The questions posed by the disciples in Matthew 24:3 form the foundation of what is often called the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, as well as the coming of His kingdom and the end of the age. Let’s dive into these questions and their context.

The Questions (Matthew 24:3) #

The disciples ask three questions, which are often misinterpreted as concerning different periods, but they should be seen as a single question in three parts:

• When will these things be?
• What will be the sign of Your coming?
• What will be the end of the age?

It’s essential to approach these questions in their historical context, especially considering the prophecy of the temple’s destruction, which was startling to the disciples. They were asking Jesus about the immediate implications of the destruction of the temple, as they had just seen its beauty (Matthew 24:1-2). Jesus’ response in Matthew 24 is deeply rooted in the events that would unfold around the fall of Jerusalem, particularly in AD 70, not some distant future.

Look Back: Jesus’ Earlier Prophetic Statement (Luke 19:41-44) #

In Luke 19:41-44, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foretelling the coming destruction. He says,

“For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side” (Luke 19:43). 

This marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, where He directly connects the destruction of the city with the people’s failure to recognise the time of their visitation. These prophecies set the stage for the disciples’ questions in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. They were grappling with the implications of the temple’s destruction and its link to the coming of God’s kingdom.

Understanding the Olivet Discourse #

The Olivet Discourse is a complex passage, but when viewed through the lens of first-century fulfilment and pre-AD 70 prophecy, it becomes much clearer. Jesus speaks not just of the physical destruction of the temple, but also of the judgment upon the old covenant system.

In these verses, Jesus warns of the persecution his followers would face.

“Brother will deliver brother over to death…you will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (Matthew 10:21-22). 

This is directly tied to the upcoming events of AD 70, when Christians would face persecution, especially from Jewish authorities. Jesus was preparing them for the challenging times ahead.

Matthew 16:27-28 — “For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father…”

Some standing with Jesus would see these things come to pass in their lifetime, namely, the destruction of the temple. The “coming” of Christ in judgement was not a distant event, but one which they would witness.

This passage similarly indicates that many who were listening to Jesus would see the kingdom of God come in power before they died (Mark 9:1). The coming referred to here was the judgment upon Jerusalem and the fulfilment of Jesus’ words regarding the temple’s destruction.

The Timing of the Questions (Matthew 24:3) #

The disciples, having just witnessed the magnificence of the temple, were naturally shocked by Jesus’ prophecy of its destruction.

Their question—”When will these things be?”—was specifically about the temple’s demise. They could not have understood the full picture of what Jesus was referring to, especially concerning His coming and the end of the age. Many scholars point out that the timing of these events was central to understanding the Olivet Discourse. The destruction of the temple in AD 70 marks the literal fulfilment of these prophecies.

The ‘Coming’ of Christ and the End of the Age #

A key misunderstanding often arises when people read “the coming of Christ” as referring solely to a future second coming. The disciples were asking about Jesus’ coming in judgment upon Jerusalem and the temple.

As Jonathan Edwards suggests in his writings, the “coming” of Christ mentioned in these passages should be understood in the light of the destruction of Jerusalem and the fulfilment of God’s justice. This event represented the end of the old covenant age and the beginning of the new era of Christ’s kingdom.

The Destruction of the Temple and the End of the Old Covenant Age #

As previously noted, the end of the age refers to the end of the Old Covenant. The destruction of the temple signified the end of the Old Covenant’s religious system, including sacrifices, priesthood, and the law. This age was officially brought to a close with the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.

The Old Covenant was always meant to point forward to Christ, and its final fulfilment came with His death, resurrection, and ascension. With the destruction of the temple, the Old Covenant system of worship was fully rendered obsolete, as it had served its purpose of pointing to Christ.

The Gospel of John and the Olivet Discourse #

It is noteworthy that the Gospel of John does not record the Olivet Discourse, even though John was present.

Instead, John’s Revelation functions as his detailed explanation of Jesus’ prophetic words. John was more focused on the symbolic and spiritual fulfilment of these prophecies, which he recorded in Revelation. Hence, there was no need for him to repeat the same discourse in his gospel.

Jesus’ Coming in Judgement (Parousia) #

As previously noted, the Greek term parousia (parousía) denotes presence, arrival, and continued presence, often used in the context of a ruler’s arrival, especially in judgement. Jesus’ coming in judgment is linked directly to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

This is why He repeatedly assures His disciples that some of them will see these events unfold before they die (Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1).

The End of the Age #

The end of the age, as discussed, is not the end of the physical world but the end of the old covenant age. The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 marked the collapse of the Jewish theocratic system and the culmination of Jesus’ prophecies about the fall of the temple.

For us today, understanding the Olivet Discourse helps us appreciate how God’s promises are fulfilled in the unfolding of history. It also shows us the certainty of God’s judgment on any system that rejects Christ.

In Christ,
Shaliach.