Leaving the city of Jerusalem after: Rebuking the Pharisees – Mt. 23 Foreshadowing Jerusalem’s Fall ff Praising the widow – Mark 12.41ff Exiting the city, one of His followers remarks on the temple: In response, Jesus reveals the future: Luke 21:5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations… Matthew 24:1 …and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. Mark 13:1 …one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!" Matthew 24:2 "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
The disciples struggled with what Jesus was saying: Peter, Andrew, James, and John came to get further clarification – Mk As Matthew records, their questions revealed a misunderstanding – Mt They misunderstood the kingdom (Acts 1.6). They thus misunderstood Jesus’ words here. To the disciples, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple could only mean the “end of the age” (KJV – world). Jesus will deal with their question on Jerusalem’s destruction first, before proceeding to discuss the end of time.
The shock of Jesus’ words leads immediately to this question—WHEN? “When?” is a natural question for these men after being confronted by such shattering imagery. A different question could have proved immensely beneficial for the confused, but dedicated, followers- Acts 1.6 The question the disciples never ask? WHY? Asking this question: Might have prevented the Garden skirmish. Would have clarified the Acts 1.6 question. Could have kept Peter from lying.
Why would Jerusalem be destroyed? The hypocrisy of the nation – Mt They devoured the needy – › Cf. Luke › “It is never right to do wrong to do right.” Their obedience was empty – Rejection of God’s message– Their fathers did so – They were doing so – Matthew Rejection of God’s Son – Judaism was never intended to be permanent – Hebrews 8 It found its purpose in drawing men and women to Christ – Galatians
What does the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70 communicate to us? The mighty power of God. Daniel 4.32; Luke God’s disdain for hypocrisy. Jeremiah 7.4,12; Matthew The superiority of Christianity. Zechariah 11.11; Daniel 2.44 The divinity of Jesus Christ. John 10.38