Verses 1–4
See how little Christ values outward pomp, where there is not real purity of heart. He looks
with pity upon the ruin of precious souls, and weeps over them, but we do not find him look with
pity upon the ruin of a fine house. Let us then be reminded how needful it is for us to have a more
lasting abode in heaven, and to be prepared for it by the influences of the Holy Spirit, sought in the
earnest use of all the means of grace.
Verses 5–13
Our Lord Jesus, in reply to the disciples' question, does not so much satisfy their curiosity as
direct their consciences. When many are deceived, we should thereby be awakened to look to
ourselves. And the disciples of Christ, if it be not their own fault, may enjoy holy security and peace
of mind, when all around is in disorder. But they must take heed that they are not drawn away from
Christ and their duty to him, by the sufferings they will meet with for his sake. They shall be hated
of all men: trouble enough! Yet the work they were called to should be carried on and prosper.
Though they may be crushed and borne down, the gospel cannot be. The salvation promised is
more than deliverance from evil, it is everlasting blessedness.
Verses 14–23
The Jews in rebelling against the Romans, and in persecuting the Christians, hastened their own
ruin apace. Here we have a prediction of that ruin which came upon them within less than forty
years after this. Such destruction and desolation, that the like cannot be found in any history.
Promises of power to persevere, and cautions against falling away, well agree with each other. But
the more we consider these things, the more we shall see abundant cause to flee without delay for
refuge to Christ, and to renounce every earthly object, for the salvation of our souls.
Verses 24–27
The disciples had confounded the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world. This
mistake Christ set right, and showed that the day of Christ's coming, and the day of judgment, shall
be after that tribulation. Here he foretells the final dissolution of the present frame and fabric of
the world. Also, the visible appearance of the Lord Jesus coming in the clouds, and the gathering
together of all the elect to him.
Verses 28–37
We have the application of this prophetic sermon. As to the destruction of Jerusalem, expect it
to come very shortly. As to the end of the world, do not inquire when it will come, for of that day
and that hour knoweth no man. Christ, as God, could not be ignorant of anything; but the Divine
wisdom which dwelt in our Saviour, communicated itself to his human soul according to the Divine
pleasure. As to both, our duty is to watch and pray. Our Lord Jesus, when he ascended on high, left