23 “If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’a or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it.b 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray,c if possible, even the elect. 25 Take note: I have told you in advance. 26 So if they tell you, ‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.d 28 Wherever the carcass is, there the vulturesA will gather.e

THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN

29 “Immediately after the distressf of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earthB will mourn;C and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.g 31 He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet,h and they will gather his elect from the four winds,i from one end of the sky to the other.

THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE

32 “Learn this lessonj from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, recognizeD that heE is near—at the door.k 34 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place.l