²⁰ “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that its destruction is close at hand. ²¹ At that time, those in Judea must flee to the mountains, those in the city must escape, and those in the countryside must not enter the city. ²² These are the days of punishment, when everything written will find its fulfillment. ²³ How terrible it will be at that time for women who are pregnant or for women who are nursing their children. There will be great agony on the earth and angry judgment on this people. ²⁴ They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations. Jerusalem will be plundered by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are concluded.

²⁵ “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. ²⁶ The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. ²⁷ Then they will see the Human One^[a] coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. ²⁸ Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.”

A lesson from the fig tree

²⁹ Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. ³⁰ When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹ In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom is near. ³² I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until everything has happened. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.

³⁴ “Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly, ³⁵ like a trap. It will come upon everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶  Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”^[b]

³⁷ Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, but he spent each night on the Mount of Olives. ³⁸ All the people rose early in the morning to hear him in the temple area.