A Catechism for Little Saints
1) What did Gabriel say would happen to Jerusalem and to the temple? 2) What does Daniel 9 teach about Christ? 3) What did Jesus say would happen to Jerusalem and the temple? 4) When did this finally happen? 5) How should we then live?
The Christology of the Prophecy - This passage explains God’s purpose with the Jewish people and Jerusalem. It is fulfilled in what Jesus did in His life, death, and resurrection, as well as the judgment that follows from His rejection. It does not say a word about the Rapture, the European Economic Community, or the Antichrist. Rather, the key themes of the first part of the passage emphasize Christ’s redemptive work which focus on His cross-work.
measure of transgression is filled
measure of sin is complete
iniquity is expiated
eternal righteousness is ushered in
the prophetic vision is ratified
Holy of Holies is anointed (Based on the Hebrew text and TNK translation)
The Chronology of the Prophecy - “Seventy weeks” is a complete unit of time like “forty years” or “forty days” or the “seventy years” about which Daniel is praying (Jer. 25:11-12). To put gaps in — like a 2000 year gap between the 69th and 70th week, is unwarranted. These are 490 consecutive years. The event to start this time is said to be “ the command to restore and build Jerusalem” (9:25). This starts with the decree of Cyrus, recorded Ezra 1:1-4 (2Chr. 36:22, Is. 44:28, Ezra 5:13, 5:17, 6:3). The proper conclusion of the 7 + 62 weeks is referred to as the “anointing” of “Messiah the Prince,” His baptism (Matt. 3:16ff), fulfilling Isaiah (61:1-2) - “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor...” (Luke 4:18).
The Consummation of the Passage - During the 70th week (“after the sixty-two weeks”), Jesus cuts the new covenant with His blood “for many” (Matt. 26:28), resulting in an end to the sacrificial system (Jer.3:16-18, 31:31-34; Heb. 10:14-20, 8:13). This results in the destruction of the city and the sanctuary (A.D. 70). This is Jesus’ interpretation of Daniel! (Luke 21:5-22). Therefore: a) Jesus is NOT coming soon (Matt. 24, Luke 20:9) - but you may go to Him soon (Heb. 9:27). b) The Jews (unbelieving) are NOT the people of God, but all Christians are brought into the originally Jewish covenant. c) The Church is NOT to be “pro-Israeli,” but pro-Rege! “For the King.”
Answers
1) Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed because of sin.
2) Daniel teaches that Jesus is Messiah the Prince, who will die for our sins, bring an end to the biblical Jewish religion, and bring in His kingdom of everlasting righteousness.
3) Armies would surround Jerusalem and tear down the city and the temple because the Jews of that generation rejected and killed Jesus.
4) The destruction of Jerusalem prophesied in Daniel and by Jesus happened in 70 A.D.
5) We should live knowing Christ’s kingdom is changing the world and that Jewish unbelievers today need the gospel just like all other peoples.
