Hello Bambi.
I do agree with the interpretation that you presented in your last post Bambi.
The reason your interpretation is sound at this point is the context that Matthew 24 demands has
been followed by you.
Jesus is answering the three questions that the disciples asked Him, these three questions are crucial
in understanding Matthew 24 as a whole.
Matthew 24
3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying,
“Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and
of the end of the age?”
Question 1 - When will the temple be torn down
Question 2 - What will be the sign of your coming
Question 3 - What will be the sign of the end of the age
Jesus was answering the first question about the timing of the destruction of the temple.
Jerusalem was destroyed by Titus in AD70, and the temple was demolished stone by stone.
Jesus is telling the disciples that the beautiful temple that stands before them will be torn
down. Jesus also adds that when this event occurs 'those who are in Judea must flee'.
No time for hesitation Jesus tells the disciples, leave when you see the desolation.
So the verses (15-20) in Matthew 24 comprise the answer to the first question asked by the disciples.
Now Bambi would you care to continue to interpret Matthew 24 within the context of the three questions
that the disciples asked.
Are you wanting me to answer the three questions you have posted or do you want me to go through each verse following vs 20 and give you an interpretation?
I'll just answer for now those three questions, because my answer is still 70 AD.
Q-1 Well we know according to history the temple was torn down in 70 AD. But their question was, "When shall these things be?" Which would be the same answer. At the end of chapter 23 Jesus tells us that, "Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." Mt 23:36 Also in Mat 24:34 "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." So within a generation (40 years) these things would be fulfilled.
Q-2 Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
The sign will be Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Some people say that this is a literally coming, his second coming. In context of scripture this isn't. This is Christ coming in judgment against those who Christ judged in Matt 23. In the Old Testament God came in the clouds but the people never saw him. It's the samething here, Christ comes in judgment but you will never see him.
Exo_19:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.
Psa 97:2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. Jer 4:13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.
Nah 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
Q-3 Some believe that this is referring to the end of the world. Which is funny if you think about those who believe God's promise to Israel, concerning land was for forever. It's not if the world ends. But I don't believe it will end. There are some verses in the Old Testament that say the world is forever.
Psa_78:69 And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever.
Psa_104:5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
Ecc_1:4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
Your question gives a clue to the answer. It is the end of an age. This is the end of the Jewish religion age. There will be no more temple worship.
Joh 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Joh 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The answer to what, will be the destruction of the temple.