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Question about the Olivet Discourse

1LoverofGod

Well-known
Doesn't the Olivet Discourse consist of both Matthew 24 and 25?
And isn't it referring to the Jews and prophecy about them?
I'm confused about something.
Why is some of it's context in chapter 25 referred to as for the Church?
For instance
The parable of the Ten Virgins waiting for the Bridegroom.
And the parable of the Talents and when the Master returns we want to hear Him say
Well done good and faithful servant.
So, is the Church mentioned in the Olivet Discourse?
 
I should have searched my question before posting it here.

It appears the Parable of The Ten Virgins can apply to both Israel at Jesus second coming and the Church at the Rapture.
Readiness for The Bridegroom Jesus Return.

In the Old Testament Israel is referred to as God's bride, (or wife.) but at Jesus Messiah's second coming Jesus will take Israel as His Bride.
When this happens Israel and the church will together be Jesus Bride.

I see it this way, together, Israel and the church are Jesus Bride.
Just as Jesus described The Jews as His Sheep, and in saying He had Other Sheep not of this fold, the Church , and together would be One Flock.
John 10:16
The context of the Parable is the Brides readiness for Jesus return.

The parable of The Talents appears to refer to the Church, the Enduring Word commentary uses the terms "us" and "our" so I understand it to imply it applies to the Church being given talents, or resources, to invest it in serving The Lord.
This is where our rewards would come in.

 
I also agree with Jack's answer above. If I'm not mistaken, I think he teaches that all the parables spoken of in both Matthew chapters 24 and 25 relate specifically to Israel and not the Church who won't be present during that time period described.

I know Dr.'s Ice, Pentecost, and many other pre-trib dispensationalists teach the same.

Here's a short Dr. Ice commentary:

"Alas, we wave good-bye to chapter 24 and say hello to chapter 25. There are a number of items that need to be addressed as we move into Matthew 25, which impact how we should understand Christ’s intent in this passage. If we are wrong on these issues it will guarantee that we will misinterpret the passage (unless we are illogical in the process).

One of the first issues that should be recognized is that the parables and teachings in Matthew 25 are a continuation of the flow of the previous chapter. Jesus has not totally shifted gears and started speaking about something totally new when He enters this section. This means that these parables are related to Israel, (not the church), her first century rejection of His Messiahship, and the coming spoken of here relates to the second coming and judgment that will take place upon Christ’s arrival. Stanley Toussaint explains as follows:

This parable as well as the next one deals with the Jews in the tribulation period. This is seen from various facts. The context favors this view (Matthew 24:3, 8, 14, 15, 30, 31, 33, 42, 44, 47, 51). The subject being discussed is the end time, the final years before the kingdom is established. At the time the church will be absent from the earth. Therefore this section deals with a Jewish period of time. 1

Chapter 25 highlights that since the Jewish people missed Messiah’s first coming because of unbelief and were judged temporally in A.D. 70, they need to be prepared for His return so that they will escape judgment and enter into blessing (the millennial kingdom). “He taught that following His return (Matthew 24:30) and the regathering of the nation Israel to their land (Matthew 24:31), the nation would be brought under judgment (Matthew 25:1-30),” says Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost. “Christ used two parables to teach that the regathered nation will be judged to determine who is saved and who is unsaved. The purpose of this judgment will be to exclude the unsaved from, and to received the saved into, the kingdom that He will establish following His Second Advent.” 2 Jesus accomplishes His goal as He continues presenting parabolic lessons and teachings about judgment upon His return. Matthew 25 can be broken down into the following three sections: First, the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), second, the parables of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), and third, the judgment of the Gentiles (Matthew 25:31-46)." More at link.

He goes on further to to explain the Parable of the Ten Virgins and also dispels the wrong interpretation that some believe the parable supports a partial rapture.
 
I also agree with Jack's answer above. If I'm not mistaken, I think he teaches that all the parables spoken of in both Matthew chapters 24 and 25 relate specifically to Israel and not the Church who won't be present during that time period described.

I know Dr.'s Ice, Pentecost, and many other pre-trib dispensationalists teach the same.

Here's a short Dr. Ice commentary:

"Alas, we wave good-bye to chapter 24 and say hello to chapter 25. There are a number of items that need to be addressed as we move into Matthew 25, which impact how we should understand Christ’s intent in this passage. If we are wrong on these issues it will guarantee that we will misinterpret the passage (unless we are illogical in the process).

One of the first issues that should be recognized is that the parables and teachings in Matthew 25 are a continuation of the flow of the previous chapter. Jesus has not totally shifted gears and started speaking about something totally new when He enters this section. This means that these parables are related to Israel, (not the church), her first century rejection of His Messiahship, and the coming spoken of here relates to the second coming and judgment that will take place upon Christ’s arrival. Stanley Toussaint explains as follows:

This parable as well as the next one deals with the Jews in the tribulation period. This is seen from various facts. The context favors this view (Matthew 24:3, 8, 14, 15, 30, 31, 33, 42, 44, 47, 51). The subject being discussed is the end time, the final years before the kingdom is established. At the time the church will be absent from the earth. Therefore this section deals with a Jewish period of time. 1

Chapter 25 highlights that since the Jewish people missed Messiah’s first coming because of unbelief and were judged temporally in A.D. 70, they need to be prepared for His return so that they will escape judgment and enter into blessing (the millennial kingdom). “He taught that following His return (Matthew 24:30) and the regathering of the nation Israel to their land (Matthew 24:31), the nation would be brought under judgment (Matthew 25:1-30),” says Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost. “Christ used two parables to teach that the regathered nation will be judged to determine who is saved and who is unsaved. The purpose of this judgment will be to exclude the unsaved from, and to received the saved into, the kingdom that He will establish following His Second Advent.” 2 Jesus accomplishes His goal as He continues presenting parabolic lessons and teachings about judgment upon His return. Matthew 25 can be broken down into the following three sections: First, the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), second, the parables of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), and third, the judgment of the Gentiles (Matthew 25:31-46)."
More at link.

He goes on further to to explain the Parable of the Ten Virgins and also dispels the wrong interpretation that some believe the parable supports a partial rapture.
I have believed The Olivet Discourse was directed to the Jews. But I have found that many Pastors, good solid teachings Pastors often refer to parts of scripture in it to apply it to the Church.
How often do we hear that we Christians need to use our "talents" in our service to The Lord and want to hear Him say to us, "well done good and faithful servant". But these words Jesus uses in the Parable of the Talents in context is part of the same teaching Jesus was giving about what the Jews would be expected to do and go through as described in Matthew 24 and 25.
When Scripture is taken out of context like this it can bring questions as to whether there's accurate understanding of the entire passage. This is why I asked the question here whether it would apply to both the Jews during the Tribulation and the Church.
 
How often do we hear that we Christians need to use our "talents" in our service to The Lord and want to hear Him say to us, "well done good and faithful servant"
Many times. That's one of the reasons I had made that thread recently about lack of Rewards in heaven.
Much of my [relatively short] life I have had so many emotional battles that all i can do is just hold on and cry out to him.
While others get all over Youtube or faithfully preach for 40+ years or whatever you can come up with.
 
Many times. That's one of the reasons I had made that thread recently about lack of Rewards in heaven.
Much of my [relatively short] life I have had so many emotional battles that all i can do is just hold on and cry out to him.
While others get all over Youtube or faithfully preach for 40+ years or whatever you can come up with.
You know, at a time I could invest a lot of my time to serve The Lord. I eagerly wanted to serve Him. At one point I taught a ladies Bible study, was director of outreach. Even when my physical limitations began, I would go out to evangelize and give out gospel tracts to everyone nearby. Then I got so physically impaired I couldn't do anything like that anymore. Initially I felt guilty that I wasn't serving God as I should, I thought. But I prayed about it and God gave me such a peace because He made me realize that He understands our circumstances and abilities. Paul states in Ephesians 4:11-12....
"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ".
This is speaking of the spiritual gifts The Holy Spirit has given to us. Each one is given according to what The Lord knows we are capable of and how we can serve. Not every gift is given to all of us but we all have at least one and at times we need to pray to know what that gift or gifts are if we aren't sure what they are. Let's say if a believer has compassion for others and is helpful when someone is in need. That's a gift of mercy. Some may be prayer warriors and gifted in interceding for others in need of prayers. There's so much we can learn about what God uses us for that may surprise us. God may use us for certain things, and at other times use us for something else, It's really not about how much we do but where our heart is in what we do.
But what is important to know is that God searches our hearts above all because someone can do many things to serve but if their hearts aren't in the right place all of that service is of no value.
 
Many times. That's one of the reasons I had made that thread recently about lack of Rewards in heaven.
Much of my [relatively short] life I have had so many emotional battles that all i can do is just hold on and cry out to him.
While others get all over Youtube or faithfully preach for 40+ years or whatever you can come up with.
Beloved, I know that you are eagerly anticipating the appearing of our Lord Jesus and for this you will receive a great reward. 🥰

"Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."
2 Timothy 4:8
 
@1LoverofGod was your husband as much a student of the Bible as you are?
My husband was not a believer. When we were married before his passing I wasn't yet a believer either. I was saved years after my husband passed away. Even being saved it took a long time for me to get serious about engaging in The Word of God. Even with knowledge, it still didn't get my solid Trust in The Lord and His Word. Like I have mentioned, I had to go through much trials to figuratively get on my knees and seek God and build my Trust in Him.
I remember a time that Adrian had said something to me. He told me he "couldn't understand why I was going through so much trials and ended with saying, maybe God is preparing you for something ". You know I believe he was right. God was preparing me to strengthen me but only by my placing my complete Trust in Him. I don't think I could have done this if I hadn't been completely left alone and go through the things I did, and God kept showing me that even in the midst of it all He was with me and it was HIM that got me through each day.
I am a believer, not only in Jesus and his finished work on the cross, but I am a believer in God's faithful Word that He's given us to help us get through this course we are on as we run our race towards our prize, eternity with Jesus.
 
I have believed The Olivet Discourse was directed to the Jews. But I have found that many Pastors, good solid teachings Pastors often refer to parts of scripture in it to apply it to the Church.
How often do we hear that we Christians need to use our "talents" in our service to The Lord and want to hear Him say to us, "well done good and faithful servant". But these words Jesus uses in the Parable of the Talents in context is part of the same teaching Jesus was giving about what the Jews would be expected to do and go through as described in Matthew 24 and 25.
When Scripture is taken out of context like this it can bring questions as to whether there's accurate understanding of the entire passage. This is why I asked the question here whether it would apply to both the Jews during the Tribulation and the Church.
Barry Stagner is 1 that believes the Rapture is in Matthew 24. Here is the video he is preaching as a sub for Jack Hibbs at Jack's church. https://calvarycch.org/the-end-of-the-beginning/
 
My husband was not a believer. When we were married before his passing I wasn't yet a believer either. I was saved years after my husband passed away. Even being saved it took a long time for me to get serious about engaging in The Word of God. Even with knowledge, it still didn't get my solid Trust in The Lord and His Word. Like I have mentioned, I had to go through much trials to figuratively get on my knees and seek God and build my Trust in Him.
I remember a time that Adrian had said something to me. He told me he "couldn't understand why I was going through so much trials and ended with saying, maybe God is preparing you for something ". You know I believe he was right. God was preparing me to strengthen me but only by my placing my complete Trust in Him. I don't think I could have done this if I hadn't been completely left alone and go through the things I did, and God kept showing me that even in the midst of it all He was with me and it was HIM that got me through each day.
I am a believer, not only in Jesus and his finished work on the cross, but I am a believer in God's faithful Word that He's given us to help us get through this course we are on as we run our race towards our prize, eternity with Jesus.
Thank you for sharing :hug:
 
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