The Destruction of Jerusalem

²⁰ “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,^(A) then recognize that its desolation^(B) has come near. ²¹ Then those in Judea must flee^(C) to the mountains!^(D) Those inside the city^[a] must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, ²² because these are days of vengeance^(E) to fulfill all the things that are written. ²³ Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,^(F) for there will be great distress in the land^[b] and wrath against this people. ²⁴ They will fall by the edge of the sword^(G) and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles^[c](H) until the times of the Gentiles^(I) are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

²⁵ “Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars;^(J) and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves.^{(K) 26} People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken.^{(L) 27} Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud^(M) with power and great glory.^{(N) 28} But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!”^(O)

The Parable of the Fig Tree

²⁹ Then He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. ³⁰ As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near. ³¹ In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize^[d] that the kingdom of God is near. ³² I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place.^{(P) 33} Heaven and earth will pass away,^(Q) but My words will never pass away.^(R)

The Need for Watchfulness

³⁴ “Be on your guard,^(S) so that your minds are not dulled^[e] from carousing,^[f] drunkenness,^(T) and worries of life,^(U) or that day will come on you unexpectedly^{(V) 35} like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ But be alert at all times,^(W) praying that you may have strength^[g] to escape^(X) all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

³⁷ During^(Y) the day, He was teaching in the temple complex,^(Z) but in the evening He would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives.^{(AA) 38} Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear Him in the temple complex.^(AB)