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This series of short lessons attempts to detail Jesus’ Roadmap for the Future. It starts with the last lessons Jesus gave the disciples on the Mount of Olives, and ends with teachings from the Apostle Paul about the Rapture.

As an introduction, the Olivet Discourse was aimed at the consequences of Israel’s rejection of Jesus as Messiah, and anticipated the destruction of the nation (70 A.D.) and the final Tribulation period. Remember that the Church Age is an intercalation—meaning an insertion, like a parenthesis, into the Age of Israel. This means that with the Rapture of the Church, the Tribulation picks up where 70 A.D. leaves off. This is why the Church Age is called a “mystery” (Rom. 11:25; 16:25; Eph. 3:1–13; Col. 1:26–27), which is a graduate course to “the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10).
The Olivet Discourse reveals the consequences of Israel’s rejection of her Messiah (compare Matt. 23:37–39 and Rom. 9:1–5; 10:1–4; 11:25). These consequences are defined by Paul as “wrath … to the uttermost” (1 Thess. 2:15–16).
The outline is actually given by Jesus Himself, by using certain key words as markers of the divisions. Perhaps the most obvious of these words is “Then,” a time-word indicating a sequence of events. We find this in Matt. 24:1, 9, 11, 16, 21, 23, 29, 40; 25:1, 7, 16, 24, 34, 37, 41, 44, 45. With the exception of its use in Matt. 24:1, where it connects Jesus’ departure from the Temple with the following discourse, in all the subsequent times, it is used specifically to refer to the Tribulation period followed by His Second Coming. It is worth quoting Mark, here, for the statement he includes:
“For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.” Mark 13:19
In Matthew 24, Jesus gives us an outline, speaking of “tribulation” (Matt. 24:9), followed by “the abomination of desolation” (Matt. 24:15, see Dan. 11:31; 12:11), which is then followed by “great tribulation” (Matt. 24:21) and, finally, “after the tribulation of those days” (Matt. 24:29) by the return of Christ to Earth (Matt. 24:30–31). Although both Mark 13 and Luke 21 include portions of this message, only Matthew gives us such a clear picture of the chain of events.

Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2000

Life of Moses #23

Moses points to Christ. There's a righteousness apart from the law; but the law points to it (Rom 3:21). Moses as representative of the law, points us to Christ (Gal 3:24). Moses often represents the first five books of the bible (Luk 24:27). Moses could view the land but not enter it (Deu 34:1-3). Application: (1) Law can't save you; (2) cannot make you spiritual -- cannot lead you to rest.; (3) the law cannot bless you (Rom 3:20) -- that which comes by faith. The representative of the law, Moses, could not go into the land (Deu 34:4-6, Heb 6:18). Sin separates us from God's plan (Isa 59:1-2). Moses testifies to the faithfulness of God and sinfulness of man. Joshua took over to go into the land (Deu 34:9). There was a fight over the body of Moses when he died (Jud 1:9). Joshua is a prophetic picture of Christ (Hebrew for "Jesus"): Only the Lord can give us rest, lead us to blessing, spirituality and fruitfulness depends upon the finished work of Jesus. The failure of Moses: Situation was "no water" again. The people say in essence that "God didn't fulfill His promises" (Num 20:1-6); carnality never changes. Moses is a type of Christ (Num 20:6): he is a deliverer; he is a law giver (Jam 4:11); he is the mediator (1Ti 2:5); he is an intercessor (Joh 17:1-26); he is our mentor -- the instructor and example. The Lord told Moses to speak to the rock (Num 20:7-8). Same situation occurred before (Exo 17:6). Moses knew that the rock represents Christ, the Messiah (1Co 10:4); Jesus Christ was smitten just once for our salvation (Heb 10:10, Heb 10:12, Heb 10:14, Joh 19:30). Salvation was wrought before Christ died while on the cross. The cross gives us our criteria and perspective of the resurrection. Moses violates the principle of the cross (Num 20:10-11). God gave water in grace, but the mark of spirituality is the cross with joy. God responds to Moses (Num 20:12-13) Moses didn't believe, obey, nor glorify God. The Lord invites us to join in His glorification; if we don't He still glorifies himself. Speaking to the rock is what is necessary - "...call upon His name..." (Rom 10:13). The Law cannot lead you to victory, but must lead you to Christ. Moses recounts the scene (Deu 3:23-28). The Law giving way before Christ is Moses handing over command to Joshua. Moses directly prophesied Christ "the Prophet" (Deu 18:15-19). Moses and Elijah will be recognized (Luk 9:28-30). They represent the Law and the Prophets. The transfiguration (Joh 1:14). Moses and Elijah have work yet to do (Rev 11:3-12) to establish right relationships with God. This was prophesied (Mal 4:1-6). They'll turn hardened rebellious people back to the Lord during the tribulation.

Scripture References: Hebrews 10:10, Deuteronomy 34:1-3, Romans 10:13, Jude 1:9, Malachi 4:1-6, Exodus 17:6, Luke 24:27, Numbers 20:12-13, Deuteronomy 34:9, Revelation 11:3-12, Numbers 20:7-8, Galatians 3:24, Numbers 20:10-11, Isaiah 59:1-2, John 1:14, John 17:1-26, Romans 3:21, John 19:30, Hebrews 6:18, Luke 9:28-30, James 4:11, Hebrews 10:14, Deuteronomy 34:4-6, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Numbers 20:6, Hebrews 10:12, Romans 3:20, Deuteronomy 3:23-28, Numbers 20:1-6

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