Passion Week Day 4
The Olivet Discourse, Signs of Devastation

The Olivet Discourse is the name given to the orderly and extended teachings, given by Jesus Christ on the Mount of Olives during Passion Week.

Matthew 24:4-8 NLT
“Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 

Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”

The disciples were curious about the end times, so Jesus sat them down and told them of things to come in the tribulation. Understand, the rapture of the church will happen before the tribulation period but this warning that Jesus gives is a warning for Israel.

Israel as a majority, those who will not accept Jesus Christ as Lord, will have to go through the tribulation. Israel will go through unspeakable devastation because they will not believe that Jesus was and is the Messiah.

We, as the church, those who have asked forgiveness of their sins and ask Jesus Christ in the hearts and lives, will be gone. Taken to heaven to be with Jesus.

It’s amazing to me that Jesus knows He will suffer and die in just a few days and is still willing to teach the disciples about the future. That is a loving, caring Savior.

Understand, yes He is God in flesh, but He will still feel the pain, suffering, rejection and betrayal! Yet He will do whatever it takes to save you and me. The complete Olivet Discourse is found in Matthew 24-25:46, Mark 13:1-37 and Luke 21:1-37.

Prayer:
Lord, You are amazing! Your love, acceptance, forgiveness and servant hood is beyond all comprehension. Thank You for Your sacrifice, thank You for giving Your life for me. One more thing Lord, prepare the hearts of Your people, the ones that will believe in You before the tribulation and use me to reach them.