The Beginning of the End

The Setting

Christ had been rejected by the religious leaders (as was prophesied) which led to his lament over Jerusalem.

He had just prophesied that he would come again. This time at the rejoicing of the entire nation of Israel.

The significance of this prophecy is that God is not done with Israel yet!

Romans 11:1–2 NASB95

1 I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?

Romans 11:25–27 NASB95

25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” 27 “This is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.”

The Prophetic Statement

The destruction of the Temple

Herod’s temple had been in building nearly 45 years at this point, and it would continue for another 30 plus years.

The disciples asked three questions:

When will these things be (the destruction of the Temple)?

What will be the Sign of Your Coming?

And what will be the Sign of the End of the Age?

Jesus answered all three, starting with the last question.

The Preliminary Signs

False Christs

General Conflicts

Global Wars (231 million people have been killed in wars since the beginning of the 20th century)

Great Catastrophes

Persecution of Believers (in 2014 Christianity Today estimated some 70 million Christians have died for their faith since the Lord Ascended to Heaven)

False Prophets

Apostacy

Preaching of the Gospel

The Responsibility of the Saints

Don’t Be deceived. Christ’s return will be visible.

Revelation 1:7 NASB95

7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.

Don’t Be Frightened (verse 6)

John 14:1–3 NASB95

1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

Trust Jesus in Times of Trial (Luke 21:13-15)

Luke 21:13–15 NASB95

13 “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14 “So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.

Be Faithful in Proclaiming the Good News

Matthew 28:19–20 NASB95

19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”