Sign Of The Last Days

BY NOW it is Tuesday afternoon. As Jesus is seated on the Mount of Olives, looking at the temple below, Peter, Andrew, James and John come to him privately. They are concerned about the temple, since Jesus has just foretold that not a stone will be left upon a stone in it. But apparently they have even more on their minds as they approach Jesus. A few weeks earlier, he had spoken about his "presence," during which time "the Son of man is to be revealed." And on an earlier occasion, he had told them about "the conclusion of the system of things." So the apostles are very curious.

"Tell us," They say, "When will these things be [resulting in destruction of Jerusalem and her temple], and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?" In effect, theirs is a three-part question. First, they want to know about the end of Jerusalem and its temple, then regarding Jesus' presence in Kingdom power, and finally about the end of the entire system of things. In his lengthy response, Jesus answers all three parts of the question. He provides a sign that identifies when the Jewish system of thing will end; but he provides more. He also gives a sign that will alert his future disciples so they can know that they are living during his presence and near the end of the entire system of things.

As the years go by, the apostles observe the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy. Yes, the very things he foretold start to occur in their day. Thus, Christians who are alive 37 years later, in 70 C.E., are not caught unawares by the destruction of the Jewish system with its temple. However, Christ's presence and the conclusion of the system of things do not take place in 70 C.E. His presence in Kingdom power occurs much later. But when? A consideration of Jesus' prophecy reveals this.

Jesus foretells that there will be "wars and reports of wars." "Nation will rise against nation," he says, and there will be food shortages, earthquakes and pestilences. His disciples will be hated and killed. False prophets will arise and mislead many. Lawlessness will increase, and the love of the greater number will cool off. At the same time, the good news of God's Kingdom will be preached as a witness to all the nations.

Next time: Continue with Sign Of The Last Days

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991