The Olivet Discourse
Deciphering the Olivet Discourse
When is this “Great Tribulation” of Mt.24:21?
Context is King
What is the context of Matthew 24:21? = Matthew chapters 23-25.
Chapter 23 is a scathing condemnation of the religious leaders in Jerusalem ending with Jesus’ declaration “Upon YOU will come all the righteous judgement from Abel to Zachariah…whom you slew between the temple and the altar” (v.35). From the beginning of Genesis to the end of 2Chronicles (from the first book of the Hebrew Bible to the last). And v.36 “Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come on THIS generation”.
Chapter 24 contains the questions and answers between the disciples and Jesus after they heard not one stone of the temple would be left standing.
Chapter 25 is a series of 3 parables about the end of the world and final judgement (Remember there were no chapter divisions when Matthew was written).
The question is, where do we divide chapter 24? Which part aligns with chapter 23 (describing events that happened in 70AD), and which part aligns with chapter 25’s second coming parables and imagery?
The complex nature of Chapter 24
Looking at Chapter 23, it is obvious that the “YOU” in verse 35 and “THIS GENERATION” in verse 36 is referring to those individuals that Jesus was speaking to at that time (= past). In the beginning of chapter 24 when Jesus tells the disciples that “not one stone will be left on another” He is referring to destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD. His disciples ask 3 questions (believing they all refer to the same event). When will the stones come down? What is the sign of your coming? And the end of the world? Jesus answers the last one first. “The gospel is preached to the whole world, then the end comes” (Vs.4-14). He follows that with the answer to the first question (verses 15-20). “When you see destruction coming, those in Judea flee. If you’re on a housetop, don’t come down. If you’re in a field, don’t come back. Woe to those nursing. Pray it’s not on Sabbath or in winter” etc. (these warnings were heeded by the young church in Jerusalem at that time, and as the Roman army marched toward Jerusalem, Christians fled to safety). The next verse (v.21) reads; “AT THAT TIME” (at what time? At the time you’re fleeing from the armies of Rome) great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Mt.24:21). This is the judgement on the people and their city (Dan.7:24-27). As we know, Titus destroyed Jerusalem and cast down every stone of the temple (fulfilling Jesus’ words and obviously make this a past event). Then, in verse 34, we read “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things are fulfilled”.
This would be the end of the matter and everyone would agree this is all in the past if it wasn’t for the verses between verse 21 and 34.
Verse 29-31 says “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun darkens, the moon dims and the stars fall from heaven and the Son of Man comes in the clouds with power and great glory and He sends His angels to gather the elect”. Here we have a passage seemingly about the 2nd Coming inserted into the 70AD verses! To add to the confusion, the following verses 36-42 describe the events concerning 70AD (back to the past again) being compared to the days of Noah (where taken was bad and left was good). Two in the field, one taken and one left etc. The meaning in 70AD was, the one taken, (bad) was taken into slavery (Luke 21:24), and the one left would have been old or crippled and wasn’t worth transporting to the auction block (good). To finish off the chapter, verses 43-51 talk about being prepared for the coming of the Lord (2nd Coming passage).
The glaring problem with ch24. As you can see, there is some confusing language here, but the most obvious is this. Verse 21 states that great tribulation was coming on the Jews and their city as a direct result of them crucifying their own Messiah. This clearly happened in 70AD. But verse 29 says that immediately after “the tribulation of those days” Jesus returns. This obviously didn’t happen. So how do you interpret this chapter correctly?
Although solutions to interpreting the whole chapter are important, the answer to our original question has been revealed.
The first 28 verses of the chapter are clear. Jesus said, ‘great tribulation’ (mega affliction) v.21, would come upon that wicked generation who knowingly crucified Him. The most pure and beautiful person that ever walked the face of the Earth came to His own people and they killed Him using the cruelest method know at the time. Jesus said their punishment was a one-time event (days of vengeance and wrath; Luke 21:22,23), and this judgement would be so severe, it would never happen again.
It seems clear that everyone who is proclaiming a future tribulation (7 year or otherwise) on the Jews or anyone else is not following the plain teachings of Jesus. Can you ignore history? Can you reinterpret history? Can you deny history? Then how can you declare a future Mt.24:21 great tribulation on anyone?
| Jesus said | They’re saying |
|---|---|
| “One time only” | “Two” |
| “It will never happen again” | “Yes it will” |
| “Because they killed God” | “It fits our eschatology” |
| “My judgement was fulfilled” | “We don’t believe you” |
Additional Thoughts:
This confusion in the chapter about timing could originate with the response of the disciples to Jesus’ statement about the stones of the temple being cast down (24:2). The reaction of the disciples to the idea that “not one stone would be left upon another that shall not be thrown down” indicated to them the end of the world. They implied this in their three-part question (24:3). “When shall these things be? What shall be the sign of your coming? And the end of the world?” It seems the disciples equated the destruction of the temple with the end of the world. When Matthew wrote this gospel in 55-65AD he may have still held that belief.
So, Jesus answers the three questions in 24:3, but not distinctly, and even though “All scripture is given by inspiration” not all scripture is easy to understand or interpret.
Matthew 24 Review
Matthew 24 revolves around the statement Jesus made about the temple. Jesus said, “There shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down”.
The three questions in response to the statement:
- When shall these things be? Verses 15-22 is the answer to this question.
- What is the sign of your coming? Verses 27 says the sign is lightning coming from the East shining to the West. Verse 30 reads “Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man” (All the same word; semeion 4592).
- And the end of the world? V.6 “The end is not yet”, V.13 “Endure till the end and…be saved”, V.14 “This gospel will be preached in all the world then the end comes”. (V.3 = sunteleia 4930; V.6,13,14 = telos 5056.
The warnings and historical context were absolutely necessary for Christians to flee to safety. However, the end of the chapter seems to lead right into chapter 25 talking about the 2nd Coming and judgement.
There is still confusion over v.29, but the context is clear. Jesus and History say in unity, NO FUTURE ‘GREAT TRIBULATION’.