Olivet Discourse Part One:
The Olivet Discourse: Trying to Understand the Words of Jesus
“The Olivet Discourse.” This article is the opening ‘salvo’ in what will be a series of articles addressing the interpretation of this crucial passage of prophetic scripture. Jesus said these things, and his closest disciples wrote them down. This passage has the daunting weight of Jesus’ own words and interpretation of the end times events.
I used the word ‘salvo’ because as is often the case, there are unceasing battles waged over this passage. Some crucial battles over the proper interpretation will be front and center in these posts.
Going boldly into conflict
I expect to boldly go where few are willing to go. Sorry for the Star Trek cliche. But, I will get into some of the contentious issues. I don’t jump into an argument just to argue, but to emphasize the importance of this passage.
Okay, let’s get into this thing. Are we ready to rumble over the proper interpretation of the Prophetic scriptures? If so, let’s rumble.
The Olivet Discourse is one of six.
There are six long discourses from Jesus in the Bible. The Olivet Discourse is the longest of the six. Matthew devotes more attention to this discourse than either Mark or Luke. Those three authors compiled the three ‘Synoptic Gospels.’ They are distinct from the Gospel of John in that they have a lot of similar stories and passages. Luke and Mark, in their versions of this passage, do contain some words of Christ not found in Matthew 24.
Olivet Discourse: Matthew 24:14