“There will be signs (attesting miracles) in the sun and moon and stars; and on the earth [there will be] distress and anguish among nations, in perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea and the waves,

And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (completed).

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by [hostile] armies, then understand [with confident assurance] that her complete destruction is near.

“But be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life, and then that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap;

But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].”

Looking up, He saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury.

Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

Woe to those women who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For great trouble and anguish will be on the land, and wrath and retribution on this people [Israel].

As some were talking about the temple, that it was decorated with beautiful stones and consecrated offerings [of magnificent gifts of gold which were displayed on the walls and hung in the porticoes], He said,

So you too, when you see these things happening, know [without any doubt] that the kingdom of God is near.

as soon as they put out leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is near.

for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth.

And early in the morning all the people would come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.

Now in the daytime Jesus was teaching in [the porches and courts of] the temple, but at night He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet.

And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.

“But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, and bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake.

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with [transcendent, overwhelming] power [subduing the nations] and with great glory.

He said, “Be careful and see to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name [appropriating for themselves the name Messiah which belongs to Me alone], saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not follow them.

By your [patient] endurance [empowered by the Holy Spirit] you will gain your souls.

Then He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees;

for these are days of vengeance [of rendering full justice or satisfaction], so that all things which are written will be fulfilled.

When you hear of wars and disturbances [civil unrest, revolts, uprisings], do not panic; for these things must take place first, but the end will not come immediately.”

There will be violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and [deadly and devastating] pestilences (plagues, epidemics); and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven.

for I will give you [skillful] words and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.

people fainting from fear and expectation of the [dreadful] things coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken.

But you will be betrayed and handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death,

They asked Him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to happen?”

Then Jesus told them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this generation [those living at that definite period of time preceding the second coming] will not pass away until everything takes place.

for they all put in gifts from their abundance; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

But not a hair of your head will perish.

and you will be continually hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name.

At that time, those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are inside the city (Jerusalem) must get out, and those who are [out] in the country must not enter the city;

So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;

He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in [proportionally] more than all of them;

“As for all these things which you see, the time will come when there will not be one stone left on another that will not be torn down.”

This will be a time and an opportunity for you to testify [about Me].