How can we treasure up the Lord’s word? How has treasuring up the Lord’s word helped you avoid being deceived?

What did Jesus teach in the following passages to help us prepare for his Second Coming?


38 Now learn a parable of the afig tree—When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand;
39 So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors;
40 But of that day, and hour, no one aknoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only.


1. The parable of the fig tree (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:38–40). 38 Now learn a parable of the afig tree—When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand;
39 So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors;
40 But of that day, and hour, no one aknoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only.


2. The comparison of the Second Coming to the days of Noah (verses Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:41–43).
41But as it was in the days of aNoah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man;
42For it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the aflood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage;
43And aknew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.

3. The prophecy of two people working in the field and two people grinding at the mill (verses Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:44–46).

44Then shall be fulfilled that which is written, that in the alast days, two shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other bleft;
45Two shall be grinding at the mill, the one shall be taken, and the other left;
46And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; awatch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come.


4. The parable of the good man and the thief (verses Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:47–48).

47But know this, if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to have been broken up, but would have been ready.
48Therefore be ye also aready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.


5. The parable of the lord and his servants (verses Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:49–54).

49Who, then, is a afaithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
50Blessed is that aservant whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing; and verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
51But if that evil servant shall say in his heart: My lord adelayeth his coming,
52And shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken,
53The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
54And shall cut him asunder, and shall appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and agnashing of teeth.

Why is it important that we continuously watch and prepare for the Lord’s coming? How can we watch and prepare to meet the Lord?

What will happen to the righteous when the Savior comes again? (See Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37, 44–45, 50; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18; D&C 88:96–98.)

Conclusion

The scriptural prophecies about Jesus Christ’s Second Coming will all be fulfilled. Emphasize that by studying the teachings of the Savior and following the counsel of the living prophets, we can prepare ourselves to meet Christ. If we are prepared, the Second Coming will be a wonderful day for us.

Signs of the Second Coming revealed in latter days

The Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that repeated and clarified the prophecies given to Jesus’ ancient disciples. This revelation is found in Doctrine and Covenants 45. compare Doctrine and Covenants 45:15–55 to Joseph Smith—Matthew.

In Doctrine and Covenants 45:60–61, the Lord told Joseph Smith to begin translating the New Testament. Joseph Smith—Matthew is part of this inspired translation.