The Olivet Discourse: Jesus’ words of warning concerning the last days
This article continues a series that explores the meaning of the Olivet Discourse. (See here)
It is common to assume the Olivet Discourse is only chapter 24, but chapter 25 is very much a part of the whole context. The opening verse of chapter 26 gives us an obvious reason to believe that is the case.
Matthew 26:1
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples.
The complete thoughts of Christ’s message include both chapters.
This post will briefly consider some passages that will help us conclude that 24 and 25 are part of one whole sermon. That’s especially important in making the point that the context indicates a future fulfillment as opposed to events that were finished centuries ago. The words of this prophecy predict future events, not just forty years after Jesus’ crucifixion. That includes the surrounding of Jerusalem by armies and the destruction of a future temple. The teaching by Jesus predicts a generation will see the whole series of events.
Matthew 24:29-31 The great sign of the Olivet Discourse
“Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
This passage details some remarkable signs in the sky immediately after the “tribulation” of those days. Those signs cannot logically be interpreted as actual events that followed the destruction of Jerusalem in the year A.D. 70.
Likewise, if we jump to chapter 25 and read verses 31-46, we see this passage is obviously detailing events in which Jesus has returned to the earth. Both 24 and 25 include passages that must be understood to mean the end-of-days, not simply the days following the destruction of Jerusalem.
Matthew 24:1-3: The opening question of the Olivet Discourse
The Lord presented this teaching in response to the question, “When shall these things be?” The question arose when he said the temple, which they just walked away from, would be utterly destroyed. The disciples, obviously very proud of the majestic temple, were most likely shocked to hear Jesus predict its destruction. They were in a garden setting, on the Mount of Olives when this conversation took place. Take note of their pointed questions. When will these things be? What will be the sign of your coming, and the end of the world? Those were three questions they asked that led to this sermon about the last days before the second coming of Christ. When, what’s the sign of your coming and the sign of the end of the world? The destruction of Jerusalem can only answer one of those questions. The other two are still awaiting fulfillment.
Matthew 24:4-14: the beginning of sorrows of the Olivet Discourse
In these verses, we read all the usual suspects or events that people point to that indicate the end of the world. Well, it shouldn’t escape our attention that we’ve had these for the last two thousand years. None of them point directly to the end, in fact, the Lord says they are “the beginning of sorrows.“ We do see an important verse in 14. The gospel must be preached to the whole world before the end could come. We could argue that was well on its way to being true but not fulfilled by A.D. 70. The known world, at least the Roman Empire, had begun to hear the gospel message. But the entire planet had not heard. Only then, could the end be possible.
Matthew 24:15-28: The Tribulation phase of the Olivet Discourse
Before the “sign of the Son of man” appears in the sky, there will be a tribulation. The gospel preached to the whole world and a time of tribulation happens before the return of Jesus. We have to conclude that the Roman attack and eventual destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 was at least a precursor or an early stage of this prophecy. But, it was not the end of the age leading to that sign in the heavens. The abomination of desolation, mentioned in verse 15, is one of the most important timing issues during the tribulation. (Abomination sign) The prophet Daniel, the Apostle Paul, and in this passage, Jesus, all mention this event. It must and will happen before the great sign in the sky. That great sign did not happen after the siege of Jerusalem.
Matthew 24:29-31: The great sign in the sky
The whole world will see the great sign after the tribulation. The sun will become dark, the moon will fail to reflect the sunshine, and the stars will fall from the sky. We can suggest this is hyperbole and pass it off as overly expressive language. Or we can accept the more reasonable notion that the return of Christ will be a much more significant event than a local battle between Rome and a few Jewish rebels. I’m only skimming over these passages in the introduction but it should be clear that Jesus’ description includes much more than the fall of Jerusalem. The world will see and know when He returns. Did the people of South America notice when Rome conquered the Jews in the first century? Of course not. Will they notice when Jesus returns at the end of the age? You bet they will.
Matthew 24:32-35: The Olivet Discourse and the parable of the fig tree
The Lord has finished his description of the events before his return. He now begins a series of summary comments. He refers to the fig tree as a way for believers to know when these things are really close to fulfillment. There’s a big problem with this though. He essentially says you’re not going to know the return of Christ is soon until it’s very soon. You know the saying, ‘objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.”
Well, the return of Christ will be very close when all these things Jesus mentioned take place. The temple was destroyed but most of the other things Jesus mentioned haven’t happened yet, but all of them must happen before he returns. The worldwide preaching of the gospel, the abomination of desolation and the great sign in the sky are included as well as wars, earthquakes, famines, etc. The generation that sees all of these signs together will also see the return of Christ.
Matthew 24:36-44: Stay ready for His return
The day of Christ’s return is unknown. But that hasn’t stopped many groups or individuals from declaring they know the date. There are fools born every day, we’ve heard it said. These foolish prophets present themselves as wise but claim special knowledge that even Christ said he didn’t have. Noah warned the people of his day, the flood was coming. His preaching didn’t win any converts except the members of his family. Everyone else kept on with their business at hand until it was too late. The same spiritual blindness will apply just before the return of Jesus.
Matthew 24:45-51: The Olivet Discourse includes the faithful and foolish servants
The remainder of this chapter and all of chapter 25 provides a strong warning to those who hope to be ready when the time comes. I say that, in exclusion of those who aren’t interested in being ready. Sadly, the warning applies to them as well, but they won’t hear nor will they be interested. Many will heed those warnings found in these remaining verses but far too many will not.
Matthew 25:1-30: The wise and foolish virgins and the wise and foolish use of our talents
These two well-known passages provide very sensible wisdom for Christians and non-believers. All of us will give an account for our lives. In school, we are expected to study and do well on our tests in order to get good grades. Once we have a career, we must produce well for our employers or in our businesses. If we do, then we can be paid well for our productive work. These parables of wisdom remind us we will give account for our spiritual lives too. That is more important than school or work and should be our highest priority.
Matthew 25:31-46: The Olivet Discourse concludes with the sheep and goat judgment.
The Son of man is coming to judge individuals and nations. He will set the good ‘sheep’ on his right hand and the unfortunate ‘goats’ on his left. The blessed sheep will enter into Christ’s kingdom. The goats will not. The actions and fruit of a person’s life will be taken into account. How a nation or an individual treated others will be judged. Here’s an important tip for those still hanging out with the goats. Every bad deed will get erased from your record if you welcome the Good Shepherd as your savior before that day. (Take the Roman Road to Salvation) You can avoid the uncomfortable line waiting for your test scores. Those who think they have a good record will be sorely disappointed.
In the next post of this series, we’ll go back to the opening verses and begin to dive deeper into the context.
Other articles to consider
Is God only focused on the Church now?
What happened to Israel after A.D. 70?
Let me know what you think.