Introduction
Stones from the temple which the Romans threw down in fulfilment of Jesus' prediction (v 2).
The disciples point out the greatness of the temple. But Jesus predicts its destruction and goes on to talk about his return to the earth. .
Questions
1. What was the first problem Jesus warned his followers about?
v 5 and 6 Jesus, answering, began to tell them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and will lead many astray.
2. What family problems did Jesus warn about?
v 12 “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.
3. Jesus said he didn’t know "the day or the hour". Who else, did he say, did not know?
v 32 But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 4 While his disciples are admiring the temple Jesus tells them that it will be totally destroyed (the Romans destroyed it about 40 years later in AD 70). They ask when this will be and ask if there will be any signs before it happens
- v 5 to 13 Jesus gives them warnings and indicates signs to look for:
- false christs
- national disputes and natural disasters
- persecution and problems from relatives
- v 14 to 23 When they see the "abomination of desolation" standing in the wrong place they need to flee to the mountains immediately, expect terrible oppression and be ready to ignore false christs
- v 24 to 27 After the terrible oppression they will see signs in the sun. moon and stars followed by his return when his chosen ones will be gathered together
- v 28 to 37 He tells them that as sure as a fig tree producing leaves indicates summer, so these signs that herald his coming are sure. He encourages his followers always to be ready for his return as no one knows exactly when it will be