( Matthew 24 Mark 13 Luke 21) In the years following Jesus’ death, many of the features of this prophecy were fulfilled, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish system of things in 70 C.E.- Matthew 24:7, 14 Acts 11:28 Colossians 1:23.Ĩ However, the disciples had also asked about Jesus’ “presence,” which the Bible associates with the end of a whole world system of things. His followers had asked: “When will be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” In answer, Jesus gave a sign made up of many features, including the besieging of Jerusalem. (a) How do we know that Jesus’ prophecy about the surrounding of Jerusalem by armies would have more than one fulfillment? (b) How does reading the book of Daniel with understanding support this?ħ This warning was part of a long prophecy uttered by Jesus in response to an important question. How does this historical tragedy affect us? In this: Jesus’ warning that saved his followers’ lives also has meaning for us today.ħ-9. In 70 C.E., Roman legions were back, encamped around the walls of Jerusalem, and this time the city perished.

The Zealots seized the opportunity to reorganize their defenses, but the Christians abandoned the doomed city. The Romans were undermining the temple wall, and many Jews were ready to surrender when the Roman commander, Cestius Gallus, unexpectedly withdrew his troops and left. Then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains, and let those in the midst of her withdraw.” ( Luke 21:20, 21) Jerusalem was now surrounded, and the Christians waited for an opportunity to flee.Ħ This came quickly. Many years before, Jesus had warned: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near. Roman troops tried to restore Pax Romana, and soon Jerusalem was under siege. Jewish Zealots conducted guerrilla campaigns against the empire until finally, in 66 C.E., open warfare erupted. (a) How did the relationship between the Jews and Rome develop? (b) What warning did Jesus give, and how did it save the lives of Christians in 70 C.E.?ĥ Despite the fact that the Jews had chosen Caesar over Christ, relations between Jerusalem and Rome soon deteriorated. ( Colossians 1:13-20) They preached about him in many lands, and Jerusalem became the center of an international association of Christians.- Acts 15:2 1 Peter 5:9.ĥ, 6. ( John 1:11 7:47, 48 9:22) Their rulers, viewing Jesus as a threat to national security, handed him over to be executed, insisting: “We have no king but Caesar.” ( John 11:48 19:14, 15) Some Jews, however, and later many Gentiles, gladly recognized Jesus as God’s chosen King. How did most Jews react to Jesus’ preaching? Nevertheless, what gradually developed in the first century?Ĥ Nevertheless, the majority of Jesus’ fellow countrymen rejected God’s Kingdom. Hence, the Kingdom that Jesus announced was far superior.Ĥ. But the Pax Romana could never be a permanent peace, because pagan Rome and its legions could never bring about a reconciliation between man and God. It had, by means of its legions, enforced the Pax Romana (Roman Peace) throughout much of the known world. Who was trying to maintain international peace and security in Jesus’ day, and why could this never succeed completely?ģ In Jesus’ day, the Roman Empire ruled much of the earth and had its own ideas about peace and security. Examining them will teach us much about the future course of man’s “peace and security” organization, the United Nations.ģ. ( Matthew 4:23 5:9 Luke 12:32) The events that followed were very similar to events in our own century. Peace and security will finally be brought to this earth through God’s Kingdom by his Son, Jesus, at whose birth angels sang: “Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill.”- Luke 2:14 Psalm 72:7.Ģ In the first century, Jesus announced God’s Kingdom and offered peaceable ones the opportunity to become sons of God and corulers with him in that Kingdom. ( Psalm 46:1-9 127:1 Isaiah 11:9 57:21) How can this problem be solved? Happily, Jehovah himself already has the matter in hand. Why? Because mankind today is not at peace with God, and lasting security can be based only on man’s being at peace with his Creator. HOWEVER hard men try to bring peace and security through institutions such as the United Nations, they will never succeed. (a) Why will man never bring peace through organizations such as the United Nations? (b) How will God bring peace to the earth? then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains.”- LUKE 21:20, 21.ġ, 2. “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies. A “Disgusting Thing” Fails to Bring Peace

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