28
When these things begin to take place, stand up. Hold your head up with joy and hope. The time when you will be set free will be very close."
29
Jesus told them a story. "Look at the fig tree and all the trees," he said.
30
"When you see leaves appear on the branches, you know that summer is near.
31
In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that God's kingdom is near.
32
"What I'm about to tell you is true. The people living at that time will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
33
Heaven and earth will pass away. But my words will never pass away.
34
"Be careful. If you aren't, your hearts will be loaded down with wasteful living, drunkenness and the worries of life. Then the day the Son of Man returns will close on you like a trap. You will not be expecting it.
35
That day will come upon every person who lives on the whole earth.
36
"Always keep watching. Pray that you will be able to escape all that is about to happen. Also, pray that you will not be judged guilty when the Son of Man comes."
37
Each day Jesus taught at the temple. And each evening he went to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives.
38
All the people came to the temple early in the morning. They wanted to hear Jesus speak.