Part 2
27c-And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate
In Luke 21:20, Jesus prophesies the impending destruction of Jerusalem, a consequence of His rejection and crucifixion. This event signifies not only physical devastation but also a spiritual estrangement between God and His people. Luke’s portrayal of Jesus as the Son of Man and the destruction of Jerusalem underscores the central theme of Jesus’s identity and mission. Furthermore, Luke’s focus on Jerusalem suggests that the impact of Jesus’s crucifixion extends beyond the physical Temple to encompass the entire city and its inhabitants. While the crucifixion of an ordinary man would not result in spiritual or a physical desolation, the crucifixion of Jesus, who is both fully human and fully divine, carries profound implications. It symbolizes the rejection and betrayal of God's chosen Messiah, leading to a deep rupture in the relationship between God and His people.
In all three Gospels, Jesus clearly identifies His crucifixion as the event representing the "abomination that causes desolation." This consistent message across the Gospels highlights the profound significance of His sacrifice in bringing about spiritual desolation and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem. By presenting this message from different perspectives, Jesus ensures that His followers understand the deep implications of His crucifixion and its fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.
And perhaps there is another thing to consider. In Matthew and Mark, Jesus mentions the exact same phrase, but not in Luke. This subtle difference might offer additional insight into how each Gospel emphasizes different aspects of Jesus's message and mission. In Matthew and Mark, Jesus will mention the exact same phrase, but not in Luke:
... spoken of by Daniel the prophet,"
In Matthew and Mark, Jesus refers to the phrase "spoken of by Daniel the prophet." While specific verses might resonate differently in each Gospel, the overarching message remains consistent: Jesus is fulfilling Messianic prophecy as foretold by Daniel. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus's mention of Daniel likely emphasizes the prophecy of the Messiah as the Prince, aligning with Daniel 9:25c. This highlights Jesus's role as the promised King who belongs in the Temple, bringing salvation and establishing His kingdom. On the other hand, Mark's Gospel may direct attention to Daniel 9:26a, which speaks of the Messiah being "cut off" but not for Himself. This underscores Jesus's sacrificial death as the suffering servant who atones for the sins of humanity. Unlike a king, a servant would not typically be found within the Temple, yet Jesus's presence there as the ultimate sacrifice fulfills His role as the suffering servant. Essentially, God is looking at Jesus as a Prince in the restorative verse of 9:25c, but He sees Him as the Suffering Servant (Lamb of God) who will take away the sin of the world in the destructive verse in 9:26a,
And finally, there is another series of verses found in Matthew 24. There are a series of questions posed to Jesus, and He provides His disciples with some very difficult statements. There is one section of Chapter 24, verses 15 to 22, that, for the most part, are interpreted to be end-time events. Perhaps there is another interpretation where these verses, or part of them, speak to Jesus during His 3.5-year ministry (and therefore, 9:24–27).
15Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand). ….22And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
These verses in Matthew Chapter 24 often evoke thoughts of the "great tribulation period." However, there's another interpretation to consider, one that aligns these events with the last week in Daniel’s seventy-weeks-of-years prophecy. Within this context, Jesus, identified as the "abomination that causes desolation," is crucified.
Once again, we might look back to the time when the Jews were in the wilderness. When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, the millions were wondering how they were going to be fed, how are we going to get enough daily water within this desert. This was an impossible situation. But God would indeed provide Manna from heaven. When the people first saw the Manna on the ground, they wondered in amazement saying to each other, "What is this?", which is exactly what "Manna" means in Hebrew -- "What is it?" They were receiving the food of angels, [Psalm 78:24-25] which sustained them the entire time in the desert. But as time passed...the people got used to this miraculous provision, began to take it for granted, and even be bored with it, and, of course...the wonder of God's supernatural provision evaporated. Israel lost sight of the miracle that God was doing in their lives each and every day.
This scene will be repeated during the ministry of Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated divine authority through miraculous deeds and profound teachings. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, raised the dead, and performed extraordinary feats that testified to His identity as the promised Messiah. Despite these clear signs, many refused to acknowledge Him as their Savior. Thus, the crucifixion became an essential part of God's plan of salvation. It serves as a decisive moment, prompting individuals to reflect on Jesus's teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of prophecy.
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus captivated the world, igniting widespread discussion and debate. Did this man truly rise from the dead? This pivotal event compelled people to reexamine the Scriptures, seeking to understand the fulfillment of numerous messianic prophecies. In doing so, they encountered the profound truth of Jesus's identity and the salvation He offers to all who believe. Rather than completing the entire seven-year period set forth in Daniel’s seventy-weeks-of-years prophecy, the Lord chose to accept His own crucifixion willingly.
This act challenges each person to make a personal decision about their faith. Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. The crucifixion marks a crucial moment, demanding that every individual determine if Jesus is their Savior and Lord. He did not come merely as a healer, magician, good man, or prophet; He came to save the world. Without the cross, there is no salvation. Jesus could have continued performing miracles for the full seven year period of the last week of the prophecy, or continued for 40 years; He still would not be accepted as their Messiah.
Jesus willingly became God’s sacrificial Lamb, embracing crucifixion for the sake of humanity. He is the one who shortened the days within the last week of Daniel’s seventy-weeks-of-years prophecy, emphasizing His central role in God's intricate plan of salvation. This narrative isn't focused on end-time events or prophecies, but on Jesus—the central figure who offers redemption to all. God’s plan of salvation is beautifully woven, with every thread in Daniel perfectly connected and sewn together. Even attempts to pull out threads by the little horn cannot destroy the image on this divine tapestry, unless one chooses to see it that way!
Jesus would willingly shorten those days (the last week in Daniel’s seventy-weeks-of-years prophecy); otherwise, no flesh would be saved.
The message within these verses (Matthew 24:15-22) are not end time events or prophecies, rather they speak directly to the times of the Messiah and His crucifixion. He knew “those days would have to be shortened” to fulfill His mission given to Him by His Father.
