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Response
The Olivet Discourse refers to the organized and extensive teaching delivered by Jesus Christ on the Mount of Olives, focusing on the end times. This teaching is documented in Matthew 24:1–25:46, with similar accounts in Mark 13:1-37 and Luke 21:5-36. Matthew’s Gospel provides the most detailed record, so our reference will be to this Gospel.
It is crucial to understand that Jesus’ teachings in this discourse pertain to Israel, not the Church. He was discussing God’s future plan for Israel. Additional passages to explore alongside the Olivet Discourse include Daniel 9:24-27 and Revelation 6:1–19:21, which address the upcoming seven-year tribulation period. The Church’s plan concludes with the rapture, a concept not covered in the Olivet Discourse. The rapture of the Church is detailed in John 14:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
In Matthew 23, Jesus had addressed the Pharisees regarding judgment, evident in the “woe” statements within that chapter. As Jesus left the temple in 24:1, His disciples pointed out the grandeur of the temple buildings on the mount. Jesus then prophesied that “not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (verse 2). This prophecy was fulfilled literally in A.D. 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans, resulting in the temple’s burning and the gold within melting and flowing between the stones. Subsequent searches for the gold led to the toppling of every stone. This destruction of Jerusalem served as a precursor to future events.
Jesus’ forewarning of destruction piqued the disciples’ curiosity and likely raised concerns. When they were alone with Jesus on the Mount of Olives, they inquired, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
The question about the end times is raised in verse 3. The subsequent content in Matthew 24–25 pertains to the forthcoming seven-year tribulation period and the return of Christ at the end of this tribulation. Throughout this period, God will finalize His discipline and purification of Israel and pass judgment on the entire world (Daniel 9:24-27; Revelation 6–19).
Daniel 9:27 reveals that the tribulation will be split into two equal segments. Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 24:4-8 pertain to the initial half. The term “birth pangs” (verse 8) alludes to the hardships that Israel will endure during the first 3 1/2 years. The indicators of the end times include the appearance of false messiahs (verse 5), the escalation of wars and conflicts (verses 6-7), and various natural disasters (verse 7).
Revelation 6 presents a similar account. The apostle John discusses the seal judgments. Revelation 6:2 mentions a rider on a white horse, symbolizing a false messiah known elsewhere as the Antichrist and the Beast. Revelation 6:4 notes the removal of peace from the earth. Revelation 6:6-8 address famine and death. Jesus stated that these events are just the “beginning of birth pangs” «All these are the beginning of sorrows. », (Matthew 24:8). More severe events are yet to unfold.
Revelation 13 marks the commencement of the latter half of the tribulation when the Beast, or Antichrist, establishes his reign for 42 months (cf: Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15).
The Olivet Discourse outlines the second half of the tribulation in Matthew 24:9-14. The persecution and death of the Jews (verse 9) will result from the rise of the Beast to power. Additionally, the Antichrist will persecute all who refuse to follow him (Revelation 13:1-18). The
Salvation, as promised in Matthew 24:13, entails deliverance from the persecution of the Beast. Those who endure until Christ’s return will be rescued from the Beast. Jesus affirms that “this gospel of the kingdom” will be proclaimed globally before the end arrives. Essentially, the good news (gospel) will be accessible throughout the tribulation period; the proclamation will be about Christ’s imminent return for judgment to establish His earthly kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6). This proclamation will lead many individuals to recognize their sinful condition and accept the Savior during the tribulation.
Matthew 24:15-26 provides additional insights into the tribulation. Jesus mentions an “abomination” and the desolation of a future temple in Matthew 24:15-22; this is more explicitly discussed in Luke 21:20-24. The Beast will seize power and erect an image of himself in the forthcoming temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; Revelation 13:1-18). When this occurs, Jesus advises seeking refuge in the mountains. Those in Jerusalem are urged to flee for their lives upon witnessing the Beast assuming his authoritative position (Matthew 24:16-20). The Antichrist will govern from Jerusalem for 42 months (3 1/2 years), the latter portion of the tribulation, known as the “great tribulation” in verse 21.
Jesus cautions that the great tribulation will be the most severe period ever witnessed on earth (verse 21). In fact, if those days were not shortened by Christ’s return, no one would survive (compare the bowl judgments in Revelation 16).
Jesus once again warns about false prophets in the final days (Matthew 24:23-28). As the tribulation concludes, there will be cosmic disturbances (verse 29), and all the nations of the world will witness the coming of Christ.“Coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory” (verses 29-30). Those who were saved during the tribulation will be gathered out of the world by the angels (verse 31).
Jesus emphasizes the fact that there will be signs leading up to the day of judgment (Matthew 24:32-34) and that His Word is sure (verse 35). Jesus says that no one knows the timing of these events and that those upon whom judgment is coming will be caught unawares (verses 36-44).
Jesus ends the Olivet Discourse with four parables. The first one concerns a wicked servant whose master punishes him upon his return home (Matthew 24:45-51). The next, the Parable of the Ten Virgins, encourages readiness and watchfulness (25:1-13). The third parable, relating the story of three servants and their use (or misuse) of finances, teaches faithfulness in view of the fact that God’s servants must give an account of themselves one day (25:14-30). Jesus ends His discourse by telling the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, which pictures the dividing of the saved from the unsaved at the end of the tribulation before the commencement of Christ’s millennial reign (25:31-46).
Within days of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus was betrayed into the hands of unbelievers and crucified for sinners. The Holy One of God will one day return in glory to judge the world, but first He had to provide the way of salvation for all who would trust in Him.
