Yes. I very much appreciate your thoughtful answers. This is how I learn.
I wouldn’t take that as a given. The disciples' unease stemmed from Jesus' alarming proclamation about the imminent destruction of the temple. Their distress was rooted in an unspoken belief that Jesus was destined to assume the role of the King of Israel in the future. They were left pondering a critical question: how could Jesus make his grand ceremonial entry if the temple, a symbol of their faith and religious center, was to be laid to ruin?
In Roman culture, "the Parousia" referred to the ceremonial arrival of an emperor or high-ranking official to a city. This event was marked by grand celebrations, including processions, speeches, and public festivities, symbolizing the ruler's authority and connection with the people.
As Jesus foretold the destruction of the temple, his followers were filled with curiosity and anxiety. They sought clarity about the nature of the upcoming celebration, particularly because his remarks implied that the prophets’ traditional views on this significant event might be flawed. This left them pondering how the celebration would unfold in light of such profound predictions.
How does the Olivet discourse rule out my perspective?
I don't see it that way. Jesus is describing the ending of the age, which includes the Jewish wars of AD70, other wars and rumors of wars, the tribulation period, the rebirth of the nation, the sign of the son of man, changes in the celestial bodies, persecution and destruction of Israel, and finally the Parousia of the Lord.
No, quite the opposite. Jesus gently corrects his disciples, steering them away from the misconception that his second coming, or Parousia, would occur simultaneously with the world's end. He cautions them against their eagerness for him to seize power without delay, stressing with great emphasis that his return would not happen anytime soon. He forewarns of tumultuous times ahead—wars would rage, the sacred temple would face destruction, and a protracted period of tribulation would unfold before his glorious return.
In the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in chapter 13, Jesus discusses a significant time known elsewhere as the Millennial period, which is also referred to as the "day of the Lord." This extraordinary era marks the reign of God as King over the entire earth, a rule established through His Son, Jesus Christ. The initiation of this divine period begins with a profound judgment directed at Israel. During this time, the Lord unleashes His fiery armies, who will sweep across the land, igniting everything in their path. The only exception to this devastation is the city of Jerusalem, which stands intact amidst the chaos, serving as a beacon of God's presence and authority during the unfolding of this monumental chapter in history.