Jesus Speaks of Coming Destruction

Matthew 24:1-2

Jesus left the temple and his disciples came to him to show him the magnificent buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, “Do you see all these things? I tell you the truth, not one stone will be left on another. All of it will be destroyed.”

Mark 13:1-2

As he left the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Rabbi, look at these unique stones and buildings here.”

Jesus replied to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left on another. They will be destroyed.”

Luke 21:5-37

Some were talking about the temple—how it was decorated with exquisite stones and gifts. He said, “As for these things which you see, the days will come, when not one stone will be left on another. It will be destroyed.”

And they asked him, “Rabbi, when will these things happen and what will be the sign that occurs before this happens?

And he said, “Watch out that you are not fooled. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ just before this time. Don’t follow them! But when you hear of wars and trouble, don’t be frightened because these must proceed this. But the end is a long way off.”

Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes in various places, famines, and pestilences. There will be distressing events and great signs from heaven.

“But before all of this, they shall arrest you and persecute you, accusing you before synagogues and imprisoning you. You will be brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. But this will be an opportunity to witness. So, get used to it in your hearts. Don’t worry about what to say, because I will give you the words and the wisdom you need. Your adversaries will not be able to successfully debate you or resist what you say.

“Sadly, you will be betrayed, both by parents and brothers, relatives and friends. They will put some of you to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me. But not a hair on your head will perish. By standing firm, you will save yourselves.

“And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its destruction is at hand. When that happens let those in Judea flee to the mountains. Those in the city should leave and those in the country stay out. These are the days of punishment that have been foretold. But distress is coming to those who are pregnant and those nursing children when this happens, for it will be a time of great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will die in the warfare and be taken captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be under the foot of the gentiles until the time of the gentiles is fulfilled.

“Signs shall appear in the sun, the moon, and in the stars, and nations will be distressed on the earth. It will be a perplexing time with the sea and the waves roaring. Men’s hearts will fail out of fear and circumstances that occur on earth and the shaking of the powers in heaven. After that, the Son of Man will be seen coming in a cloud with great power and glory. When these things start, lift your heads for your redemption is at hand.”

Then he gave them a parable: “Look at the fig tree—and all the trees. When you see leaves sprout you see it and know without being told that summer is near. Just like that, when you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is at hand.

“Look, I tell you the truth. This generation will not pass away until this is completely fulfilled. Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not.

“But be careful that your hearts not be weighted down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the cares of life. Otherwise, that day will surprise you. It will ensnare everyone who dwells on the whole earth. So, watch and always pray. Thus, you may be counted worthy to escape these things as they come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”