Finding Jesus in the Bible…So We Can Follow Him in Life
Bible Reading Plans
- Plan One: New Testament Only
- Plan Two: New Testament + Psalms
- Plan Three: New Testament + History
- Plan Four: The Entire Bible – Year 1 of 3, Year 2 of 3, Year 3 of 3
Don’t know which plan? Go to A Christ-Centered Bible Reading Plan: Quick Start.
Extras
Verse of the Day, Audio Capsule, and Video Minute
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(Today’s Reading)
The Biblical Case for the Second Coming as Accomplished Fact
(Book Installment 10)
Part Two – The Timing of the Second Coming
Chapter 2 – What the Gospels Say
(continued)
“When Are You Coming?”
Several days before his crucifixion, Jesus was in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple. On one of those days, as He and His disciples were departing, they pointed out to Him the beauty of the temple and the surrounding buildings. And indeed Jewish sources confirm that it was a sight that commanded attention. Jesus tells His disciples that despite the beauty and glory, it would be completely destroyed. And sadly, the same Jewish sources will confirm this also. In fact, practically any encyclopedia will tell you that this great temple of Israel in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.
Now if anyone tells you that a Jewish rabbi walking through the temple around 33 A.D. on the eve of His own death told his followers that this temple would be destroyed in their lifetime, and indeed less than 40 years later that very thing happened, then you would probably want to know what else that Jewish rabbi said! (Would that we were all more zealous to know
everything He says.)
Naturally, the ears of the disciples perked up at this pronouncement, for the temple had long been not only the unparalleled focal point for the nation (imagine lumping the White House, the Washington Monument, the Capitol, Mt. Rushmore, and Plymouth Rock all together), but also a sign as to how well the nation was doing in God’s sight. When Solomon built it, things were great. As the nation’s righteousness declined, so did the fortunes of the temple until King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed it in 586 B.C. It was rebuilt in the days of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah as some of the Jews returned from captivity. It endured more ups and downs over the years that followed. So, given the context of the times, when Jesus said, “temple
destroyed” their minds (now believing He was the Messiah) translated “last days.” For the prophets had said that “the day of the Lord” would be a time of destruction as well as a time of glory. So Jesus’ disciples asked Him,
“Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your
coming, and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3
Do you see that, apart from the context of the times, that these questions would not make sense? For all He explicitly mentions is the temple’s destruction. In any other age, the likely question might be “Why will such a nice building be destroyed?” or “Why are you predicting such a dour future for our nation?” As pious Jews, they knew that Jesus must be speaking of the
last days.
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