
What in the Word?
What is the Olivet Discourse Predicting? | Mark Strauss on Mark 13, Matthew 24, and Luke 21
Mar 12, 2025
Dr. Mark Strauss, a New Testament professor and involved in the NIV Bible translation, takes a deep dive into the Olivet Discourse. He discusses the intriguing predictions of Jesus regarding Jerusalem's destruction and his future return. The conversation covers various interpretative lenses: preterist, futurist, and others. Strauss emphasizes how Jesus's apocalyptic language encourages us to stay vigilant amid current tribulations. Listeners gain insight into how these ancient texts remain relevant to modern faith and expectations.
51:43
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Quick takeaways
- The Olivet Discourse presents complex interpretations regarding the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and Christ's second coming.
- Despite varied views, the core message emphasizes the need for vigilance and readiness among believers in uncertain times.
Deep dives
The Complexity of the Olivet Discourse
The Olivet Discourse presents a complex interaction concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and Jesus' second coming. It raises critical questions about whether Jesus refers to the historical events of AD 70, his future return, or a combination of both. The discourse's difficulty is highlighted by the disciples' question regarding when the temple will be destroyed and what signs will accompany these events. This blend of prophecy creates confusion as Jesus seems to reference both the temple's destruction and apocalyptic signs, leading to various interpretations of his message.