Temple Destruction and Other Signs
As Jesus leaves the temple, a disciple admires the great stones and buildings. Jesus answers with a plain prediction of total ruin. On the Mount of Olives, Peter, James, John, and Andrew ask privately when these things will happen and what sign will show their fulfillment.
A1s Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look at the magnificent stones and buildings!” 2“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” 3While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, 4“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to be fulfilled?”
Jesus warns them not to be deceived. Many will come in his name, wars and rumors of wars will reach them, nations will rise against nations, and earthquakes and famines will follow. These troubles are not the end, but the beginning of birth pains.
5Jesus began by telling them, “See to it that no one deceives you. 6Many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.