Matthew 16:3 is as applicable today as ever

In the context of Matthew 16:3, Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders of his day, yet the principle is as applicable today as ever. Hopefully this article has some Jewish readers and will peak their interest in Yeshua, but it certainly is for gentiles as well, especially the so-called evangelicals. The intent here is to reiterate, in a concise manner, what the scriptures have to say as compared to current events. Over and over in the New Testament, the Lord tells us to watch, as in “keep watch” (Matthew 24:42), “watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41), and “be watchful” (Revelation 3:2).  

Oil Exemplary of Globalization

In the ongoing situation with Iran, it seems that many are dumbfounded about the predicament which has been referred to as the Hormuz standoff [1]. Incredibly, 27% of global oil trade transits the Strait of Hormuz [2]. While most of that goes to Asia, it is a global problem because of worldwide supply and demand [2]. Already over the past two months, massive quantities of global oil supply have been lost and will take time to stabilize from the time flow resumes [3]. Most people probably have heard about globalization academically, but a situation such as this can make it more significant because of tangible effects. It certainly can be said that globalization is one of the signs of the times.

Concepts of Time

There are different kinds of time according to Acts 1:7. The Greek word “chronos” is where we get the English word chronology. When the disciples asked, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” they used the word “chronos” because it was after His death and resurrection (Acts 1:3). It is man’s way of quantifying or relating time and is what we are familiar with. The Greek word “kairos”, however, is somewhat ambiguous. It is independent of time as we know it; in other words, it is God’s timing, and in scripture it is often translated as “appointed time”. Most philosophers have tried to explain “kairos” but cannot sensibly explain it because they do not acknowledge God.   Interestingly, in Matthew 16:3, where Jesus said “You do not know how to discern the signs of the times”, the word is “kairos”. The coming of the kingdom has not been revealed according to man’s timing “chronos”, and God’s timing “kairos” is higher than man’s way of timing, to make application of Isaiah 55:8-9. However, while we do not know the timing “kairos”, and Mt 24:36 says that “no one knows the day or the hour”, Mt 16:3 tells us that the signs of God’s timing are discernable and in that we are accountable! There is no inconsistency among Mt 16:3, Mt 24:36, and Acts 1:7, but in fact these passages taken collectively are a comprehensive directive. 

Signs of the Times

Perhaps the most significant sign of the times is discussed in the article “The fig tree of Matthew 24”. The intent here is not sensationalism, but to reiterate what the scriptures say.  Somehow, many of the fundamental teachings of scripture regarding the end times have been apostatized in one way or another, whether by neglect, dismissiveness, or rationalizing away. In actuality, evangelicals, especially evangelical leaders, should readily notice what has been plainly foretold in the scriptures. Amos 3:7 says “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”  

References

[1] Bachner, M.  2026, May 11. Live Update: Netanyahu says fall of Iran’s regime not assured, appears to acknowledge failure to foresee Hormuz standoff.  The Times of Israel.

[2] Ratner, M., P. Brown, L. W. Rosen, and C. Thomas.  2026, March 11.  Iran Conflict and the Strait of Hormuz: Impacts on Oil, Gas, and Other Commodities.  U.S. Congressional Research Service.  

[3] Cicurel, A.  Y. Tobin, J. Brody, S. Havdala, and R. Gabber. Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion: 5/9/26 – 5/11/26 Update.  The Jewish Institute for National Security of America.