Here is an audio link of today’s post.
The Olivet Discourse series opened last week as Jesus was confronting the scribes and the Pharisees about their religious hypocrisies.
So, who were the Scribes and the Pharisees?
The Scribes actually recorded God’s Law and the Old Testament Scripture. The Pharisees were the religious leaders who interpreted the Law and scrupulously applied their onerous laws to everyone but themselves.
These vile men were deceiving the Hebrews with their pious misrepresentation of religion. They added their own rules to God’s moral law in direct opposition to God’s command. (Deuteronomy 4:2)
And they denied Jesus.
Jesus had pronounced seven woes on the Pharisees and other religious leaders. Then, He and the disciples set out for the Mt. of Olives.
When they came to Olivet, they stopped to look at the Temple behind them. This was the moment that symbolized the end of the old covenant, Israel’s rejection of Jesus and their coming judgement.
But it also symbolized the merciful beginning of the new covenant.
The disciples began to talk about the Temple buildings; Jesus wanted them to see more. (Matthew 24:1)
As always, Jesus had a wonderful way of pulling teachable moments to the forefront of a day. So, the Savior told them a prophecy that would be fulfilled seventy years later.
Jesus had said, “Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”
Jesus was telling them that the physical Temple walls would literally be dismantled. The historian, Josepehus gave an account of the disaster in his work, “The Jewish Wars”. 1
When the Temple was destroyed, it was full of treasures and untold amounts of gold which melted in the heat of the fire. The gold had flowed into cracks and crevices between the stone walls. Josephus noted that people started looting the temple, turning over every stone to get to the gold.
It was just as Jesus had said. “…not one stone would be left upon another…”
As Jesus and the disciples sat together at the Mount of Olives the disciples asked Him two questions.
“…Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3
Jesus taught the disciples about some prophecies that would be realized very soon, such as the destruction of the Temple. He also taught them about later future events including the time of the Tribulation.
Jesus wanted them to be prepared for the dark days, and He would remind them of His unbreakable promise:
“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory…He will sit on His glorious throne…“Then the King will say…‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Matthew 25:31 & 34
Though the Olivet Discourse was directed to Israel, believers today can still learn from it. We must stay alert as times grow darker. Instead of obsessing over the Tribulation, let’s be wise and faithful to share the Gospel.
Be sure to read Matthew 24: 4-8. Jesus began the discourse by telling His followers of how the last days would commence.
He told them-
“…these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.”
- deceptions by false prophets
- division and strife in the world
- wars
- disasters, illness, and disease
- slander and persecution of believers
- desertion of believers from the Church
- false teaching that will promote people’s rights over God’s sovereignty
- depravity, vile behavior, violence
Of course, that list sounds discouraging, doesn’t it? Especially since we already see these troubles occurring in our day. But if you belong to the Savior of the world, then you can have peace and joy.
Be watchful as the Spirit inspires you to serve and honor Jesus with your daily life.
Here are some passages to encourage you.
I have come as Light into the world, so that no one who believes in Me will remain in darkness.
John 12:46
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1 Peter 2:9
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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