Jesus drew attention to the temple. This was a magnificent structure, and the focus of religious activity in Jerusalem. Jesus tells them that the place would be completely destroyed. This is what happened in AD70. Even individual stones were prised apart from each other so that gold leaf could be recovered. Things that seem permanent are not. In a short while men would seek to destroy the true "temple" (Jesus), only to see it rebuilt (the resurrection). The stone temple would not be rebuilt. We need to focus on what is really important. Words like these probably contributed to the false accusations later made against Jesus about Him destroying the temple.
The disciples associated this event with end of the age. They expected some apocalyptic return of Christ. We do well to heed Jesus' words on this matter.
First we are not to be deceived. There will be lots of false messiahs, and there will be lots of momentous events. We are undoubtedly closer to the return of Christ than they were 2000 years ago, but just because there are earthquakes or wars does not mean His return is imminent. We are to see to it that we are not alarmed. We need to keep a cool head.
Along with the natural and political upheavals, disciples of Jesus will be persecuted. We will be hated by all nations and some put to death. People are sometimes very keen to see the return of Christ. Obviously this is right in one sense, but the events before His return will not be a Sunday school picnic, nor will Christians be raptured just before things get tough. All the teaching in the Bible on the end times prepares God's people for difficult times.
In the midst of all this turmoil the good news will be preached to the world. So in the midst of it the work of the kingdom will go on. This is what we should focus on.
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