The Jerusalem temple was a marvellous building which the Jews took pride in (v1). Jesus speaks of it soon being destroyed (v2). The disciples ask when this will happen and Jesus’ reply speaks of this event (which would happen in AD 70) and also about the end of the world. There are signs which will show that the end of the world is near. There will be deceivers (v5-6), wars, famines, earthquakes (v7-8), persecution (v9), and the spread of the Gospel to all nations (v10).

Jesus warns of very difficult days for Christians, but they are not to be dismayed for they will know God’s help (v11) and those who by God’s grace endure to the end will be saved (v13). These future events must encourage us to be sure where we stand with Christ, to draw closer to Him and to seek His strength in our lives.

The ‘abomination of desolation’ (v14) (see Daniel 9 v27, 11 v31, 12 v11) refers to the desecration of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70 but also points to the coming Antichrist at the end of the world. This person would seek to pervert and destroy the true worship of God. The destruction of the temple and the coming of the Antichrist would both come with a time of great suffering for God’s people (v15-19).

Jesus’ message is that the Christian is to take heart as God reigns (v20 & 26-27). No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we are nevef beyond the reach of God. (v27) His arm is mighty to save, and He takes his people to the heights of Heaven.