Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple
As Jesus was walking away from the temple, one of his followers called out to him, "Teacher, just look at these amazing stones and incredible buildings!" Jesus turned and looked at all the grand structures around them. "Do you see all these massive buildings?" he asked his disciple. "I'm telling you the truth—not a single stone will remain stacked on top of another. Every one of them will be torn down and thrown to the ground."
The Olivet Discourse Introduction
Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, looking across at the temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him when they were alone together. They asked him, "Tell us, when are these things going to happen? What sign will show us that they are about to come true?"
Signs of the End Times
Jesus started by warning them, "Make sure no one tricks you or leads you astray. Many people will come claiming to speak for me, saying 'I am the one you're waiting for,' and they will fool many people. When you hear about wars happening and reports of wars that might happen, don't let it frighten you. These things have to take place, but they don't mean the end has come yet. Countries will fight against other countries, and kingdoms will battle other kingdoms. There will be earthquakes in different parts of the world, and there will be times when food is scarce and people go hungry. All of these troubles are just the beginning - like the first pains a woman feels when she's about to give birth."
Persecution and Witness
So stay alert and be careful. You will be handed over to religious courts and beaten in places of worship. Because of me, you will be brought before rulers and kings to tell them about me. But first, the good news must be shared with every nation in the world. When they arrest you and drag you away, don't spend time worrying about what you'll say. Just speak whatever comes to you in that moment, because it won't really be you talking—it will be the Holy Spirit speaking through you. Family members will turn against each other in the worst ways. Brothers will hand over their own brothers to be killed. Fathers will betray their children, and children will rebel against their parents and cause their deaths. Everyone will hate you because you follow me. But whoever holds on and doesn't give up, even until the very end, will be rescued.
The Great Tribulation
When you see the terrible sacrilege standing in the place where it absolutely should not be—and let whoever reads this understand what I mean—then everyone in Judea must immediately run away to the mountains. If someone is up on their rooftop, they must not go back down into their house to grab anything. If someone is working out in the fields, they must not turn back to get their coat. Those days will bring terrible suffering for women who are pregnant or nursing babies. Pray that this disaster will not happen during winter. These will be days of suffering unlike anything that has ever happened since God first created the world, and nothing like it will ever happen again. In fact, if the Lord had not decided to cut those days short, no human being would survive. But because of his chosen people, he will cut those days short. During that time, if anyone tells you, "Look, the Messiah is here!" or "He's over there!" do not believe them. False messiahs and false prophets will come and perform miraculous signs and amazing wonders. These will be so convincing that they would fool even God's chosen people, if that were possible. So stay alert and be on guard. I am warning you about all of this ahead of time.
The Coming of the Son of Man
After those terrible days of suffering, the sun will turn dark and the moon will stop shining. The stars will fall out of the sky, and all the mighty forces of heaven will be shaken and disturbed. Then people will see the Son of Man coming down through the clouds, surrounded by tremendous power and brilliant glory. He will send his angels out across the world to bring together all of his chosen people from every direction—from the farthest corners of the earth all the way to the highest reaches of heaven.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
Now learn something from the fig tree. When its branches become soft and tender and begin to grow new leaves, you know that summer is coming soon. In the same way, when you see all these things beginning to happen, you will know that he is near—so close he could be standing right outside your door. I am telling you the truth: the people living now will not all die before everything I have told you comes to pass. Heaven and earth will one day disappear completely, but the words I have spoken to you will last forever and will never fade away.
The Need for Watchfulness
No one knows when that day or hour will come—not the angels in heaven, not even the Son, but only the Father knows. So be on guard and stay alert, because you don't know when that appointed time will arrive. Think of it like this: A man had to go away on a long journey, so he left his house and gave each of his servants their own work to do. He told the doorkeeper to keep watch while he was gone. This is why you must keep watch too—because you don't know when the master of the house will come back. He might return in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows at dawn, or in the morning. If you're not watching, he could come suddenly and find you asleep. What I'm telling you, I'm telling everyone: Keep watch!