Jesus often taught large crowds using parables but spoke plainly with his disciples. Sometimes Jesus would share a parable with the crowd and then explain the meaning of it to his disciples, in a more private setting. On Tuesday of Holy Week, on the Mount of Olives, Jesus was more forthcoming with his disciples than he ever had been before.
Jesus discussion with the disciples is found in the synoptic Gospels in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13 and Luke 21. There are many similarities and a few differences in the way the discourse was given but all three versions contain these elements: Jesus foretells the destruction of the Temple and/or Jerusalem, he tells of his second coming (as the Son of Man), he explains the lesson of the fig tree, and he tells them to be watchful for no one knows the day or hour. Each day the crowds would come here him teach in the temple, in Jerusalem, and each evening he would teach the disciples on the Olivet Mountain where he was staying.
There is some symbolism that is subject to interpretation. When there is disagreement, we can discuss the different schools of thought. I might even tell you which I believe is most likely. But what we will not do is argue about it. If someone is so convinced that their interpretation of the abomination of desolation is the only correct one, and they believe it is important enough to fight over. I will just concede the argument and let them have it. I consider that argument, and many others, to be purely academic. Winning the argument will not change anything on a practical level.
There are also some things I believe we can be certain of. We can be sure that Jesus will return, as he says not only here but in other places. The scripture is clear that no one, not the angels in heaven, not even Christ himself, knows when the second coming will be. Only God the Father knows. And yet people have made predictions they claimed as certainties again and again. Do not listen to those people. If they are wrong about that, they are probably wrong about other things. The Bible plainly says no one knows so their ability to read and interpret scripture should be questioned. We are also warned of false teachers.
Jesus is coming back but we don’t know when. That should have an affect on our decision making process on a daily basis. We have to be ready, there will not be time to get ready. Be sober and vigilant, watching and waiting, because his appearing could be at any moment. Love God and love others; share the Gospel with family, friends, neighbors and strangers so they can be ready too. It is the best decision you will ever make and hopefully on that point there is no debate.
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