Bible Study Guide (Olivet Discourse – End Times Series Study Guides)
This guide will set the course to explore the end of the age according to Jesus’ teaching in what is called the “Olivet Discourse.” This teaching is found in Matthew 24-25.
In order for us to fully understand Jesus’ teaching we must understand some basic biblical truths. Many people have a very difficult time swallowing the facts we’re about establish. But these are not derived from the words of man, but God’s.
The End of the World vs. The End of This Age
Is there a difference between the end of the age and the end of this age. Yes, there absolutely is. While the world throws around the term “end of the age,” biblically speaking, there is a clear time when there will be a physical end to this world. It’s biblical meaning is in stark contrast to Hollywood’s idea of this term.
The end of this age is a different event that will occur before the end of the age.
| End of the Age | End of the World |
|---|---|
| Will occur at the end of the Tribulation. | Will occur at the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ. |
| Will occur when Christ returns to establish His rule upon this physical earth. | The physical world that we occupy today will melt and be destroyed by fire. |
| Will usher in a new age that will last for 1,000 years with Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords. | Will make way for the new earth, new heaven and the new Jerusalem. |
| Will occur at the beginning of the new age of Christ’ reign. | Will occur when the present age and the age of Christ’ reign have been fulfilled. |
First Biblical Truth
We are currently in the last days. Why? Because all of biblical prophecy spoken of by the prophets and Jesus are converging upon us today with precise and perfect accuracy. Actually, many Bible scholars believe that we are in the last hours of the last days of the end of this age.
The seven year Tribulation period that will close out this age before the return of Christ will envelop the earth. No one will be exempt from the wrath God has planned for the inhabitants that have been left behind (not raptured). All of God’s opposer’s will suffer the punishment to come for their unbelief.
Second Biblical Truth
The entire earth will come under the devastation that will arrive in the Tribulation. The center of attention will be on Israel. The Jews are God’s chosen people. Israel is the center of God’s chosen plan. Jerusalem is God’s chosen city. And the most contentious piece of property in the whole world is the Temple Mount. This is God’s chosen place.
The center of all earthly Tribulation activities is Israel. The focus on Israel is centered on the Jews. The focus on the Jews is centered on the city of Jerusalem. The very center of Jerusalem is the Temple Mount (Jewish Temple).
Now, you might say that there currently is no Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. You would be right. But there’s one coming. It’ll be built and functioning as a Jewish Temple during the Tribulation. This will be only for a short time.
But while the world is heaving and convulsing from the chaos and destruction of what mankind has brought upon itself, God has a specific plan for the Jews in the land of Israel.
This plan is what we’re going to study. It’s the end of the age for the Jews according to Jesus.
It First Came from God Through the Prophet Daniel
The prophet Daniel was the first to introduce us to the plan of God’s wrath upon the earth. He spoke of it in the prophecy of the seventy weeks (70 seven year periods). These 70 seven year periods were ordained by God. They were meant to deal specifically with the nation of Israel.
The last seven year period of the 70 was ordained to be the Tribulation Period. The book of Revelation tells us literally what’s going to happen during this 70th week (7 year period).
In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus is going to reveal what the specific end of the world plan is for Israel during this time period. Much of it is reflective of the entire world. But in many aspects, Jesus will be relating directly to the Jews in the land of Israel.
Spiritual Reflection: Watching in the Waiting – Living in the Light of Matthew 24
In Matthew 24, Jesus peels back the veil of time and offers His disciples a sobering glimpse into the future—one marked by deception, conflict, persecution, and cosmic upheaval. Yet amid the warnings and prophetic signs, we also hear a tender call: “See that you are not troubled” (Matthew 24:6), and a commission to endure, to watch, and to stay faithful until the end.
This passage is more than a timeline; it is a mirror. It challenges us to examine our hearts in light of eternity. Are we awake, or are we lulled by the comforts of this world? Are we discerning truth in a time of great deception? And are we living as if the Lord could return today?
Jesus didn’t share these things to frighten us—but to prepare us. His words anchor us in the assurance that none of what is to come will surprise God. In fact, every event is under His sovereign hand. And while the world may tremble, the believer stands secure.
Let Matthew 24 stir your soul, not just your curiosity. Let it move you to action: to share the gospel of the kingdom while there is still time (v.14), to live with urgency, purity, and compassion, and to lift your eyes—not in fear, but in anticipation.
The signs are converging. The birth pains are increasing. But the end is not despair—it is glory. Jesus will return. And those who are found watching, waiting, and faithful will see His face.
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44)
Matthew 24-25 – What Is the Olivet Discourse (End of the World) Teaching? >>