Chapter Overview
The temple in Jerusalem was the religious center of the Jewish faith. When Jesus walks out of it and states that it will be destroyed, this brings immediate questions from His disciples. He explains that the destruction is coming, but that there will be a lot of false claims and confusion about when and how it will happen. When He came in judgment on Jerusalem, which happened by Rome’s attack in 70 A.D., the believers knew to flee the city and escape desolation. It was important for Christians not to get distracted by false claims, and to stay ready to go. Jesus tells a parable about the difference between being prepared and being lazy. For them, it meant life and death. This will also be true in the final judgment on the last day.
It is debated among believers how much of this chapter is about Jerusalem’s first-century destruction and how much of it points to the final day of Christ’s coming. Verse 34 serves as an important guide: “…this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” It is likely that all that comes before that verse pertains to judgment on Jerusalem and the need to be wise and prepared. But the later teachings: “Be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will” stands as powerful instruction for us today. If we think it will not happen soon, we can lose focus and become negligent. Always be ready for Jesus!
Loving, gracious, patient Father, thank you for bearing with us in our struggles and our efforts to grow in faith. If you lacked mercy, we would have all been destroyed ages ago. We pray that Your love will produce in us the desire to be servants of You. May we build our diligent obedience to You and not be distracted by false ideas about You and Your coming. We know You alone know when the judgment day will be. Help us to build hearts of urgency, readiness, and daily expectation for the return of Your glorious Son.
Thought Questions
- 1Would you have believed Jesus if He said your city would soon be destroyed and you must be ready to leave? Do you carry that focus now?
- 2Jesus expected Daniel’s prophecy to be dominant in the disciples’ minds. Is Christ’s 1st-century promise to return a factor in your mind?
- 3How do you go about getting ready and staying ready to meet the Lord? Why is it important to always expect it could be today?