S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Olivet Discourse is the name given to the orderly and extended teaching given by Jesus Christ on the Mount of Olives. His subject is the end times. This discourse is recorded in Matthew 24:1 - ...

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July 01 2013 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Appelt Supporter

“The Olivet Discourse” is the last teaching session that Jesus gave, Matthew 24-25. The Lord presented a survey of events that would occur in the end times. He began with the incredible prediction of the destruction of the temple, which spurred the disciples to ask about future events, Matthew 24:1-3.

First, they asked, “When will these things happen?” verse 3a. Jesus answered this later in verses 36-44.

They also asked, “What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” verse 3b, which Jesus answered first in verses 4-35.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIBULATION: The sign of the Lord’s coming covers the seven-year Tribulation Period until the coming of the Lord. Jesus describes the first 3½ years of the Tribulation in verses 4-8. He calls this the “beginning of sorrows,” literally “birth pangs.” In 9-14, He continues with the rest of the Tribulation woes. During that time the gospel of the kingdom will be preached and then the end will come.

Then, in 24:15-28, Jesus describes a key moment in the middle of the Tribulation, the “Abomination of Desolation,” a horrifying desecration in the Temple. The 3½ year period from this event until the Lord’s coming is called “the Great Tribulation.” There will also be great deception as the Lord’s coming draws near.

DETAILS OF HIS COMING: In 24:29-35, Jesus explains how supernatural celestial signs will precede the burst of His glorious appearing. The Lord assures the disciples that those that see the beginning of the Tribulation will see that great moment appear, Matthew 24:34.

DIGRESSION COVERING THE RAPTURE: At 24:36-44, the Lord changes the subject to answer the question the disciples first asked, “When will these things happen?” In his article, “Should Pretribulationists Reconsider the Rapture in Matthew 24:36-44?” John F. Hart explained the first word, “but,” is in Greek “peri de,” often translated “now concerning,” used to transition to a new topic, as Paul did in 1 Thessalonians 5:1. It is like saying, “Oh, about the other question you asked...” Without understanding this, a person assumes Matthew 24:36-44 continues the topic chronologically.

Here Jesus details the Rapture that precedes the Tribulation. No signs or time indication is given for this event. It will come suddenly as a thief in the night. The details spell out how some will be taken in the Rapture while others are left behind.

The parables that follow, 24:45-25:30, speak of how believers, waiting for the Rapture, should be faithful until the Lord’s coming for them. This is different from the coming in glory described earlier. The admonition is for them to be ready, be watching, and being busy for the Lord.

DEPICTION OF THE JUDGMENTS: Then in 25:31-46, the Lord returns to the timeline of events He spoke about before the digression on the Rapture. He covers the events after He comes in glory, specifically the judgment of the nations.

Through this remarkable lesson of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus encourages His people to live for Him.

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