See,This word serves as a call to attention, urging the listener to be vigilant and aware. In biblical context, it is often used by Jesus to emphasize the importance of what He is about to say. It is a directive to focus and understand the gravity of the message. This mirrors the prophetic tradition in the Old Testament, where prophets would often begin their declarations with a call to listen or see, indicating the divine authority behind their words.
I have told you
Jesus is asserting His role as a teacher and prophet, reminding His disciples that He has already provided them with the necessary information. This phrase underscores the foreknowledge and authority of Christ, who, as the Son of God, possesses insight into future events. It reflects the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers, where He prepares them for what is to come. This is consistent with the role of a shepherd guiding His flock, ensuring they are not caught unaware.
in advance.
This phrase highlights the prophetic nature of Jesus' teachings. By informing His disciples beforehand, Jesus is fulfilling the role of a prophet, similar to those in the Old Testament who warned Israel of future events. It also serves as a reassurance that God is in control and that nothing happens outside of His sovereign plan. This forewarning is meant to equip the disciples to face future challenges with faith and confidence, knowing that they have been prepared by their Master. This aligns with other scriptural instances where God provides foreknowledge to His people, such as in the prophecies found in Daniel and Revelation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples about the signs of the end times and His second coming. He is the central figure in this discourse, providing prophetic insight and guidance.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teachings in this chapter. They are seeking understanding about the future and the signs of Jesus' return.
3.
Mount of OlivesThe location where Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, which includes
Matthew 24. This place holds significant prophetic importance in both the Old and New Testaments.
4.
End TimesThe events and signs that Jesus describes in
Matthew 24, which include false prophets, wars, and natural disasters, leading up to His return.
5.
False ProphetsIndividuals who will arise during the end times, deceiving many with false teachings and signs, as warned by Jesus in this chapter.
Teaching Points
Forewarned and ForearmedJesus' advance warning is a call to be spiritually prepared and discerning. Believers should be vigilant and grounded in Scripture to recognize and resist deception.
The Importance of ProphecyUnderstanding biblical prophecy strengthens faith and provides assurance of God's sovereign plan. It encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective.
Watchfulness and ReadinessJesus' teachings in
Matthew 24 emphasize the need for constant watchfulness. Believers are called to live holy and godly lives, anticipating His return.
Trust in Jesus' WordsJesus' foretelling of future events assures us of His omniscience and faithfulness. Trusting His words leads to peace and confidence amidst uncertainty.
Community and AccountabilityEngaging in Bible study and fellowship helps believers stay alert and accountable, fostering a supportive environment to grow in faith and discernment.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 24:25?
2.How does Matthew 24:25 encourage us to trust Jesus' prophetic words today?
3.What does "I have told you in advance" teach about Jesus' foreknowledge?
4.How can we prepare for future events as described in Matthew 24:25?
5.Connect Matthew 24:25 with other prophecies Jesus made in the Gospels.
6.How should Matthew 24:25 influence our daily vigilance and spiritual readiness?
7.How does Matthew 24:25 relate to the prophecy of Jesus' second coming?
8.Why does Jesus emphasize "I have told you in advance" in Matthew 24:25?
9.What historical events might Matthew 24:25 have been predicting?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24?
11.What is Postmillennialism?
12.What does the Bible say about social action?
13.Were the women informed about Jesus' body's fate? Yes, by a young man/angels (Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4; Matthew 28:7). No, Mary found the tomb empty and was confused (John 20:2).
14.What did Jesus mean by 'lose your life for my sake'?What Does Matthew 24:25 Mean
SeeJesus begins with a single word that snaps our attention to alertness. “See” is His invitation to lift our eyes above the noise and look carefully at what He is about to say. Throughout the Olivet Discourse He repeats this call: “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4), “Be on your guard” (Mark 13:23), and “See to it that you are not led astray” (Luke 21:8).
• It is a command to focus, not a casual suggestion.
• It assumes there will be real, persuasive deception—false messiahs, counterfeit signs, and world-shaking turmoil (Matthew 24:5–24).
• By saying “See,” Jesus positions Himself as the trustworthy vantage point; if we look where He points, we will not be blindsided (Revelation 3:3;1 Peter 5:8).
The simple imperative reminds us that vigilance is an act of obedience rooted in confidence that His words are true (Psalm 119:160).
I have told youWith these words Jesus underlines the authority and sufficiency of His own teaching. He does not merely predict; He “tells,” speaking with the same certainty that framed the universe (Hebrews 1:2–3).
• His foretelling is personal: “I have told you” echoesJohn 13:19 andJohn 16:1–4, where He prepares the disciples by announcing events before they unfold.
• It is complete: “everything I have told you” covers the full scope of the chapter—tribulation, cosmic signs, His glorious return, and the final gathering of His elect (Matthew 24:29–31).
• It is reliable:2 Peter 1:19 calls prophecy “a light shining in a dark place,” and Jesus’ words form the surest part of that light.
By resting in what He has already revealed, believers reject fear and speculation, clinging instead to the unbreakable promise that “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
in advanceThe timing of the warning is itself a gift. “In advance” means before the storm breaks, before the false Christ arrives, before the heavens are shaken. God has always operated this way: “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).
• Foreknowledge equips us to endure: we are “not in darkness, so that this day should overtake us like a thief” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5).
• Forewarning exposes deception: when false signs appear “out in the wilderness” or “in the inner rooms” (Matthew 24:26), we will measure them against what we already know.
• Forearming strengthens hope:Revelation 1:1 shows Jesus unveiling future events “to show His servants,” anchoring us in the certainty of His ultimate victory.
The advance notice is not meant to satisfy curiosity but to shape holy living—alert, steadfast, and expectant (Titus 2:11-13).
summaryMatthew 24:25 is Jesus’ succinct assurance that He has already told us everything we need to stand firm when deception and upheaval come. “See” calls us to vigilant focus. “I have told you” grounds us in the absolute reliability of His word. “In advance” highlights His gracious intention that we be prepared, not panicked. Rooted in His foresight, we watch, trust, and persevere until the day our faith becomes sight.
Verse 25. -
I have told you before (see
John 16:1-4). The warning was needed in the first age; it will be needed in the last. The prediction was known before the ruin of Jerusalem, and doubtless preserved many from falling victims to the seducers at that period; it must be used now and till the end to preserve Christians from the errors of infidelity, false philosophy, agnosticism. That such attacks on their faith shall be made is a proof of Christ's omniscience; that he gives here and in the next verses premonitions of danger, with counsel how to avoid it, is evidence of his love and care for his elect.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
See,ἰδοὺ(idou)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400:See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!I have told you in advance.προείρηκα(proeirēka)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4302:To tell (say) beforehand, forewarn, declare, tell plainly. From pro and lego; to say beforehand, i.e. Predict, forewarn.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 24:25 Behold I have told you beforehand (Matt. Mat Mt) 
