Destruction of The Temple Foretold
“Listen so that you are not deceived.”
As Jesus sat in the temple with the disciples, He overheard some speaking about the temple and its beautiful stonework and decorations. Jesus began to prophesy.
“In the coming days, this building that you see now will not have one stone left on top of another, but will be torn down.”
The group stood and retreated to the privacy of the Mount of Olives.
“Master, when will these things be?” asked a disciple when they were all seated. “What sign will come that these things are coming?”
“Listen so that you are not deceived,” said Jesus, turning to face them. “Many will come in my name, saying ‘I am the Christ, and the time is coming soon’. Do not follow them.
When you hear of wars, do not be afraid. These things must happen first, but the end is not immediately coming. Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will also be earthquakes in many places, and famines, and plagues, great signs from heaven.
But before all these things happen, the people will persecute you, and bring you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and rulers because of me. You will be betrayed by family and friends, and a few of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men for my sake.
When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know the end is close. Many will be killed, and many others taken captive. Jerusalem will fall to the Gentiles.
I give you the parable of the fig tree. When the branch is tender, and growing leaves, you know that summer is coming. So it will be with these signs, when you see them you will know that I am coming.
Then you will see the Son of man coming down in a cloud with power and glory. When these signs come, then look up and know that your redemption is close. Stand in holy places. Watch, and pray always, that you will be considered worthy to escape these things, to stand before me.”