The Olivet Discourse

The Olivet Discourse is a significant prophecy given by Jesus Christ on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem. This discourse is recorded in all three synoptic gospels: Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. It occurred during the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, shortly before His crucifixion.

The discourse begins with Jesus' disciples marveling at the grandeur of the Temple, prompting Jesus to make a startling prediction about its destruction. This leads to a private conversation where the disciples ask about the timing of these events and the signs of Jesus' return.

And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

- Matthew 24:1-3 (KJV)

And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

- Mark 13:1-4 (KJV)

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?

- Luke 21:5-7 (KJV)

These passages set the stage for Jesus' extended discourse on future events, including the destruction of Jerusalem, the trials that would face His followers, and His eventual return. The disciples' questions prompt Jesus to provide a comprehensive overview of what is to come, blending near-future events with end-times prophecies.

2. Signs of the End Times

In response to His disciples' questions, Jesus begins by warning them about the signs that will precede the end times. He cautions them about false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, and persecutions.

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

- Matthew 24:4-8 (KJV)

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

- Mark 13:5-8 (KJV)

And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

- Luke 21:8-11 (KJV)

Jesus emphasizes that these signs are just the beginning and should not be mistaken for the immediate end. He warns His followers to be vigilant and not to be led astray by false prophets or premature proclamations of His return.

3. Persecution of Believers

Jesus warns His disciples that they will face severe persecution for their faith. He encourages them to persevere and promises divine assistance in their trials.

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

- Matthew 24:9-13 (KJV)

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

- Mark 13:9-11 (KJV)

But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

- Luke 21:12-15 (KJV)

4. Family Betrayals

In Luke's account, Jesus provides a stark warning about the severity of persecution, extending even to betrayals within families. This intense level of conflict underscores the divisive nature of faith in times of tribulation.

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.

- Luke 21:16-19 (KJV)

This passage unique to Luke's gospel emphasizes the personal cost of discipleship during times of persecution. Jesus warns that loyalty to Him may supersede even the closest family ties, leading to betrayal by loved ones. Despite this grim prediction, He offers hope and encouragement, promising ultimate protection and urging His followers to persevere.

5. The Abomination of Desolation

Jesus speaks of a future event known as the "abomination of desolation," warning His followers to be ready to flee when they see it occur.

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

- Matthew 24:15-18 (KJV)

But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

- Mark 13:14-16 (KJV)

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

- Luke 21:20-21 (KJV)

6. The Great Tribulation

Jesus describes a period of unprecedented distress and calamity, known as the Great Tribulation.

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

- Matthew 24:21-22 (KJV)

For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

- Mark 13:19-20 (KJV)

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

- Luke 21:22-24 (KJV)

In these sections, Jesus outlines the severe challenges His followers will face, including persecution and a time of great tribulation. He also provides specific warnings about the abomination of desolation, urging His disciples to be vigilant and ready to act when they see these signs unfolding.

7. The Coming of the Son of Man

Jesus describes the dramatic events that will accompany His return, emphasizing its sudden and unmistakable nature.

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

- Matthew 24:29-31 (KJV)

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

- Mark 13:24-27 (KJV)

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

- Luke 21:25-27 (KJV)

8. The Parable of the Fig Tree

Jesus uses the analogy of a fig tree (with Luke adding "and all the trees") to teach His disciples about recognizing the signs of His coming.

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

- Matthew 24:32-35 (KJV)

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

- Mark 13:28-31 (KJV)

And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

- Luke 21:29-33 (KJV)

9. The Importance of Watchfulness

Jesus emphasizes the need for His followers to remain vigilant and prepared for His return, as its exact timing is unknown.

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

- Matthew 24:36-39 (KJV)

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

- Mark 13:32-34 (KJV)

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

- Luke 21:34-36 (KJV)

These final sections of the Olivet Discourse focus on the dramatic return of Jesus Christ, the importance of recognizing the signs of His coming, and the need for constant vigilance and preparedness among His followers. Jesus uses vivid imagery and parables to drive home these crucial points, emphasizing that while the exact timing of His return is unknown, the signs He has described will serve as clear indicators of its approach.