The Coming, Parts 1 & 2

The Coming of the Son of Man, Part 1

Randy Nettles

The Olivet discourse or prophecy is the last of the five discourses of Matthew and is also found in the other two synoptic gospels of Mark (chapter 13) and Luke (chapter 21 and 17). The timing of this discourse between Jesus and some of his disciples occurs just before the “passion of Christ’s” beginning. Before we examine the contents of this prophecy from Jesus, let’s first examine the events that take place immediately beforehand.

The Olivet Discourse

A few days before the Passover (and Jesus’ death), the disciples were commenting on the beauty of the temple. Jesus reminded them of their earlier conversation and 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” (Matthew 24:2). Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives when this conversation developed, so Peter, James, John, and Andrew (according to Mark 13:3) naturally wanted to know the details of this great revelation from Jesus.

The discussion that ensued is known as the Olivet discourse. The disciples asked him three questions pertaining to this future event and the end times, including his coming to set up His Kingdom, which he had been teaching them about with such frequency during the last few days. The three questions in order were:

1) When will these things be (destruction of the temple)?

2) What will be the sign of Your coming? The disciples had been made aware of Jesus’ prophecies concerning his death and resurrection, so they were asking him when he would return (after his death) to set up His Kingdom.

3) What will be the sign of the end of the age? The disciples were true Jews, as they proved the point Jesus made in John 4:48, when he said, “Unless you people [Jews] see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” Paul would later echo Jesus’ words when he said, “for Jews require a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:22).

Jesus did not answer the first question in the accounts of Matthew and Mark, but he did in Luke 21:20-24, although he did not mention a specific time or date. In hindsight, we know it occurred 36 years later (ironically, or not, about the age of Jesus upon his death) in AD 70. Jesus answered the disciples’ questions out of order. He answered the third question first (what shall be the sign/s of the end of the world?).

The Six Signs In The Olivet Discourse

There are six sure signs Jesus gave regarding the beginning of the “end of the age/world” before the Kingdom of God is established. These signs are slightly different in all three gospel accounts, so I have consolidated them here.

– False Messiahs (Matthew 24:4-5, Mark 13:5-6, Luke 21-8).

– Wars and rumors of wars and nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom (Matthew 24:6-7, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:9-10).

– Famines (Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:11).

– Pestilences (Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:3, Luke 21:11).

– Earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:11).

– Fearful sights/events and great signs from heaven (Luke 21:11).

Matthew and Mark describe these signs as “birth pains” in some translations, for they will get stronger and more frequent as time progresses. The birth pains culminate during the last 7 years on earth before Jesus’ Second Coming, known as Daniel’s 70th Week or the Tribulation, and are recorded in the book of Revelation, written by John the apostle.

Matthew and Mark describe these signs as “birth pains” in some translations, for they will get stronger and more frequent as time progresses. The birth pains culminate during the last 7 years on earth before Jesus’ Second Coming, known as Daniel’s 70th Week or the Tribulation, and are recorded in the book of Revelation, written by John the apostle.

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The Coming of the Son of Man, Part 2