ACD Hebrew Roots Section

Study Guide for the “Olivet” Prophecies

By Brian Knowles

n this series, we have been studying the three prophecies that have been anthologically lumped together and labeled “the Olivet prophecy.” We are examining the reconstruction of Dr. Robert Lindsey as found in his book Jesus Rabbi & Lord. We have seen that the first prophecy related to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The second prophecy concerned the lives of the original apostles. Both of these prophecies have been fulfilled in historic times, namely the first century of our era. The third prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. In this article, we will examine it closely.

The End Time Prophecy

In Luke’s account, the end time prophecy is broken up into three parts. The first two prophecies are interspersed with the three parts, breaking up the end time prediction. These words of Jesus have never been fulfilled. They are for a future time.

            In his book, Jesus Rabbi & Lord, Dr. Lindsey explains what happened with the texts pertaining to these prophecies: “Because the central prophecy Jesus made about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the temple has been mixed by early editors with two other important prophecies, and because of this mixing Christian and Jewish interpreters both have often been unable to clarify what he actually said,” (p. 153).

False Messiahs

In previous articles, we have dealt with the first two of the three prophecies: the destruction of 70 AD and the apostle’s fate. We will now patch together the end time prophecy. In Luke’s account, which Lindsey believes to be written before Mark and Matthew, the initial section is found in Luke 21:8-11. He points out that just prior to his return many false messiahs would appear on the scene. He then warns us against following them.

            This is followed by a warning about “wars and revolutions.” Despite appearances, this is not the end (verse 9). He tells his followers, “Do not be frightened.” These upheavals must happen. The wars will be international in scope, “Nation shall rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom…” (verse 10).

            False messiahs and wars will be followed by “acts of God” - massive earthquakes, famines, pestilences “fearful events” and even “heavenly signs,” (verse 11).

            The end time prophecy breaks off at the end of verse 11 and picks up in verse 25. Here Jesus says the signs will be “in the sun, moon and stars,” (verse 25). Some of these astronomical disturbances may affect tides and oceans to the point that there will be “roaring and tossing of the sea,” (verse 25). Humanity will be terrorized by these events as “heavenly bodies” are shaken (v.26). (We know, for example, that the moon controls the tides on earth.)

            These frightening events will immediately precede the return of the true Anointed One of God, “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory,” (verse 27).

            Those who are alive when these events take place are commanded to “stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near,” (verse 28).

            Verses 29 through 33 revert to the 70 AD prophecy. The end time prophecy resumes in verse 34 and continues through verse 36. The last part is an admonition to last generation Christians - and any “who have ears to hear.” It tells us how we should be living and praying, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will come upon you like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live upon the face of the earth. Be always on the watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man,” (verses 34-36).

            This end time prophecy describes global conditions and happenings leading up to the triumphant return of Yeshua Ha Mashiach. Christ the Redeemer will bring redemption to his people. He will come to bring order out of worldwide chaos. His people need not fear these horrific events because they know how this movie ends. We are admonished not to backslide into the unconverted state. There will be those who say, “All is lost! The world has gone mad - we’re all going to die. I’m going to take all the pleasure I can while I can.” So they resort to “partying” and pleasure-seeking. Those who choose this path are making a major mistake.

            Jesus’ true followers, on the other hand, are instructed to pray that God will offer them a door of escape from all the chaos going on around them. We must be found by our Lord in a state of spiritual readiness. These events may or may not happen in our lifetime. Whether they do or do not, our personal “end time” could come at any moment. Consequently, we should live in a steady state of teshuvah - repentance. 

-End-