We began to consider how that in the chapter 24 there is a series of linked statements which are like a series of pictures of events that will take place within the age between the Saviour's ascension to heaven and His return from there. It is like turning the pages of a picture book!

The word THEN (25:1) ties this parable into the subject matter and the events related by the Saviour in the previous chapter. There are a number of 'links' in the chain of events that lead up to the end of this age that the Saviour highlights.

I am going to liken these verses unto 'stepping stones' by which we can cross the 'river' of this age from the ascension of Christ to heaven until He returns again in glory!

Please follow in your Bible the links, the 'stepping stones' that are to be found in the Saviour's words.

Verse 6. "The end if not yet." We have already noted that!
Verse 8. "All these are the beginning of sorrows."
Verses 9, 10, 14. Look at the word 'then."

Here is a sequence of events that will signal the approach of the end! Notice the verse 14. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." It is only in recent days that this has happened. My speaking to you has been listened in to by people from China, Iran, Turkey, various parts of Russia, the Asian countries and other places where missionaries would not be allowed to enter. They listen in via the internet!That is very significant for the Saviour says that such an thing will happen just before the 'end', or the termination of this age come!