The Return of Jesus

Matthew 24:15-35

Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the
buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to
you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” As he
sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these
things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:1-3 

Some say these signs/events all took place in the PAST 
Others say these signs/events will all take place in the FUTURE 
Still others say some signs/events were fulfilled in the PAST; others will be fulfilled in a more
complete, glorious way in the FUTURE

A Flyover of Each Perspective
The Strengths of Each Perspective 
What difference does it make?   
A Fly Over 
What are the strengths of the PAST view?  
Calls out Jesus as a Prophet
Calls out Jesus as a Shepherd
Consistent with the Timing Jesus gives
Consistent with Answering the questions in sequence  

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son,
but the Father only.
Matthew 24:36

What are the strengths of the FUTURE view?
It accounts for the details pointing to a global, cataclysmic view of the Great Tribulation.  

It has a strong argument for the type of “abomination of desolation” that parallels Antiochus
Epiphanes.
It accounts for the “uncontainable” language surrounding the global, cataclysmic return of
Jesus.
It relies less on figurative language or interpretations.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58