Jerusalem's Coming Destruction

Much confusion exists about the Matthew and Luke record of Jesus foretelling these coming events. This is because many try to make the prophecies forecast the same event. Primarily, what Luke recorded was fulfilled in the first century, including the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D.

Initially, Jesus’ comment is generated in response to the disciples’ admiration of the buildings as they left the temple. Matthew, Mark, and Luke record their remarks and Jesus’ reply—that it will all be destroyed. Though the nation wasn’t destroyed until 134 A.D., the temple was torn down 70 A.D. When the Romans destroyed the temple, they burned it. As the fire advanced, some of the gold decorations melted and were seen by the soldiers. They then proceeded to pry all the stones apart, collecting the gold.

Only Luke continues with their conversation standing outside the temple, as they left for Bethany. Immediately, the disciples ask when this will happen and what sign will warn of it. Their immediate question was not about end-time events, but when the current temple. They asked two specific questions: (1) when will this happen, and (2) what will be its sign.

Jesus, however, didn’t immediately answer them. Instead, he shifted the focus of the discussion from the loss of the temple to the end of the age, and implied that the world’s end was not imminent. He warned them about being easily deceived by signs—whether earthly or heavenly.

Jesus then turned back to their concerns about the temple and spoke of their immediate time reference. He says that before these events (nation rising against nation, earthquakes, famines…signs from heaven) the disciples will face their own persecution. He then instructs them to not worry about their defense.

Though they will be successful evangelists—which they were—opposition would grow from their own people. This occurred with the fall of Jerusalem in 134 A.D., when Jewish Christians became seen as traitors to the nation. Rebellion continued as gorilla warfare after the destruction of the temple to a time, sixty years later, when Rome was so weakened that independence seemed possible.

Then the nation’s leading rabbi declared Israel’s best general the Messiah. Seeing this as a mistake, they refused to fight under his command. Thus, the Jewish resistance to the gospel began.

Next, Jesus turns to their specific question about the destruction of the temple and tells them the signs that will precede the temple’s destruction. Basically, he says that when armies surround Jerusalem, run. Basically, Rome surrounded Jerusalem and starved them into submission.

He then goes back to his extended subject of the larger panorama of history, shifting to the events following the completion of the "times of the gentiles." From its fall until 1967, Jerusalem was never in Jewish hands. Gentile rule, however, still exists in that Jordan still administers the temple mount. Lastly, he tells them that these things should be encouraging because they herald his return.

Surely the disciples were not joyful over the prospect of their coming persecution. Jesus then gives them a parable of encouragement. Basically, he assures them they will be able to recognize the seasons of events and that his word is dependable. Last, he tells them to not let trouble depress them, but rather to react with prayer and alertness.

Some questions arise. Of what “things beginning to take place” was Jesus speaking? Was it the signs foretelling the temple destruction, their coming persecution, or the end of the age? If he was talking about Jerusalem being surrounded by an army, or their imprisonment, that generation saw it. If not, we have some difficulties.

However, how would first century events have reflected that the Kingdom of God was near? Understanding this requires us to view it as proximity, not chronology. The Kingdom of God is anywhere the King rules. It will come in its fullness with the return of the King, but he is still king as he was when the Apostles walked with such anointing, whether imprisoned or free.

If Jesus was speaking of the end of the age and “this generation” meant those currently hearing him, it didn’t happen. If “this generation” meant those who would see the end of the age signs, it is a generation yet to be. Some feel this means the Jewish people and is a promise that they will survive to the end of the age. The easiest explanation to accept seems to be that Jesus wasn’t speaking of the end of the age, but of the persecution of this “first generation” of disciples.

Apparently, the conversation ended with the disciples being apprehensive about Jesus’s prophecy and confused as to what to expect. Most likely, after much discussion among themselves, four of them later sought Jesus out as he relaxed, waiting for their evening meal. As Jesus waited for dinner that Monday evening, the ranking four came to him and asked for more detail about the end of the age. Matthew and Mark record their discussion.