The Olivet Discourse is Jesus’ detailed teaching on the end times, found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In it, He responds to His disciples’ questions about the destruction of the Temple, His second coming, and the end of the age. Jesus predicted real historical events—like the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.—and warned about future global signs leading up to His return. He spoke of wars, false teachers, persecution, and cosmic disturbances, giving believers a clear picture of what to watch for.
But this message isn’t just about future events—it’s a call to live ready. Jesus emphasized spiritual alertness, faithfulness, and sharing the gospel. He made it clear that no one knows the exact time of His return, so we’re to stay prepared at all times. If you want to truly understand what Jesus said about the end times—and how it applies to your life today—keep reading for a deeper dive into the Olivet Discourse.
If you’ve ever read Matthew 24, Mark 13, or Luke 21 and felt confused, you’re not alone. These chapters make up what’s called The Olivet Discourse—Jesus’ most in-depth teaching on the end times. It’s named after the Mount of Olives, where Jesus delivered it, just days before His crucifixion.
Let’s break it down clearly, so you’ll know exactly what Jesus was talking about, what already happened, what’s still coming, and how it all applies to you today.
What Is the Olivet Discourse?
The Olivet Discourse is Jesus’ prophetic response to His disciples’ questions about the future. The conversation starts when they point out the beauty of the Temple in Jerusalem.
“Do you see all these things?” Jesus asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Matthew 24:2)
Naturally, the disciples want more details. So they ask in Matthew 24:3:
“Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
This is where the discourse begins—and it’s layered.
Three Main Questions the Disciples Asked
Understanding the Olivet Discourse starts with seeing that Jesus is answering three different but related questions:
- When will the Temple be destroyed?
- What will be the sign of Your coming?
- What will signal the end of the age?
Jesus answers all of them—but not necessarily in the order the disciples asked. He also weaves prophecy with metaphor, often blending near-term events with far-off ones.
What Was Fulfilled in the First Century?
Let’s talk history.
In 70 A.D., Roman forces destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem during a brutal siege. That fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24:2, just 40 years after He spoke it.
Many scholars agree that parts of the Olivet Discourse refer to this event:
Key Signs Fulfilled in the First Century
- False messiahs: Jesus warned in Matthew 24:5 that many would claim to be Him. This happened repeatedly before Jerusalem fell.
- Wars and rumors of wars: (Matthew 24:6) The Roman Empire was full of political instability during this period.
- Persecution of believers: The early Church faced intense persecution from both Jewish authorities and Rome (Matthew 24:9).
- The gospel preached to all nations: In a limited sense, this was fulfilled in the known world of the time (Colossians 1:6, 23).
- “Abomination of desolation”: Likely refers to pagan practices set up in the Temple before its destruction (Matthew 24:15, referencing Daniel 9:27).
What’s Still Future?
While much of Matthew 24 refers to the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus clearly shifts focus to His second coming and the end of the age—things that haven’t happened yet.
Key Future Events
- Global chaos: Matthew 24:29 describes cosmic disturbances—sun darkened, stars falling. This hasn’t happened yet.
- Jesus’ visible return: “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30). This is still future.
- Final gathering of believers: (Matthew 24:31) speaks of angels collecting the elect—a clear reference to resurrection and rapture.
Jesus gives a series of warnings and parables to emphasize readiness:
- The fig tree (Matthew 24:32): Watch for signs, just like you know summer is near by looking at trees.
- The days of Noah (Matthew 24:37): People will be living life as usual until sudden judgment comes.
- The faithful vs. wicked servant (Matthew 24:45–51): Be ready, because you won’t know the exact day or hour.
So, Are We Living in the End Times?
Short answer: yes—but not necessarily the final moment.
The Bible uses “last days” to describe the entire period between Jesus’ first and second coming (see Hebrews 1:2). But many believe we’re getting closer to the final chapter because of:
- Increase in global instability
- Moral decline
- Natural disasters
- Israel’s restoration as a nation (1948)
- Rapid spread of the gospel through technology
Still, Jesus was crystal clear: no one knows the exact time.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)
How Should You Live in Light of the Olivet Discourse?
Jesus didn’t just want to give us a timeline. He wanted us to live ready.
Here’s how:
- Stay awake spiritually
- “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)
- Don’t coast through life. Stay alert to what God is doing.
- Live faithfully
- Be like the wise servant (Matthew 24:45-47)—consistent, obedient, and trustworthy.
- Don’t let the delay in Christ’s return make you complacent.
- Preach the gospel
- The end won’t come until the gospel reaches all nations (Matthew 24:14). You’re part of that mission.
- Don’t be deceived
- Jesus repeatedly warns against false teachers (Matthew 24:24). Stick to the Word, test everything.
Key Takeaways from the Olivet Discourse
- Jesus accurately predicted the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.
- Some prophecies have already happened, but others are still future.
- We don’t know the exact timing of the end.
- Jesus wants us to stay ready—not just informed.
A Final Word
The Olivet Discourse isn’t meant to scare you. It’s a loving warning from a Savior who knows the future and wants you to be prepared. Jesus spoke these things not to spark speculation, but to stir faith, urgency, and obedience.
Whether the end is near or still far off, your mission is clear: stay faithful, stay ready, and share the gospel.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
You can count on that.
FAQS: “The Olivet Discourse Explained: Jesus on the End Times”
FAQ 1: What is the Olivet Discourse?
The Olivet Discourse is Jesus’ teaching about the end times, found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. He delivered it on the Mount of Olives in response to His disciples’ questions about the destruction of the Temple, His return, and the end of the age.
FAQ 2: Why is it called the Olivet Discourse?
It’s called the Olivet Discourse because Jesus spoke these words on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, shortly before His crucifixion.
FAQ 3: What did Jesus predict in the Olivet Discourse?
Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, widespread deception, wars, persecution, and cosmic signs. He also spoke about His future return and warned believers to be spiritually ready.
FAQ 4: Has any of the Olivet Discourse already been fulfilled?
Yes. The destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D., false messiahs, persecution of early Christians, and the gospel reaching the known world at that time were all fulfilled within the first century.
FAQ 5: What parts of the Olivet Discourse are still future?
Jesus’ visible return, the final gathering of believers, and cosmic events like the darkening of the sun and falling stars (Matthew 24:29–31) are still future and have not yet been fulfilled.
FAQ 6: What is the “abomination of desolation” Jesus mentioned?
It refers to a defiling act set up in the holy place, originally prophesied in Daniel. Historically, this likely referred to pagan practices during the Roman siege. Some believe a future fulfillment is still coming.
FAQ 7: Does the Olivet Discourse teach about the rapture?
Indirectly, yes. Matthew 24:31 describes angels gathering the elect, which many interpret as the rapture. However, views differ on the timing and nature of this event.
FAQ 8: What does Jesus say about knowing the timing of the end?
Jesus says plainly in Matthew 24:36 that no one knows the exact day or hour—not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father. The key is to stay watchful and ready.
FAQ 9: How should Christians respond to the Olivet Discourse?
Christians should stay spiritually alert, live faithfully, and keep sharing the gospel. The point isn’t to predict dates, but to live ready for Jesus’ return at any moment.
FAQ 10: Why is the Olivet Discourse important today?
Because it helps you understand where we are in God’s timeline and reminds you to take your faith seriously. It equips you to stay grounded amid deception and prepare for Jesus’ return.
