I've heard this argument, and think it is patently absurd or a complete rationalization to get the result you want--not what the Scriptures are saying. There is a single conversation from Jerusalem to the Mt. of Olives, and it all had to do with the same thing--the destruction of the temple. I can never hope to force this belief on you, but since you're making declarations here is mine.No, it was something said at the temple. The OD started when Christ sat on the mount and was about future events unrelated to what he stated at the temple.
This may have been when Jesus was still in Jerusalem, or just leaving Jerusalem, and specifically the temple area...
Mark 13.1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”
2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Luke 21.5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
But notice how Matthew places the questions that were asked Jesus right after Jesus had left the temple area and had mentioned that it would be destroyed. He is asked "When will this happen?"
Matt 24.1 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2 “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
I'm not sure that Luke even distinguishes the temple court and the Mt. of Olives with respect to this Discourse. They are all taking place as a single conversation from temple court to Mt. of Olives.
If the questions are asked with respect to the destruction of the temple, specifically when this will take place, then Jesus' answer to this question must refer to the temple!
And indeed Jesus answered the question. He said there would be preliminary "birth pains" presaging this event, but that it would take place within a single generation. Did the Romans destroy Jerusalem and the temple within 40 years? Yes!
Not seeing this is utter blindness to me. Believe as you will.... [sigh]
Last edited: