In his closing statement of the ‘woes’, Jesus asserts that Jerusalem will be ‘desolate’ (23:38). It seems an impossible statement when the magnificence of the Temple is considered. But, Jesus again asserts its truth: Jerusalem, and the Temple, will be razed so that no stone is left on another. The disciples are curious—when, and what sign? In his reply, Jesus makes clear that the fall of Jerusalem (which happens under Rome in AD70) is a microcosm of the return of Jesus at the end of the world—and the responsibility of God’s mob is clear: be ready and working when that day comes, by not being distracted, by praying, by proclaiming the kingdom of God. Don’t get distracted!