Resurrection Life of Jesus Church
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
PART 63: ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION
RLJ-1966
JOHN S. TORELL
JUNE 9, 2024
ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION
Jesus spoke about the abomination of desolation. This being’s name in English would be “Hateful Destroyer.” Jesus stated that this being was revealed to the prophet Daniel. Matthew 24:15
When Jesus spoke about this Hateful Destroyer, the God-man stated that he would stand in the holy place and the only holy place at this time was the temple at Jerusalem. We know from history that when the Roman army recaptured Jerusalem in A.D. 70, General Titus did not enter the temple until after the Jews were defeated.
Jesus said that when Jerusalem encompassed with armies, the destruction of the city was imminent. Luke 21:20
That means that when Jesus spoke these prophetic words, He was referring to two distinct and separate events. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
1. The destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 by the Romans.
2. The time when the Antichrist stands in the future rebuilt temple.
THE PROPHET DANIEL
Jesus was referring to the prophet Daniel, who was told the future Messiah would be killed after 62 weeks. Daniel 9:26
The question then arises, were these weeks of seven literal days. Fortunately, Daniel was provided with the answer. Daniel 9:2
The prophet Jeremiah prophesied the Jews would be in Babylon for 70 years. Each week represented one year. Jeremiah 29:10
It is impossible to determine the timeline provided in the Book of Daniel since we do not know when the decision was made to restore Jerusalem and have its streets and walls rebuilt. What we can deduce is that a prince shall come and destroy Jerusalem and its temple after the death of the Messiah. Daniel 9:25-26
The Bible is not written in chronological order.
• Daniel 9:26 refers to the timeframe when Jesus was in Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70.
• Daniel 9:27 is referring to the time of the Antichrist.
DUAL PROPHECY
Jesus warned the people living in Judah, which included the city of Jerusalem, to flee into the mountains surrounding the beloved city when they saw abomination of desolation stand in the temple. Houses at this time had flat roofs and were used like a patio. A staircase ran up the outside of the house to the roof, giving the occupant a superior view than simply standing on the ground. The time it would take to run down and flee would be minimal. Jesus emphasized the need for speed. Matthew 24:16-20
Luke recorded that when the inhabitants of Jerusalem saw their city surrounded by armies, that was their cue to flee to the mountains. Luke 21:20-23
The destruction of the temple and Jerusalem took place in 70 A.D. The Christian Jews living in Jerusalem saw the Roman army and fled to the mountains just like Jesus stated. Christian Jews are labeled “traitors” in Jewish history books because they did not stay and fight the Romans.
The double prophecy begins when Jesus speaks about the great tribulation. Matthew 24:21-22
It was not until around A.D. 90 that the apostle John received a revelation. The Great Tribulation begins when God starts to judge the Antichrist and his world federation. Revelation 8:1-13; 9:1-21; 10:1-11
Mark also recorded there will be an affliction like never before. Mark 13:19-20
DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM
Luke recorded those who remained in Jerusalem would be led away into all nations as slaves and that the city would be possessed by Gentiles. Luke 21:24
Here is a description of what happened to the Jews in 70 A.D.
“How many lost their lives during the course of the war? That is a difficult question, though, according to Josephus, the dead numbered many hundreds of thousands. There were also many thousands sold into slavery or condemned to work in the mines. From the captured, Titus picked seven hundred handsome young men to march in his triumphal procession in Rome and subsequently to be enrolled among the gladiators…” 1
It took the Roman army three years to break down the temple and the buildings on the temple ground. The words of Jesus were fulfilled; no stone was left on another.
1. Grayzel, Solomon: A HISTORY OF THE JEWS, Press of the Jewish Publication Society, 1947, pp.172- 174
Remember, it’s not so important how you begin your life after salvation, but how you finish it!
Do you have an ear to hear with?
