"They will see the Son of Man coming..."

Some of the disciples of Jesus were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. Chapter 21:1-38 is an extended conversation between Jesus and his disciples...


Jesus provokes them in their adoration of the Temple and says, "As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."

"Teacher when will these things be...?"

Jesus responds by directing them to the near future and the far future:

1. The Near future: The destruction of Jerusalem 70AD

"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near... There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The destruction of Jerusalem is a judgement on the city which Jesus has anticipated in 19:41-44 "they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation"

In 70AD general Titus besieged Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple. What do we learn of Jesus' prophetic insight? How does that comfort us for his other promises?

The near future is a forunner for the far future.

2. The Far future: The coming of the Son of Man ??AD

Jesus moves from the near future to the far future.

"At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Jesus applies Daniel's vision of the Son of Man to himself 7:13-18

Our creeds remind us

"He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come agian to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end"


How should we respond now to the future yet to come ?

a. Don't be led astray for many will come in my name V.8 ...

b. Stand firm, and you will win life not a hair of your head will perish. V.19

c. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. V.36"

Don't be led astray, Stand Firm, Watch, Pray... the Son of Man is coming!

GP