The enigmatic statement of v. 28 was probably a popular proverb. Upon seeing a flock of vultures (probably not “eagles”; see on Luke 17:37 circling in the air or assembled on the ground a person would rightly conclude that there must be carrion near. Otherwise the vultures would be soaring about singly in search of food. In other words, these birds gather together only when there is real reason for doing so. The application of the proverb, according to various commentators, is that the multiplication of signs is evidence that something decisive is at hand. Others have suggested that in the setting of Matt. 24, the saying may be a warning to Christians against flocking out to see the false christs or to hear the false prophets (vs. 25, 26). They are to believe that Christ is actually coming only when they see Him coming in the clouds of heaven (see on v. 27).