Preparing for the Road Ahead (Mattthew 24:1-14) 

In these verses, Jesus prepares his disciples for life after his death and resurrection. The age of discipleship will be full of anxiety and upheaval. Disciples will experience persecution from those outside the church, and they will observe decay within the church. But those who stick it out with Jesus will not be disappointed. They will see the gospel proclaimed around the world. They will experience God's saving power, even as they endure hardships. And one day, the end will come; this age of suffering will be replaced by an eternity of joy.