There are four chapters in the gospels that give an extended or an abbreviated account of Jesus' lesson to the disciples in answer to their request for prophetic teaching. We have added a few verses from Revelation to show the same order of events repeated there.

Notice how consistently all the verses listed below follow in sequence. The ONLY verses not in sequence are those in which Jesus Himself interrupts the sequence (by saying "before all these things...", etc.). Even the verses from Revelation are in sequence.

• Abbreviations used below:
• Mt. = Matthew
• Mk. = Mark
• Lk. = Luke
• Rv. = Revelation

Mt. 24:1,2; Mk. 13:1,2; Lk. 21:5,6

Jesus sparks the disciples' curiosity on prophetic matters by this comment. (This prophecy was literally fulfilled in 70 A.D. -- see * note below on the chronological placement of this event.)

Mt. 24:3; Mk. 13:3,4; Lk. 21:7

-- in response to his comment about the temple stones. Notice the multiple questions, and Jesus' multiple answers.

Lk. 17:25

In the midst of relating coming events, Jesus says..."BUT FIRST..."causing this verse to rise to the top of the list chronologically.

Lk. 21:12-20

Similarly, the words "But before all these..." causes these verses to move to the beginning of the list of prophesied events.

Here is described the church during the book of Acts and the invasion of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

* Jesus' prophecy about the temple stones is fulfilled here -- when literally every stone was taken down as people searched for the gold of the temple that had melted in the burning of the city and had run down between the stones.

Lk. 21:21-23

Here is the first of three similar sections instructing people to flee for their lives -- this time those in Judaea at the time of the invasion of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

(Similar instructions will be given by Jesus for those in similar circumstances in the last days.)

Lk. 21:24

...a condition that will last for centuries. The re-taking of Jerusalem by the Jews will signal the beginning of the last days. See note ** on next page indicating when this time period ends.

Mt. 24:4,5; Mk. 13:5,6; Lk. 21:8

False prophets and messiahs will be a regular feature during this centuries-long period.

Mt. 24:6,7a; Mk. 13:7,8a; Lk. 21:9,10; Rv. 6:4

Nations and kingdoms at war -- a constant circumstance during the centuries of Israel's dispersion.

Mt. 24:7b,8; Mk. 13:8b; Lk. 21:11; Rv. 6:6-8

...all reported in the 11 o'clock news. It's not the end times, it's just the BEGINNING of sorrows ! ("You ain't seen nothin' yet.")

Mt. 24:9-14; Mk. 13:9-13

A church's eye view of the centuries -- everything from persecution to false cults, from global missions to treachery and backsliding.

Another hint as to the end of this period and the beginning of the end...the gospel preached in all the world.

** At this time this centuries-long period comes to a close -- signalled by the retaking of Jerusalem by the Jews (1967 was the FIRST time the Jews controlled the city since Jesus spoke these words).

Events occurring at this time but not mentioned by Jesus: the final world ruler comes to power, makes a 7-year treaty with Israel involving the temple, Jewish sacrifices are renewed.

Mt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14a

...a MAJOR event to watch for...it signals a rapid series of events of critical importance to the church and the world.

Mt. 24:16-20; Mk. 13:14b-18

This is the second time Jesus gives instructions to those whose lives are in danger (a third is coming). If you are in Judea when the news of the blasphemy in the temple by the antichrist occurs, run for your lives, because this is the beginning of the...

Mt. 24:21-22; Mk. 13:19-20; Rv. 6:9-11

It will be brief, but intense...exceeding the brutality of any previous time of human suffering.

Mt. 24:23-26; Mk. 13:21-23; Lk. 17:22,23

The times are right for an expectancy of the Messiah...and for impostors to make their claims, with power to do signs and wonders. Don't be fooled...and don't go traveling, chasing rumours, for the reason given below.

Mt. 24:27,28; Lk. 17:24

When the true Messiah DOES appear, He (Jesus) will appear in the skies, visible to all ...and He will gather His own. Don't go looking for Him -- He will find YOU. His people will gather around Him like eagles around a carcass.

Mt. 24:29; Mk. 13:24,25; Lk. 21:25,26; Rv. 6:12,13

The fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel as quoted by Peter at Pentecost. It signals the end of the intense persecution of the saints.

Mt. 24:30; Mk. 13:26; Lk. 21:27,28; Rv. 6: 14,16

This is why Jesus' followers are not fooled by false Messiahs...they are looking for THIS event, and the church now knows that the rapture is about to occur.

The angels gather the church together from all parts of the earth and heaven, meeting the Lord in the skies.

Mt. 24:32-34; Mk. 13:28-30; Lk. 21:29-32

Just like you can tell summer is coming when the fig tree starts to bud...so when you see all the things mentioned above begin to happen, then you know the end is coming. Jesus gave two signals of the beginning of the end: the gospel is preached globally, and the Jews control Jerusalem.

Mt. 24:35-36; Mk. 13:31,32; Lk. 21:33

Mt. 24:37-41; Lk. 17:26-30 & 34-36

The general population thinks it is a day like any other day. But as they go about their daily routine, they are interrupted by two events: (1) the rapture occurs, separating individuals who are working together, etc. -- the Christians are taken in the rapture, the others are left, and, (2) the judgement of God begins immediately.

Lk. 17:31-33

And here is the third set of instructions given to people by Jesus to flee for their lives...this time not just those in Judea. Material possessions are to be abandoned. Since the church is now with Jesus in the skies, this advice is for those left behind -- Jews and Gentiles.

Lk. 17:37

One is left, the other is taken...where? Like eagles gathered around a carcass, so the saints will be gathered around our Lord in the skies.

Mt. 24:42-49; Mk. 13:33-37; Lk. 21:34-36

Watch...so you are not surprised by events you have been warned about...surprise for sleepers, not watchers.

Be faithful servants, always ready to give an account.

Watch...know your prophetic Scripture.

Watch...know the events that signal the end.

Watch...be aware of events going on around you.

Watch...pray...be faithful.

Mt. 24:50-51; Rv. 21:8

Tragic events on this earth are indeed coming, but far, far worse is the eternal tragedy of those who reject the Lord of love, truth and justice, and who choose greed, pleasure and hypocrisy. Beware of the eternal punishment to come.

LANDMARK BIBLESCHOOL INTERNATIONAL	/Index /back /next
156 Bedford Road, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2G 3A4 (519) 623-7000 (888) 835-7007	Rev. Harvey G. Lainson, B.B.R. Principal      Executive Director   Last update Jan 28 2000 URL: http://home.golden.net/~stefanm