Matthew 24:1-35; Mark 13:1-31; Luke 21:5-33; Matthew 24:36-25:46; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-38; John 12:20-50; Matthew 26:1-16; Mark 14:1-11; Luke 22:1-6; 

Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:12-25;Luke 22:7-30; John 13:1-35; Matthew 26:30-35

The teachings of Jesus after his disciples marveled at the sight of Herod’s Temple are called the “Olivet Discourse” because they had retired to a spot on the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple complex when Jesus taught them. In the Olivet Discourse we find one of the longest teachings of Jesus as well as some of the most misunderstood. The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) each faithfully and consistently record what Jesus said and taught, so we can know these are VERY important things that Jesus needed to impart to people before He ascended to the Father.

Jesus boldly asserted that the gloriously magnificent temple would be reduced to rubble, having every stone separated from the rest. As startling as this was to the disciples, history reveals how exactly this was fulfilled when the Romans under Titus destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70. So intent were the soldiers to get the gold that ran into the cracks between the hewn stones of the temple, they removed each one to recover their spoils. Yet, most interpreters do NOT consider the events of AD 70 to be the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy. They look 2000 years into the future claiming these as signs of the second Coming of Jesus. Interesting, especially when Jesus said this …

From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Matthew 24:32-34

How can this be a prophecy of the “end times” if the generation Jesus spoke to would live to see this? Maybe I read that wrong, so let’s capture the verses before that (just as they appear in Matthew and Luke, too) and take another look … what does Mark say?

For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Mark 13:19-30

Modern theologians pound us with “signs of the times” and tell us these things are yet to be fulfilled. They try to tell people to expect “THE Great Tribulation” as a sign before Jesus’ Second Coming, but this clearly says Jesus foretold of “such tribulation” and “that tribulation” coming upon the generation He was speaking to. Maybe Luke can clear this up…

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.

Luke 21:20-32

Well, it seems we are 3-for-3 on the timing of the fulfillment for these prophecies of Jesus. So, we must conclude that either the events of AD 70 (which perfectly and exactly match what Jesus foretold) are the fulfillment, OR that Jesus was wrong, lied or did not know what He was talking about. Folks, if Jesus was wrong, then He is not the Word of God. If Jesus lied, then He is not The Truth and cannot be The Savior. If Jesus did not know what He was talking about, then the Son of God is not divine and cannot be Lord.

Folks, the temple WAS destroyed in AD 70 and has not been rebuilt. On the exact site of the temple (where Yahweh commanded the temple to stand) is the Dome of the Rock MOSQUE. Those who push the theology that the Olivet Discourse temple destruction and “apocalyptic events” of the “end times’ is still future would have us believe that the mosque must come down, the Jews reclaim the temple mount, the temple be rebuilt and sacrifices resumed so that it can be destroyed AGAIN. Why? Let’s look further.

Jesus’ disciples heard Jesus foretell the destruction of the temple and asked Him a 3-fold question… “As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, (1) when will these things be, and (2) what will be the sign of your coming and (3) of the end of the age?’ ” (Matthew 24:3). The misinterpretation flows from misunderstanding the answer given in light of these questions and misapplying the concept of Jesus’ “coming”. The statement, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” is both the “problem” and the solution.

The destruction of Jerusalem was a result of God “coming in judgment” upon a specific nation, Judah. We find the same apocalyptic language used in other Old and New Testament prophecies against specific nations …

Against Judah …

At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, “A hot wind from the bare heights in the desert toward the daughter of my people, not to winnow or cleanse, a wind too full for this comes for me. Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them.” Behold, he comes up like clouds; his chariots like the whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles— woe to us, for we are ruined! O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil, that you may be saved. How long shall your wicked thoughts lodge within you?

Jeremiah 4:11-14

Against Egypt …

“Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: “Wail, ‘Alas for the day!’ For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near; it will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. A sword shall come upon Egypt, and anguish shall be in Cush, when the slain fall in Egypt, and her wealth is carried away, and her foundations are torn down.

Ezekiel 30:2-4

An oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the LORD is riding on a swift cloud and comes to Egypt; and the idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence, and the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them. And I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians, and they will fight, each against another and each against his neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom; and the spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound their counsel; and they will inquire of the idols and the sorcerers, and the mediums and the necromancers; and I will give over the Egyptians into the hand of a hard master, and a fierce king will rule over them, declares the Lord GOD of hosts.

Isaiah 19:1-4

And, against Rome…

Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

Revelation 1:7

Jesus told them the “signs” that would accompany the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. secular history records that zero Christians were killed when the Roman armies encircled and destroyed the city. Clearly, they “saw the signs” AND heeded them. That generation did not pass away until those things were fulfilled.

The third part of the disciples question, however, DOES concern the end of time and the Second Coming of Jesus. What did Jesus tell them and us?

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Mark 13:32-37

So many people are looking for “signs” of the “end times” when Jesus foretold there would be none, because no one knows the time except the Father. Satan does not know the time, so he cannot possible know when to send “The Antichrist” or begin “The Great Tribulation” that allegedly will last seven years before Jesus comes back. What do you call a single leader of the entire world who embarks upon a torturous assault upon humanity and the church for seven years before the return of Jesus? A sign.

What are we to do? The Christians in Judea and Jerusalem had signs and saw them and saved themselves. All we can do is be alert, remain spiritual awake and pray … and, Jesus will save us!

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!