The Bible Recap – Day 311 (Matthew 24) – Year 7

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: November 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble recaps the second half of Matthew 24, focusing on Jesus’ teaching about the end times, the destruction of the temple, and his return. She distinguishes between “information” (what God will do) and “instruction” (what we are to do), emphasizing how Christians should interpret challenging prophetic passages. Tara-Leigh explores the uncertainty surrounding eschatology, the importance of hope over fear, and Jesus' encouragement to "stay awake" and trust in him.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding Information vs. Instruction

• Tara-Leigh revisits a valuable interpretive approach for passages like Matthew 24:

  “Is Jesus telling me something God is going to do or something the disciples are supposed to do, or something I am supposed to do? If he's telling us what God is doing or what the disciples were supposed to do, it's information. If he's telling us what we're supposed to do, it's instruction.” (00:22)

• She stresses that sometimes, these can overlap or be ambiguous.

2. Context: Jesus’ Audience and Setting

• The passage occurs during Jesus’ final week, as he speaks with his close disciples on the Mount of Olives, predicting the destruction of the temple and suffering to come.

3. End Times: Hope Not Fear

• Jesus discusses cosmic signs and his eventual return, offering glimpses into the future but leaving many details unclear.

  “He pulls back the curtain a bit on what will happen, but there's still a glare on the window, so we can't really expect to see things clearly just yet.” (01:22)

• Tara-Leigh references different Christian perspectives on eschatology, acknowledging the strengths of each and the wisdom in holding these views “with an open hand.”

4. Believers’ Response: Lift Your Heads

• At the heart of Jesus’ message:

  “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28, paraphrased at 02:08)

• • Believers should not live in fear amid turmoil but remember the hope and redemption that Jesus’ return brings.
  • Tara-Leigh cautions against obsessing over predicting the end or identifying current events as “signs”:

    “I try to resist the urge to be all blood moon this and mark of the beast that because it tends to put my focus on the wrong thing. Here's what Jesus said I should think about: straighten up and raise your heads for your redemption is drawing near.” (03:46)

5. Interpreting Hard Passages

• Jesus says, “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place,” which can be confusing since that generation did die. Tara-Leigh explains several scholarly interpretations:
  • “This generation” could refer to humanity or the line of God’s people.
  • Ultimately, Jesus’ point is that God’s kingdom endures and his followers’ work is eternal.

  “The Gospel isn't going to die or be killed off. It's going to keep reaching the peoples and the nations and then he will return.” (05:22)

6. Instruction: Stay Awake

• One clear instruction from Jesus is “stay awake.”

  “He never says, try to figure out when I'm coming back. He never says, see if you can piece this all together like a big puzzle. What he says very clearly is stay awake. Don't be lulled to sleep by the world.” (06:00)

• Believers should continue sharing the gospel, trusting Jesus brings peace, and living with “open hands.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On reading hard texts:

  “One of the things that helps me through passages like these is to look at what parts are information and what parts are instruction.” (00:14, Tara-Leigh Cobble)

• On the uncertainty and clarity of prophecy:

  “We may have ideas, we may have hints, but none of us know the full details on all of this... This is one of the many places where it's wise to hold things with an open hand.” (01:24–01:52)

• On the focus of Jesus’ message:

  “It's tempting to read his words about the future and focus on the hard parts... Our redemption is drawing near. This is good news.” (02:50–03:04)

• About trying to predict Jesus’ return:

  “Lots of people have made fools of themselves through the centuries by trying to name the dates of his return... Meanwhile, it makes a mockery of our faith to outsiders who are looking in.” (03:19)

• On peace amidst uncertainty:

  “When we know him, it becomes easier to trust him. And when we trust him, we can have the kind of peace only he can bring.” (06:33)

• Closing encouragement:

  “Knowing Jesus helps us live with open hands no matter what happens, because he's where the joy is.” (07:00)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:02: Introduction and recap of interpretive approach (information vs. instruction)
• 00:52: Context of Jesus’ teaching on the Mount of Olives
• 01:22: Overview of end-times prophecies and differing perspectives
• 02:08: Encouragement for believers amid “end times” signs – hope, not fear
• 03:19: Warnings against date-setting and misplacing our focus
• 05:22: Clarifying “this generation will not pass away”
• 06:00: Jesus’ call to “stay awake”
• 06:33: The peace that comes from trust in Jesus
• 07:00: Final reminder: “He’s where the joy is.”

Takeaways

• Focus on the clear instructions Jesus gives—especially to stay spiritually alert and unafraid, not preoccupied with predicting the future.
• Approach challenging passages with humility, openness, and hope.
• Remember: The end times aren’t to be feared by believers, but anticipated as the completion of redemption.
• Through everything, Jesus offers lasting peace and joy.