LESSON TWELVE

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Scripture to read: Matthew 24 & 25, Mark 13, Luke 21

The Olivet Discourse is a prophetic discussion on Mount Olive with Jesus and a few disciples. This discussion pertains to what is to come upon Israel in the near future and what is to be the end of the age. You will find two more versions of Jesus’ prophecy in the books of the Apostles Mark and Luke. 

There is a group who call themselves Preterists; they believe the Olivet Discourse, prophesied by Jesus himself, was entirely fulfilled within the disciples' generation. I will demonstrate how his prophecy corresponds not only to the Daniel 9 prophecy concerning their era but also to the end-times visions he instructed John to prophesy in the Book of Revelation many years later. 

First, it is important to understand that the last days did not begin with the arrival of the Antichrist. They began after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension in 33 A.D., when he—the slaughtered Lamb—accepted the scroll from His Father. The same scroll that was sealed up in the 6th century after being revealed to Daniel.

Jesus' confirmation in 33 A.D. demonstrates that his prophecy in verse 15—concerning an abomination standing in the Holy Place—was intended to occur after his conversation with the disciples. It is not to be interpreted as Antiochus Epiphanes’ abomination back in 168-164 B.C. 

Last days (Beginning of Sorrows/Church age) – Jesus’ death 33 A.D. to his return (Daniel ‘s prophecies, Revelation, Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13)

End of Days (Great Tribulation to Christ’s return) - Rise of the beasts & their whore, preparation & final judgment of heaven & earth (Daniel 12, Revelation, Matthew 24:21-36, Luke 21:24-32, Mark 13:19-32, Joel & Isaiah 24)

In the Olivet Discourse, we first see after 3-1/2 years together, Jesus ministers for the last time and leaves the temple with His disciples. This last teaching ends with anger and severe rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees. Mourning Jerusalem's refusal to recognize and receive Him, he abandons the city and removes Himself from the role of its protector knowing that now he must focus on his Father’s wishes.

As Jesus and four of his disciples rest on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, they comment on the beauty of the Temple. Jesus informs them that it will soon be destroyed. 

Matthew 24

"1Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

In response, the disciples ask two questions: 

When will this take place?

What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? (as detailed in Matthew).

Jesus first cautions them not to be deceived, warning that many false messiahs and wars will occur before His return. He reassures them that these events will not happen immediately. This implies that the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. was not the end of the world, and similarly, that Nero was not the final antichrist. 

Matthew 24

"4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet."

Next, Jesus informs the four that before all this tribulation begins, they will endure their own personal trials. He promises that through suffering in His name, they will find salvation.

Luke

"12But BEFORE ALL THESE (tribulations), they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 18But there shall not an hair of your head perish.19In your patience possess ye your souls."

Jesus then addresses their questions directly. He explains that during the "last days" (the beginning of sorrows), there will be wars, disease, famine, and natural disasters all fulfilled in the prophecies of Daniel through chapter 11. This encompasses a horrific tribulation period known as the "beginning of sorrows" (many wars & antichrists) concluding with WWII in 1945.

Matthew 24

"7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows."

Furthermore, the prophecy of Daniel 11 concludes with the establishment of a new relationship between Israel and the USA following the recognition of Israeli independence in 1948.

"45And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him." Daniel 11

However, the end will not come until the Gospel reaches the entire earth. 

Matthew 24

"14And this GOSPEL of the kingdom will be PREACHED in ALL the WORLD as a witness to all the nations, and THEN the END will come."

Jesus makes it perfectly clear that there will be many signs, but the end will not come until the Gospel has reached the world. In Revelation 14, we see that the Gospel finally reaches the world through the voice of an angel just before the unleashing of God’s wrath during the days of the 7th trumpet.

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth— to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” Revelation 14:6

He then answers the first question regarding Jerusalem and the Temple, linking the "abomination of desolation" to the prophecy in Daniel 9 rather than Revelation.

Daniel 9

“Then after the sixty-two weeks (33AD), the Messiah will be cut off (crucified) and have nothing, and the people of the prince (Rome) who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood (war); even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. And he (Jesus) will confirm a (old) covenant with the many for one week (29AD-36AD), but in the middle of the week (33AD) he (Jesus) will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering (Jewish sacrificial ceremonies); and on the wing of abominations (war) will come the one (Rome) who makes desolate, until a complete destruction, one that is decreed (God’s judgment), gushes forth on the one who makes desolate (Rome).” 

In the 70th week of Daniel 9 prophecy, we are shown what is to come upon Israel during the disciple’s generation. We know that Jesus was baptized in 29 A.D. and began his ministry at the age of around 30. By his own baptism he confirmed God’s covenant with Israel and by his own sacrifice in 33 A.D. he put an end to the necessity of Jewish Levitical sacrifices. At the end of the 70th week in 36 A.D., the Apostle Stephen is stoned to death ending God’s focus on Israel and turning the disciple’s attention to the Gentile nations. 

Romans 11 states: "I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy... According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this day."

Now that Israel's people had lost their way, God decided they no longer needed a holy place. He sent Rome to invade and destroy both their city and their temple in 70 A.D. Since then, the temple has never been rebuilt.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Matthew 23:37-39

NOW Jesus moves into the future "end of age", confirming another vision he gave Daniel back in the sixth century B.C. Notice that this verse says it will be "sealed" until the "end". This is why chapter 12 of Daniel can be found in the chapter 12 sealed scroll of Revelation. 

“Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” Daniel 12:9

Luke provides the most clarity by noting that Jerusalem will be occupied by the Gentiles until their era is complete and Revelation shows that this continues until the end. 

Luke

and Jerusalem shall be TRODDEN down of the GENTILES, UNTIL the times of the Gentiles be FULFILLED. (end of tribulation)

Revelation 11:2 “But the court which is without the temple leave out and measure it not; for it is given unto the GENTILES: and the HOLY CITY shall they TREAD under foot forty and two months.”

Understand that when Jesus instructed the disciples to take the gospel to the world, he was not referring to their lifetime or their specific region only. Jesus meant the entire world and every nation that would exist at the end. While the disciples were unaware of the earth's massive scale, Jesus was. 

Matthew

"14And this GOSPEL of the kingdom shall be preached in ALL the WORLD for a witness unto ALL NATIONS; and THEN shall the END come."

This publishing of the gospel will be accomplished during the final 1,260-day tribulation of Revelation, immediately preceding the ten days of repentance (the bowls of wrath), exactly as the Apostle Matthew wrote. This suggests the gospel must reach a global audience, a task extending far beyond a 37-year timeframe. 

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting GOSPEL to preach unto them that dwell on the EARTH, and to EVERY nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” Revelation 14:6

Following the answer to the first question, he addresses the second by describing the end of the age—characterized by “days of affliction” and “great tribulation”. He describes this as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel 12 & the book of Revelation where another abomination of desolation will occur. 

"11And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the ABOMINATION that maketh DESOLATE set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." Daniel 12

Jesus begins describing the “End of Days” by reassuring His disciples that the elect’s period of tribulation will be shortened. He describes the rise of false Christs and prophets who will perform signs of those detailed in the Book of Revelation. He warns that their signs will be so deceptive that, if it were possible, even the elect would be led astray. This deception is impossible because the "shortening" of the tribulation refers to the Rapture; the elect will no longer be on Earth to endure the final days of suffering. 

Matthew

"21For then shall be GREAT TRIBULATION, such as was NOT since the BEGINNING of the world to THIS time, no, nor EVER shall be. 22And except THOSE DAYS should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake THOSE DAYS shall be SHORTENED. 24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

This event is also described at the beginning of Daniel 12, where those written in the Book of Life are rescued when Michael "stands up." 

"1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Daniel 12

These events occur during the trumpets of Revelation and the onset of the Great Tribulation. Daniel 12 aligns with the 1,290-day timeline of Revelation, during which Jesus fulfills the Fall Feasts and brings final judgment upon heaven and earth at His return—thereby proving that this final chapter of the Bible has not yet been fulfilled.

Matthew

"29Immediately AFTER the TRIBULATION of THOSE DAYS shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken (signs of end): 30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

Lastly, if we consider the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy in 1948, it is very possible that the parable of the fig tree concerns "the generation" that will see both the beginning and the end, fitting entirely within my prediction.

"28Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29So ye in like manner, WHEN ye shall SEE THESE THINGS COME to PASS (signs of end), know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30Verily I say unto you, that THIS generation shall NOT pass, till ALL these things be done (end of age). 31Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father."

                      Fig Tree parable (rebirth of Israel) 1948 + 80 (generation) = 2028+

                           My prediction 2024 – Day of Atonement October 3, 2033

I believe that there will not be a 7-year period but a 10-year. You probably ask why do you believe 10 years? To understand you would have to know that numbers in the Bible have deep meaning. This is why I was directed to numbers at the beginning of my studies. The number 10 is another significant number in the Bible. The number combines 4 (physical creation) and 6 (man) representing God’s authority over mankind and completion of responsibility and testing.

10 Commandments

10 Plagues on Egypt

10% Tithe of Income

10 Generations (Adam-Noah) and (Noah-Abraham)

10 Virgins, Talents, Servants & Horns/Toes representing total human power

Note that this next verse appearing after his return leaves its interpretation to our discretion. While it aligns with the command to "watch" in verse 42, it may actually describe the rapture, suggesting that Jesus was not speaking in chronological order. 

Matthew 24

36"But of that day and HOUR NO ONE KNOWS, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."

It is perfectly obvious that Jesus will know when he is returning to set up his kingdom (v. 30); the angels will know because they will gather the elect according to his instruction (v. 31); and the bride must know because she is following her groom at His return (v. 31). Furthermore, the Rapture and the Marriage of the Lamb have been compared to an ancient Galilean wedding, where the father of the groom sets the date and the ceremony takes place at the father’s home. Additionally, Daniel 12 proves that the rapture will occur on the Feast of Trumpets which is determined by the new moon over a 2 day period. Therefore, the phrase "of that day no one knows except the Father" could be further confirmation of the Rapture. Also, in the Gospel of John, Jesus promises to return and take us to his Father’s house for this marriage which is also confirmed in Daniel 12. 

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN and RECEIVE YOU UNTO MYSELF; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3

The next set of verses could also be misinterpreted or continue the previous verse's depiction of the rapture. I will explain where the confusion might lie. If you notice, the scripture says, "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." This tells us that we are to compare the two events. Note that while Noah entered the Ark, he didn’t actually go anywhere. Instead, the floodwaters rose around the Ark and took the rest of mankind "away." 

Therefore, when comparing this to what Jesus says, one must consider those "taken" to be the unsaved—those who were unprepared. If those taken away are the unsaved, then Jesus is likely not talking about the Rapture. Rather, this separation is most likely in preparation for the Judgment of the Sheep and the Goats: those determined to be sheep will enter the Kingdom, while those determined to be goats will depart to Armageddon. 

Matthew 24

37"But AS the days of Noah WERE, so ALSO will the coming of the Son of Man BE. 38For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that NOAH ENTERED the ark, 39and did not know until the flood came and took THEM all AWAY, so ALSO will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40Then two men will be in the field: one will be TAKEN and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be TAKEN and the other left. 42WATCH therefore, for you do NOT know what HOUR your Lord is coming. 43But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an HOUR you do not EXPECT."

In this next set of verses continuing into Matthew 25, Jesus uses additional parables to inform His followers that they must "stay awake" at all times. Of course, Jesus is not speaking literally, suggesting one should avoid actual sleep. Instead, He is telling them to live in a state of spiritual awareness. 

Believers should never lapse into the false notion that what happens in this life, from day to day, is all there is. Wakeful believers remember that this life is temporary and the next life is eternal. The next life can begin without warning. Far too many people live only for today or for the days before this life ends. They put off dealing with the reality of God’s judgment and eternity as if they are sleeping through an alarm. The opportunity to trust in Christ for salvation is limited to the duration of one's life or the return of Christ. In either case, the time is short. By the time a person knows their moment has come, their choice has already been made. 

Matthew 24

45"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Matthew 25

1“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise answered, saying, ‘ No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ "

The ten young women have all brought lamps since the procession through the streets will take place long after dark. The Greek word used for "lamp" here more generally refers to a light, so these might have been what modern people might think of as "torches." Regardless of their shape, these lights need oil to operate. Half of the young women, however, either brought no oil or only enough to last a very short time. The groom is delayed. They all sleep until hearing the announcement that the groom is approaching. Without oil, the five foolish young women are in trouble. They ask to use some of the oil brought by the wiser women, but there will not be enough for all of them. They are forced to run into the night in an attempt to buy oil, causing them to miss the procession. When they arrive late to the wedding feast, they are not welcomed in. Those who were supposed to have been there have entered, and no one is left to vouch for these foolish ones. Jesus emphasizes again that nobody knows the day or hour when He, the bridegroom, will return. 

Matthew 25

13"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. 14For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them and made another five talents. 17And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18But he who had received one went and dug in the ground and hid his lord’s money. 19After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 24Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25And I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ 26But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28Therefore take the talent from him and give it to him who has ten talents. 29For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

The point of this parable is how we, as God's creations, use the assets, resources, abilities, skills, and materials He has given to us. Not all people are given the same share of "talents", but God's assessment is based on whether we faithfully use what we're given. To waste, ignore, or disrespect what God provides for us is sinful.

Sheep and Goat Judgment

Matthew 25

31"WHEN the Son of Man comes in His glory, and ALL the holy angels WITH Him, then He will SIT on the THRONE of His glory. 32ALL the nations will be GATHERED before Him, and He will SEPARATE them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33And He will set the SHEEP on His RIGHT hand, but the GOATS on the LEFT. "

“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp SWORD, that with it he should SMITE the NATIONS: and he shall RULE them with a ROD of IRON” Revelation 19:15

Sheep

Matthew 25

34"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘COME, you blessed of My Father, INHERIT the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Goats

Matthew 25

41“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘DEPART from Me, you cursed, into the EVERLASTING FIRE prepared for the devil and his angels: 42for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ 44Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Those who survive the Tribulation period will be gathered at Jesus' return. He will separate the mortal Gentile nations—known as the Sheep—to his right, and the Gentile nations—known as the Goats—to his left. Their placement is determined by how they treated the Jewish remnant and others during this period. Those who fed, clothed, sheltered, nursed, or visited them in captivity will be blessed and enter the Kingdom. Those who did not will suffer eternal punishment in hell.