The Olivet Discourse: Signs of the End Times

The Olivet Discourse, recorded primarily in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, stands as one of the most profound and pivotal prophecies delivered by Jesus Christ. Uttered on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, this discourse was a direct response to His disciples' earnest questions concerning the destruction of the temple, the sign of His coming, and the end of the age. Far from being a mere historical prediction, the Olivet Discourse serves as a divine roadmap, outlining the definitive signs that would precede His glorious return and the culmination of human history as we know it. Understanding these signs is not merely an academic exercise; it is a call to watchfulness, spiritual preparedness, and fervent evangelism for all who profess faith in Christ.

The Context and Questions

Prior to delivering this momentous prophecy, Jesus had just pronounced judgment upon the temple in Jerusalem, declaring that not one stone would be left upon another (Matthew 24:2). This startling pronouncement, coupled with the disciples' understanding of the temple's centrality to Jewish life and prophecy, immediately prompted three critical questions:

Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Matthew 24:3

Jesus' reply masterfully intertwines predictions concerning the destruction of Jerusalem (fulfilled in A.D. 70) with prophecies about the ultimate end times, demonstrating that while some signs have historical precedents, their ultimate and most significant fulfillment pertains to the period immediately preceding His second advent. The discourse thus provides a dual prophecy, with a near and a far fulfillment, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

General Signs: The Beginning of Sorrows

Jesus began by cautioning His disciples against deception, highlighting several recurring phenomena that, while present throughout history, would intensify and converge as the end approaches. He termed these collective events "the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:8), indicating that they are merely precursors to the more intense tribulation to come.

False Christs and False Prophets: Jesus explicitly warned, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:4-5). This sign speaks to a spiritual deception, where individuals claim divine authority or Messiahship, leading many astray from the truth.
Wars and Rumours of Wars: "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet" (Matthew 24:6). This is not just about isolated conflicts, but an increasing global instability, characterized by widespread conflict and the constant threat of war.
Famines, Pestilences, and Earthquakes: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matthew 24:7). These natural disasters and widespread diseases are presented as intensifying birth pangs, signaling the approaching labor of the end times.
Persecution of Believers: "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake" (Matthew 24:9). This sign indicates an escalating hostility towards true followers of Christ, leading to widespread martyrdom and tribulation for the saints.
The Gospel Preached to All Nations: Amidst the turmoil, a glorious sign emerges: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14). This global proclamation of the good news is a prerequisite for the end, signifying God's sovereign plan to reach every people group before His final judgment and return.

Specific Signs Leading to the Tribulation

Beyond the general signs, Jesus provided more specific and catastrophic events that would mark the pinnacle of the "great tribulation," a period unparalleled in human history.

The Abomination of Desolation: "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)" (Matthew 24:15). This refers to a future event, likely involving the Antichrist, who will desecrate a rebuilt Jewish temple, setting himself up as God. This act will signal the beginning of the most intense period of tribulation, prompting believers in Judea to flee.
Great Tribulation: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matthew 24:21). This period, often associated with the final three and a half years before Christ's return, will be characterized by unprecedented suffering, divine judgments, and persecution of those who refuse to worship the Antichrist.
Cosmic Disturbances: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken" (Matthew 24:29). These dramatic celestial phenomena signal the imminent return of Christ, serving as clear, unmistakable signs in the heavens.

The Glorious Return of Christ

Following the cosmic disturbances, Jesus describes His visible, undeniable return. This is the climactic event towards which all the preceding signs point.

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Matthew 24:30

His return will be a global spectacle, undeniable by all, accompanied by angelic hosts. At this moment, He will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (Matthew 24:31), marking the resurrection of the righteous dead and the rapture of living believers to meet Him in the air.

Parables and Exhortations: A Call to Readiness

Jesus concluded the Olivet Discourse with several parables and strong exhortations, emphasizing the importance of watchfulness and readiness, as the exact timing of His return remains unknown to humanity.

The Parable of the Fig Tree: "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors" (Matthew 24:32-33). This parable teaches that just as natural signs indicate the changing seasons, so too do the prophetic signs indicate the nearness of His coming. Many interpret the fig tree as symbolic of Israel, whose rebirth as a nation in 1948 is seen by some as a significant "budding" sign.

The Days of Noah: "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:37). This comparison highlights the suddenness and unexpected nature of His coming for an unprepared world, immersed in daily life and oblivious to impending judgment. Just as Noah's flood came unexpectedly, so too will Christ's return.

Watchfulness and Preparedness: Throughout the discourse, Jesus repeatedly urges, "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matthew 24:42). He uses parables like the goodman of the house (Matthew 24:43), the faithful and wise servant (Matthew 24:45), and the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1) to underscore the necessity of living in constant readiness, faithfully carrying out one's duties, and maintaining spiritual vigilance.

Conclusion

The Olivet Discourse is not intended to instill fear, but rather to inspire hope, urgency, and spiritual diligence. The signs Jesus outlined, from global conflicts and natural disasters to escalating persecution and the worldwide proclamation of the gospel, serve as divine indicators of the approaching end. While some signs have seen partial fulfillment throughout history, their convergence and intensification will undeniably mark the period immediately preceding Christ's return.

For the believer, understanding these signs is a call to greater faith and purpose. It compels us to live holy lives, free from the entanglements of the world, and to be active participants in fulfilling the Great Commission. We are to be watchful, not speculative; prepared, not complacent. As the world plunges deeper into chaos and deception, the Olivet Discourse reminds us that our blessed hope is not in earthly solutions, but in the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). May we all be found faithful and ready when He comes.