PJ HanleyJesus’ teaching on the Mount of Olives regarding the end of the age is generally referred to as the Olivet Discourse. It is documented in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. Some try to suggest that Luke 21 occurred at another time, but this is impossible since they all begin with the same scenario of Jesus exiting the Temple for the last time and issuing His prophecy regarding the stones and the destruction of Jerusalem. Then later, on the Mount of Olives, the disciples asked Him regarding this prophecy of the stones and what would be the sign of His coming (Greek: parousia) and the end of the age.
“Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Mt 24:3
The answer regarding the destruction of Jerusalem is covered in Luke 21 but not in the other two accounts. They address the question as to the sign of His coming (Parousia) and the end of the age, which are obviously, in their minds, one and the same. Jesus clearly states in Matthew 24:14 that the gospel will be preached to all the world for a witness, before the end of the age will come. Then He gives them the sign of the end in verse 15.
“Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains…… For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” Mt 24:15-22 (emphasis mine)
When the Abomination of Desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel, is set up in the Holy Place, then there will be a time of tribulation on the earth such as never occurred before or ever will again. Thus, the Abomination is the sign of the end of the age and the Second Coming (parousia) of the Lord. Jesus’ hearers, who were all Jews, would have understood this reference to the Greek king Antiochus Epiphanes’ desecration of the Temple, and its subsequent rededication three years later by Judas Maccabees.30 Jesus reminds them that this scenario was prophesied by Daniel to repeat at the end of the age. Antiochus Epiphanes was a type of Antichrist and Judas Maccabees a type of Messiah who will once again cleanse and anoint the Holy Place. Daniel chapters 9 through 12 speak of this future fulfilment, and this is what Jesus was referring to. The appearance of the Abomination of Desolation at the end of the age will precipitate a time of tribulation the likes of which has never before happened on earth and never will again. Daniel chapter 12 contains this very verse which is being resonated by Jesus.
“Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And
there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.” Daniel 12:1 (emphasis mine)
There are three things about this time of tribulation mentioned here:
> It is begun by the actions of Michael the archangel in the heavens.> It is a time of distress that is so awful it can only happen once.
> Out of it a remnant of the nation of Israel will be rescued.
This same scenario is the theme of Revelation chapter 12, and it is undoubtedly from these passages in Daniel that Paul was teaching the Thessalonians.
Excerpt from “The Rapture of the Bride” by PJ Hanley. Click the button below to get the book!
