“Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, ‘Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?’” (Matthew 24:3 NLT)

The Jerusalem temple was a magnificent structure, one the Jewish people were exceedingly proud of. Jesus’ disciples were no exception. As they left the temple, they pointed out its beauty and grandeur to Jesus. His reply must have shocked them.

“Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” (Matthew 24:2 NLT). Imagine how shocked the disciples would have been if they’d known His prophecy would be fulfilled in less than forty years.

On the way back to Bethany, they stopped on a slope of the Mount of Olives. The disciples’ curiosity got the better of them. “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” (verse 3 NLT). Jesus’ reply, which is known as the Olivet Discourse, takes up the better part of two chapters of the Gospel of Matthew.

Jesus revealed God’s future plans for Israel—plans that are also discussed in Daniel 9:24–27 and Revelation 6:1–19:21. He described the seven-year Tribulation period that will follow the Rapture, as well as His own Second Coming, which will end the Tribulation.

The images are disturbing—war, famine, earthquakes, and persecution. False messiahs and false prophets will lead people astray. Sin will run rampant. Love will run cold. Through it all, though, the Good News of Christ will be preached throughout the world.

Matthew 24:21 offers a sobering summary of the Tribulation, especially the second half: “For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again” (NLT).

When the suffering reaches its crescendo, “All the peoples of the earth . . . will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (verse 30 NLT). The King will not be riding a donkey when He returns. He will not be meek. And He will not come in peace. He will come to conquer evil once and for all. He will come to usher in His kingdom. He will come to pronounce judgment on this sinful world.

And to those who would try to predict the day of His Second Coming based on the signs and events He described, Jesus offered this reality check: “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows” (verse 36 NLT).

Jesus wants us to understand that His will is not for us to try to figure out the dates of these end-time events. His will is for us to be ready when they do occur—and to make sure that others are ready, too.

Reflection question: How can you help prepare others, especially unbelievers, for Jesus’ return?

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