What Is the Olivet Discourse?

What Is the Olivet Discourse?

The Olivet Discourse refers to Jesus’ extended teaching on the Mount of Olives found in:

Matthew 24–25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Jesus delivers this discourse in response to the disciples’ question, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3, ESV)

It’s called “Olivet” because Jesus spoke these words while seated on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem and the temple.

Key Themes in the Olivet Discourse

1. The Destruction of the Temple (Fulfilled in A.D. 70)

Jesus foretells the destruction of the Jerusalem temple:

“Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Matt 24:2)

This prophecy was literally fulfilled in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed the temple, one of the most pivotal events in Jewish and Christian history.

Reformed theologians (e.g., R.C. Sproul, G.K. Beale) emphasize that much of Matthew 24:1–35 refers to this historical judgment, not a distant end-of-the-world future.

This demonstrates that Jesus was not mistaken in His prediction (contrary to liberal critics), and it reinforces His trustworthiness as a prophet.

2. “This Generation”

Jesus says:

“Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” (Matt 24:34)

This is one of the most debated verses in eschatology. Dispensationalists often argue that “generation” means race or refers to a future generation when these signs begin. However, the Reformed Amillennial view takes “this generation” to mean the generation alive when Jesus was speaking—first-century Jews. The phrase is consistently used that way in the Gospels (cf. Matt 11:16; 12:41–42; 23:36).

Thus, much of the prophecy (wars, earthquakes, tribulation, abomination of desolation, fleeing Judea) refers to the events leading up to and including the siege of Jerusalem and the temple’s fall.

3. Apocalyptic Language Is Symbolic

The discourse includes vivid cosmic signs:

“The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light…” (Matt 24:29)

Reformed theologians note that this type of language is common in Old Testament prophecy (see Isaiah 13:10; Ezekiel 32:7–8; Joel 2:10) to describe the fall of nations, not necessarily literal astronomical events.

Thus, Jesus draws on prophetic imagery to describe God's judgment on Jerusalem—language intended to evoke theological meaning, not scientific observation.

4. The Coming of the Son of Man

Jesus says:

“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matt 24:30)

This draws from Daniel 7:13–14, which speaks of the Son of Man coming to the Ancient of Days, not from heaven to earth. In other words:

This “coming” could refer to Jesus’ vindication, especially through the resurrection and judgment on Jerusalem, not necessarily the Second Coming at the end of history.

5. Transition to Final Judgment (Matt 24:36 and following)

Many Reformed scholars believe there's a transition in verse 36:

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows…”

Here, Jesus shifts from near-term prophetic judgment (A.D. 70) to His final return and the final judgment—the true Second Coming, which remains unknown and sudden.

This leads directly into Matthew 25, where Jesus teaches parables about readiness: the wise and foolish virgins, the talents, and the sheep and goats.

Bibliography:

1. Sproul, R.C. The Last Days According to Jesus. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998.

2. Beale, G.K. A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011.

3. Beale, G.K., and D.A. Carson, eds. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007.

4. Carson, D.A. “Matthew.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 8, edited by Frank E. Gaebelein, 3–599. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984.

5. Riddlebarger, Kim. A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003.

6. Hoekema, Anthony A. The Bible and the Future. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979.

7. Murray, John. “The Advent of Christ.” In Collected Writings of John Murray, Vol. 2: Systematic Theology, 389–397. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1977.