The great prophecy recorded in Luke 21 is different both in time, place and subject from that recorded in Matt 24 and Mark 13.
The one recorded in Luke was spoken "on one of those days, as He taught the people in the Temple" (Luke 20:1). For one note of time is in 21:1, "and He looked up and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the Treasury." So that He was still "in the Temple" when He uttered the prophecy recorded in Luke 21, for the whole conversation with the disciples follows without a break the Lord's commendation of the widow.
But with regard to the prophecy recorded in Matt 24, we distinctly read (v. 1) "and Jesus went out and departed from the Temple ... and as He sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately" (v. 30). So in Mark 13:1, "He went out of the Temple ... and as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, over against the Temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately" (v. 3).
So that we have two great prophecies. One (Luke) spoken in the Temple, the other (Matthew and Mark) spoken later upon the Mount of Olives. As parts of the first are repeated on the second occasion, we will give the leading points of the three in parallel columns, so that the object of each, and the difference between them, may be clearly seen.
They both open with a summary of events which might have taken place in the lifetime and experience of those who heard the words :--
LUKE 21:8-9. MATT. 24:4-6 MARK 13:5-7 "Take heed that ye be not deceived "Take heed that no man deceive you. "Take heed lest any man deceive you. for may shall come in My name, For many shall come in My name, For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and the time saying I am Christ; and shall deceive saying, I am Christ; and shall draw near: go ye not therefore many. And ye shall hear of wars and deceive many. And when ye after them. But when ye shall hear rumors of war see that ye be not shall hear of wars and rumors of wars and commotions, be not troubled: for all these things must of war, be ye not troubled: terrified: for these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." for such things must needs be; first come to pass; but the end is but the end shall not be yet." not immediately."
John refers to this first sign in his First Epistle (2:18); but had the nation repented at the proclamation by Peter in Acts 3:18-26, by the Twelve in the Land, by "them that heard Him" (Heb. 2:3), and by Paul in the Synagogues of the Dispersion, "all that the prophets had written" would have been fulfilled.
LUKE 21:10, 11. MATT. 24:7, 8. MARK 13:8 "Nation shall rise against nation "Nation shall rise against nation, "Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and kingdom against kingdom; and kingdom against kingdom; and great earthquakes shall be in and there shall be famines, and and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places, and there shall pestilences, and fearful sights divers places. All these are be famines and troubles: and great signs shall there be the beginning of sorrows." these are the beginnings of sorrows." from heaven."
Now, it will be observed in the Lord's discourse as recorded in Luke, that, instead of saying "these are the beginnings of sorrows", and going on with the account of them, He stops short; He goes back; He introduces a parenthesis detailing and describing events that would take place "BEFORE ALL THESE" beginnings of sorrows. He describes in v. 12,
That is to say "BEFORE" the great tribulation, all that is recorded concerning Jerusalem in vv. 12-24 would take place. These are the closing words :--
24. "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Now, in the discourse recorded in Matt. 24, instead of going back to speak of the condition of Jerusalem before and until the beginning of the great Tribulation; having said "All these are the beginning of sorrows", He goes on to describe the sorrows, or birth-pangs of the Tribulation (Matt. 24:9-28. Mark 13:9-23), and He continues the prophecy concerning these sorrows up to the moment of His appearing in the clouds of heaven.
While, in the discourse recorded in Luke 21, having gone back, and described what should take place "before all these" beginnings of sorrows, the Lord does not speak further of the great Tribulation, but takes it up at the end, and, as in Matthew and Mark, speaks concerning
LUKE 21:25-27. MATT. 24:29, 30 MARK 13:24-26. "And there shall be signs in "Immediately after the tribulation "But in those days, after that the sun, and in the moon, and of those days (*1) shall the sun tribulation, the sun shall be in the stars; and upon the be darkened, and the moon shall darkened, and the moon shall not earth distress of nations, not give her light, and the stars give her light, and the stars of with perplexity; the sea and shall fall from heaven, and the heaven shall fall, and the powers the waves roaring; men's hearts powers of the heavens shall be that are in heaven shall be shaken, failing them for fear, and for shaken: and then shall appear the and then shall they see the Son looking after those things sign of the Son of man in heaven: of man coming in the clouds which are coming on the earth; and then shall all the tribes of the with great power and glory." for the powers of the heavens earth mourn, and they shall see the shall be shaken. And then shall Son of man coming in the clouds of they see the Son of man coming heaven with power and great glory." in a cloud with power and great glory."
The first prophecy, in the Temple (Luke 21), was uttered in answer to two questions : (1) "When shall these things be?" and (2) "What sign shall there be when these things shall come to pass?" The answer to (1) is given in vv. 8-24, and the answer to (2) in vv. 25-28.
The second prophecy, on the Mount of Olives (Matt. 24 and Mark 13), was uttered in answer to three distinct questions : (1) "When shall these things be?" (2) "What shall be the sign of Thy coming?" and (3) "And [what shall be the sign] of the end of the age?" The answer to (1) was given in Matt. 24:4-14. Mark 13:5-13. The answer to (2) was given in Matt. 24:15-27. Mark 13:14-23; and to (3) in Matt. 24:29-31 and Mark 13:24-27 (and in Luke 21:25-28). And then both prophecies conclude with the Parable of the Fig tree, and the final solemn assurance :--
"Verily I say unto you, This generation shall by no means (See Ap. 105. III) pass, till all these things may be fulfilled" (*2) (Matt. 24:34. Mark 13:30. Luke 21:32.)
This latter is the last of four equally impressive statements : Matt. 10:23; 16:28; 23:39; 24:34.
Each of these consists of two clauses, the former of which contains the strongest negative that could possibly have been used (see Ap. 105. III); and should be rendered "by no means", or "in no wise", as it is often rendered elsewhere; while in the latter clause the verb is in the subjunctive mood with or without the Greek Particle "an", which (though it cannot be represented in translation) makes the clause hypothetical and dependent on some condition expressed or implied. This condition was, in each of these four passages, the repentance of the nation, in response to the appeal of "the other servants" of Matt. 22:4, as recorded in Acts 3:18-26 and elsewhere, culminating in Acts 28:17-29.
The conclusion of both prophecies thus consists of an assured certainty, with a definite contingency, or uncertainty which was not fulfilled.
Had the nation repented, then Jesus Christ would have been "sent", and "the restoration of all things which God had spoken by all His holy prophets since the world began" would have taken place, in accordance with God's Divine assurance given by Peter in Acts 3:18-26; but the condition of national repentance (Lev. 26:40-42; Hos. 14:1-4, &c.) was not fulfilled; hence that generation passed away; and both prophecies (with all the others) are now postponed. The first sign of all did (and will again) take place - the rising of the "many Antichrists", whereby John could say they knew that it was "the last hour" before "the end of that age" (1John 2:18).
(*1) Leaving no space, therefore, for a millennium of peace between the great Tribulation and the appearance of the Lord in glory; proving that the second coming must be pre-millennial.
(*2) In all three passages the verb is genetai = may arise, or may have come to pass: not pleroo = be entirely fulfilled or finished, as in Luke 21:24. This was so in both cases.
S6 J1 13:1-27. On leaving the Temple. The 2nd great Prophecy on the Mont of Olives.
J2 14:1-25. On arrival at Bethany. The 2nd Supper and 2nd Anointing.
J1 K 1. The Disciples' remark.
L 2. The Lord's reply. Prediction.
K 3,4. The Disciples' 2 Questions.
L 5-37. The Lord's reply. Prophecy.
29 A.D.
Mark 13)
1 And as He went out of the temple (as in Matt. 24:1, marking this as the latter 2 prophecies; the former [Luke 21:1,27] being spoken "in the temple"), one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!" (There are stones measuring 20 to 40 feet long, and weighing over 100 tons)
2 And Jesus answering said to him, "See you these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall by no means be thrown down." (Denoting absolute certainty. When would that be? Naturally, at the events that would consummate the end of this age)
K M1 3,4-. "When shall these things be?" M2 -4. "What shall be the sign?"
3 And as He sat upon the mount of Olives (the former prophecy being in the Temple) over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately,
4 "Tell us, when shall these things be? (The 1st question)
and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?" (The 2nd question. In other words, tell us when the end of the world will be; the question many men have asked)
L N1 5-7. Answer to the 1st Question. N1 8-37. Answer to the 2nd Question.
N1 e 5. Warning. "Be not deceived."
f 6. Reason. Things seen.
e 7-. Warning. "Be you not troubled."
f -7. Reason. Things heard.
5 And Jesus answering them began to say, "Take heed lest any man deceive you: (They twist Scripture)
for such things are necessary to come to pass; but the end shall not be yet. (What is the opposite of wars? Peace. When they cry, Peace! Peace! Peace!)
N2 O1 8-27. Prophecy. Instruction.
O1 28-37. Parables. Warnings.
O1 P 8-13. Time. Beginning.
Q 14-20. Sign. The Abomination of desolation.
Q 21-23. Sign. False Christs. Disbelief.
P 24-27. Time. The end.
P g 8. The beginning.
h 9-. Persecution.
i -9,10. Testimony and Reason.
h 11-13-. Persecution.
g -13. The end.
with a view to a testimony against them. (Pentecost. The act of a true Christian. See Acts 2. In other words, the purpose is to give testimony against the Kenites and the son of perdition. What an opportunity! Talk about a champion of the people! And people say that God’s word is boring? This will come to pass. It is written. And true Christians will stay true and remain a virgin, spiritually, all the way to the end, to the true Christ.)
10 And the glad tidings [of the kingdom] (as in Matt. 24:14) must first be proclaimed unto all the nations. (And this is the reason you are delivered up. Not to be harmed but to proclaim the gospel. “Well it is published today”. Oh, come on. You call that the gospel? Think about it. How many people have the eyes to see and ears to hear? So everyone is warned. When God’s elect are delivered up that is when the gospel will be published, those that are delivered up being given a trial at this great conversion in the synagogues before the spurious messiah of God’s elect that will not accept him.)
but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Q j 14-17. Flight.
k 18. Commiseration.
j 19. Flight.
k 20. Commiseration.
18 And pray you that your flight be not in the winter. (Harvest out of season. Harvest time is in the summer. If you were harvested too early in the winter, you would have been taken by antichrist [instead of waiting for the true Messiah])
19 For in those days shall be tribulation (1st tribulation. False Christ, Satan appears. It was not Titus.), such as has not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, (notice the emphasis of this peculiar amplification, giving the Divine condemnation of "Evolution". Cp. in v.20, "the chosen whom He chose". See John 8:14) nor by any means shall come to pass. (Quoted from Dan. 1)
20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days (see Matt. 24:22.), not any flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom He has chosen, He has shortened the days. (To 5 months. See Rev. 9:5. Satan will perform miracles that will be difficult for some to imagine. You had better be mentally prepared.)
Q l 21-. False Christs.
m -21. Warning. Believe not.
l 22. False Christs.
m 23. Warning. Take you heed.
21 And then if any man shall say to you (the condition of probable contingency), 'Lo, here is the Messiah;' or, 'lo, He is there;'
believe him not: (Antichrist will be forgiving all debts, claiming to have brought peace to the world, and healing people. Remember, it isn't Christ if your still in the flesh.)
22 Because false Christs and false prophets shall rise (some of these say "rapture". The problem is, are you going to listen to them? Some might ask, “Well how do I know?” Well He just told you. You listen to one that produces the vine or the tree of God’s word and teaches you how to deal with it whereby you can understand.), and shall shew signs and wonders, (miracles) to seduce (spiritually), if it were possible, even the elect. (That's how good at it they are. Satan's tricks will make the tricks of Jannes and Jambres seem as child's play. You had better be ready. Don't be deceived. Don't be seduced. Make certain they don't seduce you into a one-way trip to hell. How do you do that? By focusing on the one body, the one faith and the one Lord. There is only One! The elect won't be seduced. We don't find Satan to be tempting. We find him to be an abomination!)
23 But take you heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. (Have you read it? Jesus Christ told us through the Word all we need to know to conquer Satan. He told us to beware of the seducing spirits. There are no excuses. Understand the simplicity of Christ's teachings. Keep God's Word simple, and you will be wise above all people in this generation. The religionist don't have a chance to deceive you. Do your homework and be a "can-do" type person. When you are a doer of His Word, the blessings will flow. He will always give us what we need to accomplish His will. We have the victory over Satan and his seducing spirits.)
P n 24,25. Signs in heaven.
o 26. The coming of the Son of man.
o 27-. The sending of His angels.
n -27. Signs on earth.
26 And then (after 6th Seal, 7th and last Trump) shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with much power and glory. (Quoted from Dan. 7:13. Cp. Joel 2:31)
27 And then shall He send His angels,
and shall gather together His elect (Isa. 10:20-22; 11:11-16; 27:6; 65; 9,15,22. Jer. 31:36-40; 33:17-26. Ezek. 36:8-15,24; 37:21-28; 39:25-26. Amos 9:11-15. Obed. 21,17. Zeph. 3:20) from the four winds, out of the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
O2 R p 28. Parable. The fig-tree.
q 29-. Application.
r -29. Nearness.
S 30-33. Watch.
R p 34. Parable. The Householder.
q 35. Application.
r 36. Suddenness.
S 37. Watch!
28 Now learn (not maybe, learn it!) the parable (see Matt. 24:32) from the fig tree; When her branch shall already have become tender (a shoot, see 11:8), and puts forth its leaves, (Did it say fruit? No.) you get to know that summer [harvest] is near: (Some might asked, “Well what’s summer?” It’s harvest time, end of the world. [God often speaks in agricultural terms and any farmer knows that you harvest crops in the summer] Now the question at the beginning of this chapter was, when was the end of the world coming and when is Christ returning. He then gives us the seven trumpets which are the seven events that consummate the end of this world age. Are you familiar with them? I pray you are. We just covered the Book of Revelation so that means you should be. You see, you learn a great deal when you listen to the teachings of God and get the real fruit right from the source, the living tree, rather than a bunch of traditions and bed-die bye stories. All you have to do is get the fruit from the right tree. There’s only one tree that you get that from and that’s the word of God regardless of the reader or whatever. The only fruit comes from the true Tree of Life, which is to say Christ, the living word, this word.)
29 So you also, when you shall see these things taking place, (“These things” are the seven events that consummate the end of this age, and they are consuming rapidly.)
know that it is near, even at the doors. (In other words you’re right at the door of the end of the age. That’s how you tell. What do I mean, how do you tell? By knowing the parable of the fig tree.)
30 Truly I say to you, that this generation (final generation began in 1948 when Israel became a nation again. See Matt.11:16) shall not pass, till all these things may have taken place. (See Matt. 24:34. Marks it be conditional on the repentance of the nation [Acts 3:18-26. Do you see how important it is? When you know the parable of the fig tree and you know when that fig tree is established, you will then know which particular generation will be the final generation. No body knows the instant of Christ’s return, that is to say the year, month, date, and so-forth, but God’s elect will know the season, which is to say the final generation. The parable of the fig tree reveals that final generation. The final generation is not found by some man’s figuring of dates, it is determined from observing signs from Almighty God and from a promise that is true and shall come to pass exactly as it is written during which time the final seven steps, which are the seven seals, the seven plagues, and the seven trumps come to pass. You find each of these things spoken of and documented in this 13th chapter and they consummate the end of this age. The parable of the fig tree basically sets the parameters of that generation.)
Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,
This is the false Christ that causes this. This is what we call today Holy Communion.
...and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate…
Now properly translated in the Hebrew it says on the wings of the desolator he shall come with abomination.
...even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
This should be translated desolator. There you have it, the desolator; he that will be poured upon that cup of God’s wrath.
...translated in Mark 13:14, when "he"stands where "he" ought not. Why? Because the Greek is determined by the word that is used for IT or HE or SHE and is determined by the subject. Knowing this, you can see very well that this 27th verse of Daniel is not talking about a condition, but an entity, the desolator. See Dan. 11:31)
31 The heaven and earth (age) shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away. (Know this beloved, that the generation of the parable of the fig tree, that fig tree was planted in the year of our Lord 1948, when both the good and the bad fig returned to Jerusalem. That has never happened since the time that Christ has walked the earth. Israel set up as a nation both good and bad figs as it is written in Jeremiah 24. See that you are not deceived of that time. Have you known since you where a child that there was more to God’s word than had been explained to you? Now let’s sum this a moment. Christ has told you what it will be like and what you will do at that time so you will be perfectly well protected. Now when Jesus spoke of this abominable thing, He made the book of Daniel a part of the New Testament. That means it was yet to come to pass. He was speaking of course of Dan 9:27:
32 But concerning that day and that hour knows no one, not even the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son (i.e. as the "Son of Man"), but the Father.
33 Take you heed, lie sleepless and pray: for you know not when the season is.
34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey (see Matt. 21:35), leaving his house, and gave authority to his bond-servants, and to every man his work, commanded the porter withal to keep awake.
35 Watch you therefore: for you know not when the lord of the house comes, at evening, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: (Nobody knows the instant.)
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you composing yourself for sleep. (Voluntarily. He doesn't like that.)
37 And what I say to you I say to all, "Watch." (By discerning the seasons from His Word)