Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Jesus left the temple complex and was on his way, with his disciples pointing out the magnificent buildings to him.

"Don't you see all these things?" Jesus said. "I assure you that not a single stone upon another will remain here that won't be thrown down."

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately and asked, "When will these things happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?" Jesus answered them, "Be careful not to let anyone deceive you. Many will come in my name claiming to be me, and they will lead many astray."

You'll hear about wars and rumors of wars. Don't let this trouble you; all these things must happen, but the end hasn't yet arrived. Nations will rise up against each other, and kingdoms will fight against kingdoms. There will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. These are just the beginning of the sorrows.

Then they'll hand you over to be persecuted and killed, and you'll be hated by all nations because of my name. Many will turn away from me, betray one another, and even hate each other. And many false prophets will rise up and deceive many people.

As a result of increased wickedness, the love that many have for God will grow cold. But he who stands firm to the end will be saved. This good news about the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come.

When you see the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place – which Daniel the prophet spoke about – those who read this must understand that it's happening. When you see the abomination standing in the holy place, those living in Judea should flee to the mountains. Let no one on the rooftop go down to gather anything from their house, and let no one in the field return home.

Woe to those who are pregnant or nursing at that time! Pray that your flight won't be during winter or on the Sabbath day. For then there will be a great tribulation such as has not been seen since the world began – nor ever will be again.

Unless God shortens those days, no one would survive; but for the sake of his chosen people, he will shorten them. Then if anyone tells you, "Look, he's here" or "There he is," don't believe it. False messiahs and prophets will appear and perform impressive signs and wonders.

I've told you before – be careful not to fall for their tricks. If they say, "He's in the wilderness," don't go looking; if they say, "He's hiding inside," don't trust them. For just as lightning flashes across the sky from east to west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Wherever a dead body is found, you'll see eagles gathering there. Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will grow dark, the moon won't shine, and the stars will fall from heaven. The powers in the universe will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the nations on earth will mourn as they see him coming with great power and glory.

He'll send his angels to blow a loud trumpet blast, and they'll gather together his chosen ones from one end of the world to the other. Learn this lesson from the fig tree: when its branch is tender and produces leaves, you know that summer is near.

When you see all these things happening, know that it's near – right at your doorstep. In fact, I tell you the truth: this generation will not pass away until all of these things are fulfilled. Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will never disappear.

No one knows when that day or hour will come, not even the angels in heaven, but only God the Father. The coming of the Son of Man will be just like it was in the days of Noah – people eating, drinking, getting married right up until the flood came and swept them all away.

So too will be the coming of the Son of Man – unaware until the disaster strikes. Two men will be working together; one will be taken, and the other left behind. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken, and the other left.

Watch carefully, because you don't know when your Lord will come back. If the owner of a house knew when the thief was coming in, he would stay awake and not let his house be broken into. Be ready at all times – for the Son of Man could return in an hour when you least expect it.

Who then is the faithful servant who has been entrusted with his lord's possessions to give them their food at the right time? Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds faithfully serving when he comes back! He will appoint him over all his other servants.

But if that wicked servant says in his heart, "My master is delaying his return," he starts beating up his fellow servants and getting drunk with those who are partying. And then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he's not expecting it – at an hour he's unaware of – and he'll be torn apart, assigned to a place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.