Mount Olivet Discourse
Jesus warned his followers about the destruction of Jerusalem in
Luke 21. He also warned that his return would be unexpected and
sudden.
The Roman Army leveled Jerusalem in AD 70. The Romans also
destroyed the Temple at that time.
Luke 21 Outline
21:1-4
The widow’s gift
21:5-6
Jesus predicts destruction of the temple. See Mark 13:1-2.
21:7-36
The Mount Olivet discourse (Matthew 24 and Mark 13)
21:7
Four fishermen question Jesus (Mark 13:3-4)
21:8-11
Warnings of wars, famine, and disasters
21:12-19
Be prepared to endure persecution
21:20-24
Gentiles will surround and destroy Jerusalem
21:25-28
Signs of Christ’s return
21:29-33
Parable of the fig tree
21:34-36
Be alert at all times
21:37-38
Jesus taught daily in the temple.
Mount of Olives
Commanding a spectacular view of Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives
rises 200 feet above the city's eastern border. From antiquity,
its slopes have been covered with Olive trees.
Jesus descended the Mount of Olives during the triumphal entry.
It was here that he wept for Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-44). Jesus
spent his nights on Mount Olivet during his last week (Luke
21:37). At the base of this ridge is the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus ascended to Heaven from the Mount of Olives, following his
appearance to the disciples (Acts 1:1-12).
Roman Excavation of Jerusalem
After Titus captured Jerusalem in 70 A.D., Caesar ordered the
troops to demolish the city. The temple and the walls
surrounding Jerusalem were immediately leveled.
Soldiers knew that the Jews hid their valuables underground. So
they excavated the city, tearing down walls of every building,
in search of gold. For six months the Tenth Legion plundered
Jerusalem. Captives helped the soldiers find most of the
treasure.
This destruction was so complete that in 73 A.D. one historian
wrote that Jerusalem was "demolished to the very foundations."
Jesus predicted the leveling of Jerusalem in Luke 19:43-44, and
the destruction of the Temple in Luke 21:5-6.
Fast Facts
-
The Roman siege of Jerusalem was so terrible that some mothers
resorted to eating their own children.
-
Eschatology is the study of "last" things. It is a branch of
theology that deals with the end of time. Luke 21 contains
eschatological teachings.