The Olivet Discourse, found in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21, is one of the most important prophetic passages in the Bible. It contains Jesus’ teachings about future events, including the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. While all three Gospel accounts record this discourse, Luke’s version provides some unique insights that help distinguish between near and far fulfillments of Jesus’ prophecies.
Setting the Stage
Jesus delivered the Olivet Discourse on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixion. His disciples had marveled at the magnificent Temple, prompting Jesus to make a shocking prediction:
“As for these things which you see, the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6)
This statement naturally led the disciples to ask when these things would happen and what signs would precede them. Jesus’ response forms the content of the Olivet Discourse.
Near Fulfillment: The Destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70
Luke’s account provides several details that clearly point to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70:
- Armies surrounding Jerusalem: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.” (Luke 21:20)
- Fleeing to the mountains: “Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.” (Luke 21:21)
- Great distress in the land: “For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.” (Luke 21:23)
- Jews taken captive: “And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations.” (Luke 21:24)
These prophecies were fulfilled with remarkable accuracy when the Roman armies under Titus besieged and destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70. The Jewish historian Josephus provides a detailed account of this catastrophic event, which matches Jesus’ predictions.
Far Fulfillment: The Future Tribulation
While Luke’s account emphasizes the near fulfillment in AD 70, it also contains elements that point to a future, worldwide tribulation:
- Cosmic disturbances: “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring” (Luke 21:25)
- Global fear: “men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (Luke 21:26)
- The Son of Man coming in a cloud: “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:27)
- Redemption drawing near: “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28)
These events clearly go beyond the localized destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and point to a future, global tribulation culminating in Christ’s return.
The “Times of the Gentiles”
One key phrase in Luke’s account helps bridge the gap between the near and far fulfillments:
“And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24)
This phrase indicates an extended period during which Jerusalem would be under Gentile control. This began with the Babylonian captivity, continued through the Roman destruction in AD 70, and has persisted through much of history. The “times of the Gentiles” will only end when Christ returns to establish His kingdom.
Distinguishing Near and Far Fulfillments
Luke’s account helps us distinguish between near and far fulfillments in several ways:
- Specific vs. General Language: The predictions about Jerusalem’s destruction use very specific language about armies and fleeing, while the future tribulation is described in more cosmic and global terms.
- Local vs. Universal Scope: The AD 70 events focus on Jerusalem and Judea, while the future tribulation affects the whole earth.
- Historical Fulfillment vs. Ongoing Expectation: The destruction of Jerusalem is presented as a discrete event, while the future tribulation is linked to Christ’s return and ongoing expectation.
- Partial vs. Complete Fulfillment: While the “times of the Gentiles” began with Jerusalem’s destruction, they continue until Christ’s return, indicating a partial fulfillment in AD 70 with complete fulfillment still future.
Implications for Interpretation
Understanding the dual focus of Luke’s Olivet Discourse has several important implications:
- Prophetic Perspective: It demonstrates that biblical prophecy often has both near and far fulfillments, a principle known as “prophetic foreshortening” or “telescoping.”
- Historical Validation: The accurate fulfillment of the AD 70 prophecies gives credibility to the yet-unfulfilled predictions about Christ’s return.
- Ongoing Relevance: While some prophecies were fulfilled in the first century, others still await fulfillment, keeping the discourse relevant for all generations.
- Expectancy and Preparedness: Jesus’ warnings to be ready apply both to first-century believers facing Jerusalem’s destruction and to all believers awaiting His return.
Conclusion
Luke’s account of the Olivet Discourse masterfully weaves together prophecies about the near-term destruction of Jerusalem and the future, global tribulation preceding Christ’s return. By distinguishing between these near and far fulfillments, we gain a richer understanding of biblical prophecy and its relevance for both past and future generations.
As we study these prophecies, we’re reminded of Jesus’ exhortation: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36) May we heed His words and live in expectant preparation for His return.
