Temple Destruction and Other Signs
(Matthew 24:1–8; Luke 21:5–9)

1And as he was going out from the temple, one of his disciples said to him: Teacher, see what stones and what buildings! 2And Jesus answering, said to him: Do you see these great buildings? There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3And as he sat on the mount of Olives, opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately: 4Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished? 5Jesus answering them, began to say: Take heed, lest any one deceive you. 6For many will come in my name, saying, I am he, and will deceive many. 7But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled; for these things must be: but not yet is the end. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines, and tumults.

Witnessing to All Nations
(Matthew 24:9–14; Luke 21:10–19)

9These are the beginning of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves; for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be scourged in the synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

10And the gospel must first be preached among all the nations. 11But when they lead you to deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand, nor premeditate what you shall speak; but what ever shall be given you in that hour, that do you speak; for it is not you that speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father the child; and children will rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death; 13and you will be hated by all on my account. But he that endures to the end shall be saved.

The Abomination of Desolation
(Matthew 24:15–25; Luke 21:20–24)

14But when you see that detestable thing that makes desolate, which is spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that reads understand,) then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; 15let not him that is on the house-top go down into his house, nor enter in to take any thing from his house; 16and let not him that is in the field turn back to take his mantle. 17But alas for those who are with child, and for those who give suck in those days. 18And pray that your flight may not be in the winter. 19For these will be the days of affliction, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation which God created, till this time, and will never be. 20And unless the Lord had made those days few, no flesh could be saved: but for the sake of the elect whom he has chosen, he has made those days few. 21And then, if any one say to you: Lo! here is the Christ, or, Lo! there; believe him not. 22For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 23But do you take heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand.

The Return of the Son of Man
(Matthew 24:26–31; Luke 21:25–28)

24But in those days, after that affliction, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light, 25and the stars of heaven will fall, and the hosts that are in the heavens will be shaken. 26And then shall they see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And then will he send his angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the most distant part of earth to the most distant part of heaven.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree
(Matthew 24:32–35; Luke 21:29–33)

28But learn a parable from the fig-tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So, also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors. 30Verily I say to you, this generation shall not pass away, till all these things take place. 31Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Readiness at Any Hour
(Matthew 24:36–51; Luke 12:35–48)

32But of that day or that hour no one knows: neither the angels who are in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.

33Take heed, watch and pray: for you know not when the time is. 34As a man, going into another country, leaves his house, and gives authority to his servants, and to each one his own work, and commands the door-keeper to watch; 35watch you therefore; for you know not when the master of the house comes, whether at evening, or at midnight, or at the crowing of the cock, or in the morning; 36lest he come suddenly, and find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to all, Watch.