19 By your endurance, gainF your lives.aj

THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM

20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,ak then recognize that its desolational has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must fleeam to the mountains.an Those inside the city must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, 22 because these are days of vengeanceao to fulfill all the things that are written. 23 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,ap for there will be great distress in the landG and wrath against this people. 24 They will be killed by the swordH,aq and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the GentilesI,ar until the times of the Gentilesas are fulfilled.

THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN

25 “Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars;at and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the waves.au 26 People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken.av 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloudaw with power and great glory.ax 28 But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near.”ay

THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE

29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognizeA that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place.a 33 Heaven and earth will pass away,b but my words will never pass away.c

THE NEED FOR WATCHFULNESS

34 “Be on your guard,d so that your minds are not dulledB from carousing,C drunkenness,e and worries of life,f or that day will come on you unexpectedlyg 35 like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 But be alert at all times,h praying that you may have strengthD to escapei all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”