The olivet discourse
What is the Olivet Discourse?
The Olivet Discourse is a biblical passage found in the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. It is an extended teaching given by Jesus Christ to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, just east of Jerusalem. Jesus spoke this discourse privately to his disciples after leaving the temple, when they drew his attention to its magnificent buildings.
The discourse primarily focuses on the signs and events surrounding Jesus’ second coming and the end of the age. It includes Jesus’ warnings to his followers that they will suffer tribulation and persecution before the ultimate triumph of God’s Kingdom. The discourse is also known as the “Little Apocalypse” because it includes apocalyptic language.
Key Elements of the Olivet Discourse
- The destruction of the temple – Jesus prophesied that “not one stone here will be left on another” (Matthew 24:2), which was fulfilled in 70 AD when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.
- Signs of Jesus’ coming and the end of the age – Jesus described signs like false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, apostasy, and the abomination of desolation.
- The Great Tribulation – A period of unprecedented suffering, worse than anything before or after.
- The Son of Man coming on the clouds – After the tribulation, Jesus will return visibly and gloriously to judge the world and establish his Kingdom.
- Parables about readiness – Jesus ends with parables emphasizing the need to be watchful and faithful, as no one knows the exact time of his return.
The Olivet Discourse is a key passage for understanding Jesus’ teachings about the end times and his second coming. It has been the subject of much debate and interpretation among Christians regarding the timing and nature of the events described.
Mark 13:13 states
“You will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.”
This verse comes from a passage where Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the trials and tribulations they will face as His followers. It is part of a larger discourse often referred to as the “Olivet Discourse,” where Jesus discusses the end times, the coming persecution, and the need for vigilance.
Reflection and Understanding
- Endurance in Faith:
- Jesus is preparing His disciples for the reality that following Him will not always be easy. The path of discipleship can lead to opposition and even persecution. The world may reject them because of their association with Jesus. However, Jesus assures them that despite these hardships, those who persevere in their faith will ultimately be saved.
- Perseverance:
- The key message here is the importance of perseverance. The Christian journey is often described as a race, where finishing well is what counts. Perseverance in the face of trials is a sign of deep faith and trust in God. This perseverance is not just about surviving difficult times, but about remaining faithful and committed to Christ even when it’s challenging.
- Promise of Salvation:
- Jesus doesn’t just warn about the challenges; He also offers a promise. The promise of salvation is not merely about being spared from physical harm or suffering but about being granted eternal life with God. The emphasis is on the eternal reward for those who remain steadfast.
- Application in Daily Life:
- In our lives, we may not face the same level of persecution that the early disciples did, but we do encounter challenges to our faith—whether they are societal pressures, personal struggles, or moments of doubt. This verse encourages us to stay strong in our faith, trusting that God sees our efforts and that our perseverance is not in vain.
Questions for Personal Reflection
- What are the challenges you face in your faith journey today?
- How can you strengthen your resolve to persevere through these challenges?
- What does “being saved” mean to you, and how does it motivate your daily life?
Feel free to take some time to meditate on these thoughts and see how they resonate with your current spiritual journey.
Mark 13:13 in the original Greek text
Original Greek:
καὶ ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου· ὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος οὗτος σωθήσεται.
Transliteration:
Kai esesthe misoumenoi hypo pantōn dia to onoma mou; ho de hypomeinas eis telos houtos sōthēsetai.
Literal Translation:
And you will be hated by all because of my name; but the one who endures to the end, this one will be saved.
Breakdown of the Greek:
- καὶ (Kai): And
- ἔσεσθε (esesthe): You will be
- μισούμενοι (misoumenoi): Hated (a passive participle, meaning “being hated”)
- ὑπὸ (hypo): By
- πάντων (pantōn): All (everyone)
- διὰ (dia): Because of
- τὸ ὄνομά (to onoma): The name
- μου (mou): Of me (my name)
- ὁ (ho): The one who
- δὲ (de): But
- ὑπομείνας (hypomeinas): Endures (from the verb ὑπομένω, “to endure, to remain steadfast”)
- εἰς τέλος (eis telos): To the end
- οὗτος (houtos): This one (referring to the one who endures)
- σωθήσεται (sōthēsetai): Will be saved (future passive indicative of σώζω, “to save”)
Understanding the Literal Translation
- “And you will be hated by all because of my name“ speaks to the universal opposition that disciples of Christ may face due to their association with Him.
- “But the one who endures to the end, this one will be saved“emphasizes the necessity of perseverance for ultimate salvation.
The verse’s structure highlights both the challenge of discipleship and the promise of salvation for those who remain faithful. The use of the future passive “will be saved” indicates that salvation is not something the disciple achieves on their own but is something given by God in response to their endurance.
