Scripture

But he responded, “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.”

Observation

Jesus leaves the Temple precinct and makes the starting prediction that it will all be completely destroyed.

Later, on the Mount of Olives, they ask Jesus what will be the signs of the end of the age? Jesus tells them that many false Messiahs will arise and there will be wars and famines, but these are just like birth pangs.

They, the disciples, will be arrested and hated. Many false prophets will deceive people, and the love of many will grow cold. The good news about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the Empire and the gentiles will hear it.

The abomination of desolation prphesied about by Daniel will occur. At that time, the people living in Jerusalem must flea to the hills. This time of trouble will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones .

Application

This entire section is not talking about the end times but about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. At that time, the Romans, having been kicked out of Jerusalem in an insurrection retook the city. The Temple was desecrated and then destroyed, and much of the population was killed. It was a terrible ordeal.

When Jesus said these words, the Temple was in the process of being rebuilt. It was completed about 67 AD, and many Jews scoffed at Jesus’ predictions. Far from being destroyed, it was more magnificent than ever. But a few years later, it was totally demolished, never to be built again.

Sometimes, we can become discouraged, but we need to remember that God’s Word never fails and His promises will always be fulfilled.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for the assurance that every word you speak is true, every prophecy will be fulfilled, and every promise will be kept. Amen.