New Testament in a Year

Jerusalem Will Be Destroyed

(Matthew 24.15-21; Mark 13.14-19)

²⁰ When you see Jerusalem surrounded by soldiers, you will know that it will soon be destroyed. ²¹ If you are living in Judea at this time, run to the mountains. If you are in the city, leave it. And if you are out in the country, don't go back into the city. ^22 (A) This time of punishment is what is written about in the Scriptures. ²³ It will be an awful time for women who are expecting babies or nursing young children! Everywhere in the land people will suffer horribly and be punished. ²⁴ Some of them will be killed by swords. Others will be carried off to foreign countries. Jerusalem will be overrun by foreign nations until their time comes to an end.

When the Son of Man Appears

(Matthew 24.29-31; Mark 13.24-27)

^25 (B) Strange things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars. The nations on earth will be afraid of the roaring sea and tides, and they won't know what to do. ²⁶ People will be so frightened that they will faint because of what is happening to the world. Every power in the sky will be shaken.^{[a] 27 (C)} Then the Son of Man will be seen, coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ When all of this starts happening, stand up straight and be brave. You will soon be set free.

A Lesson from a Fig Tree

(Matthew 24.32-35; Mark 13.28-31)

²⁹ Then Jesus told them a story:

When you see a fig tree or any other tree ³⁰ putting out leaves, you know that summer will soon come. ³¹ So, when you see these things happening, you know that God's kingdom will soon be here. ³² You can be sure that some of the people of this generation will still be alive when all of this takes place. ³³ The sky and the earth won't last forever, but my words will.

A Warning

³⁴ Don't spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking or worrying about life. If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you ³⁵ like a trap. This day will surprise everyone on earth. ³⁶ Watch out and keep praying that you can escape all that is going to happen and that the Son of Man will be pleased with you.

^37 (D) Jesus taught in the temple each day, and he spent each night on the Mount of Olives. ³⁸ Everyone got up early and came to the temple to hear him teach.