Olivet Discourse – Part 1

(One Perfect Life Chapters 159-161) The Olivet Discourse is one of the most detailed and complex descriptions of Jesus’ return. While its precise meaning is debated the general themes are clear. Judgment is coming to Israel – the Temple and the city will both be razed. A sign of His return is the appearance of false prophets who would lead people astray regarding Jesus, His teachings and His return.

Wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences are common in human history. What would distinguish them as signs of His coming would be their increasing frequency and severity. The acceleration in these problems is liked to birth pain – infrequent at first but building up until delivery. What the frequency is that would indicate His coming is near is unclear.

Jesus interrupts His description of the end of the age to address the persecution which will soon be upon them. They will be turned over to civil and religious authorities for prosecution and persecution. Jesus reassures them that the Holy Spirit will speak through them when they come to trial. The role of the Spirit is not necessarily to win acquittal, but to permit them to be effective witnesses for Him before their accusers. John was the only disciple not believed to have died as a martyr. Not only would His followers experience persecution in the civil society, the Gospel would also disrupt their family lives – turning family members against one another.

Jesus also sites that prior to His return that the Gospel must be preached to all nations. While some believe the events of the Book of Revelation were fulfilled with the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, certainly the Gospel had not reached all nations by then and Jesus clearly has not returned.

Jesus next warns of time that is coming when Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies. The occurred with the Romans and will happen again prior to His second coming. Another event involving the Temple was described by Daniel as the “abomination that makes desolate” (Daniel 11:31). Many believe that this is the establishment of a false Messiah (Antichrist) who sets himself up as god and seeks to be worshipped in the Temple.

After this abomination occurs, then the “great tribulation” begins. So severe are the judgments of God during this time that if the days were not shortened, no flesh would be left alive. False prophets and false “christs” will add to the confusion of those times. At the end of the tribulation there will be a darkening of the sun and other heavenly bodies and Jesus will be seen coming back. His angels will gather His followers to Him and His reign on earth will begin.

Jesus tells His followers they will understand the signs of His coming but only the Father knows the exact day and hour. He instructs His followers to guard themselves from sin and to be faithful to their calling as servants of God. Let us dedicate ourselves to obedience and faithful service, trusting in God and accepting His will.

Part 1

Predicts the destruction of the Temple

Sign: coming of false prophets

Sign: Increasing frequency and severity of wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences

Persecution: Pauses to warn of the immediate persecution:

Disciples turned over for prosecution

Holy Spirit to empower their defense – for effectiveness not necessarily acquittal

Families split

Prophets: False prophets will come

Prerequisite: Gospel must be preached in all the world

Sign: Jerusalem surrounded by armies

Sign: Daniel – abomination that brings desolation

Sign: Great tribulation – if not shortened, no flesh left alive

False prophets

False claims of Jesus having returned

After Tribulation: creation shaken – sun, moon and stars darkened

Son of Man appears in the sky

Elect gathered

Fig Tree parable – these sign indicate His coming

Precise time: only known to the Father

Guard your behavior

- do not fall into sin thinking He is not coming soon

- be faithful servants of your master

Part 2

10 Virgins

- He had just told them to be watchful

- Parable reinforces this instruction

Talents

- Told to be diligent in working for the kingdom until He comes

- Parable reinforces this instruction

Sheep and Goats

- Rewards and punishment for service or failure to serve

Judas’ Betrayal

- Jesus says He will be crucified on Passover

- 30 pieces of Silver: price of a slave Zechariah and Jeremiah