Jesus’ Prophetic Warning in Matthew 24

During His famous Olivet Discourse, Jesus gave this chilling prophecy:

“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place… then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
— Matthew 24:15–16 (ESV)

Clearly, Jesus expected His followers to know what Daniel said—and to recognize a future fulfillment of it. His words point to an event so blasphemous and shocking, it will mark a major turning point in the end times.

What Did Daniel Say?

The term “Abomination of Desolation” originates in the book of Daniel, where the prophet speaks of a time when a king will desecrate the Jewish temple:

“Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.”
— Daniel 11:31

This prophecy was partially fulfilled in 167 B.C. when the Seleucid king Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig on the Jewish altar and erected a statue of Zeus in the Holy of Holies. But Jesus, speaking centuries later, referred to a future fulfillment still to come.

What Will the Future Abomination Be?

According to Bible prophecy, the Abomination of Desolation will occur in the middle of the 7-year Tribulation period (see Daniel 9:27). This is when the Antichrist breaks his peace covenant with Israel and desecrates the rebuilt Jewish temple.

Paul sheds more light in 2 Thessalonians 2:

“The man of lawlessness… takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4

This blasphemous act—where a false messiah enters the temple and declares himself divine—is the final insult. It is the abomination. And it brings spiritual desolation.

Why Is It So Significant?

The temple in Jerusalem is meant to be the holiest place on earth—a place where God’s name dwells. To defile it by placing a false god, or a godless ruler, in the Holy of Holies is to commit spiritual treason on a cosmic scale.

This act:

• Breaks the covenant of peace with Israel
• Marks the beginning of the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21)
• Divides the world into those who worship the beast and those who remain faithful to God

Jesus warns that when this event happens, immediate action is required—especially for those living in or near Jerusalem.

Is the Temple Going to Be Rebuilt?

For this prophecy to be fulfilled literally, there must be a third temple in Jerusalem. Many Christians believe preparations are already underway:

• Priestly garments and utensils have been recreated by the Temple Institute
• Training of Levitical priests is ongoing
• Talks of rebuilding have increased tension on the Temple Mount

The Antichrist’s future actions assume the temple is functioning. His desecration of it will echo Antiochus—but far worse.

What Happens After the Abomination?

The desecration sets off the second half of the Tribulation, also called the Great Tribulation. This period is marked by:

• Intense persecution of Jews and Christians
• Worldwide deception and forced worship of the beast
• Unleashing of the trumpet and bowl judgments of God (Revelation 8–16)

This is the time Jesus says has “never been equaled and never will be again” (Matthew 24:21).

Could This Be Symbolic?

Some interpret the Abomination of Desolation symbolically—suggesting it represents false worship or spiritual corruption. While spiritual deception is real, Jesus’ words point to a specific event, in a specific place: the “holy place.” That strongly implies a literal act in a literal temple.

And if Jesus interpreted Daniel literally, so should we.

Is the Abomination of Desolation Near?

No one knows the exact day, but we can observe the signs:

• Increasing pressure for peace in the Middle East
• Talks about rebuilding the temple
• Technologies that could enforce global worship or digital control

These pieces may be falling into place. When the Antichrist arises, he may appear as a peace-broker—only to reveal his true nature at the midpoint of his reign.

Jesus’ Command: Flee

Jesus didn’t tell us to debate or theorize when we see the abomination. He told us to flee. His words to those in Judea—“Let no one go back for a cloak”—reveal the urgency and danger of that moment.

It’s a warning and a mercy: God tells His people ahead of time so they won’t be caught off guard.

Final Thoughts

The Abomination of Desolation is a prophetic flashpoint. It signals a final act of defiance against God—and the beginning of divine wrath poured out on the earth.

Jesus told us to watch for it. Not in fear, but in readiness. For when this happens, the return of the true King is near.

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