Prophecy From The Mount Of Olives (Matthew 24)

Let’s look at an often misunderstood prophecy in Matthew 24. Before studying it, let’s consider the four major views.

Preterism (or past fulfillment) believes that all such prophecies were fulfilled around 70 AD. Historicism (or present ongoing fulfillment) is a view that these events are fulfilled throughout the history of the church. Futurism (or future fulfillment) teaches that these prophecies will be fulfilled just before the return of Christ. And finally, there is a view that in many ways combines them all (past, present and future), called variously the spiritual, idealist or symbolic view.

How does this prophecy begin? Was it fulfilled in 70 AD with the Siege of Jerusalem or was that just a forerunner to later prophecies?

Now Jesus left the temple and was going away. His disciples came to point out to him the temple buildings. He responded, “Do you see all these things? I assure that no stone will be left on another. Everything will be demolished.” (Matthew 24:1-2 CEB)

What are the basic questions this prophecy answers? This is often called the Olivet Prophecy because Jesus was on the Mount of Olives.

Later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him in private and asked, “When will this happen? What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world [age]?” (Matthew 24:3 CEV)

Don’t be Led Astray

From politics to religion have many claimed that they are the anointed one, the Christ, the Messiah?

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. (Matthew 24:4-5 ESV)

How vague or non-specific are these next comments? Is that deliberate?

You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these events are the beginning of birth pains. (Matthew 24:6-8 HCSB)

Is this just the beginning of troubles?

All these are the beginning of sorrows [birth pains]. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (Matthew 24:8-9 KJV)

Have these things long been happening?

And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. (Matthew 24:11-12 NASB)

Stand Firm

When is salvation fully complete, as soon as one confesses Christ or after a life of endurance? Is eternal security, or the “once saved always saved” view, weak on this point?

but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:13 NIV)

When will the end come? Are preterist and historicist views weak on this point?

And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14 NLT)

Was this next prophecy fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes, who put idols in the holy place, or had many priests already defiled the temple with their hypocrisy and money making scams? Is there possibly a yet future symbolic fulfillment of this prophecy?

When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), (Matthew 24:15 WEB cp. Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11)

Is there a certain sense of urgency in this prophecy coming to pass? Would city gates be shut and Jews possibly persecute those who fled on a long journey on the Sabbath?

then those in Judea must escape to the mountains. Those on the roof shouldn’t come down to grab things from their houses. Those in the field shouldn’t come back to grab their clothes. How terrible it will be at that time for women who are pregnant and for women who are nursing their children. Pray that it doesn’t happen in winter or on the Sabbath day. (Matthew 24:16-20 CEB)

Have there been historic times of great tribulation? Are Christians in some nations like North Korea and Afghanistan suffering great tribulation today? When it says nobody would be saved could that indicate worldwide tribulation?

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:21-22 ESV)

Don’t Believe It

Is it judgmental to avoid false prophets and discern deceptive, false miracles?