The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 26

the Great had lavished upon it both Roman wealth and Jewish treasure,
and even the emperor of the world had enriched it with his gifts. Massive
blocks of white marble, of almost fabulous size, forwarded from Rome
for this purpose, formed a part of its structure; and to these the disciples
had called the attention of their Master, saying: “See what manner of
stones and what buildings are here!” Mark 13:1.
To these words, Jesus made the solemn and startling reply: “Verily
I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that
shall not be thrown down.” Matthew 24:2.
With the overthrow of Jerusalem the disciples associated the events
of Christ’s personal coming in temporal glory to take the throne of
universal empire, to punish the impenitent Jews, and to break from off
the nation the Roman yoke. The Lord had told them that He would come
the second time. Hence at the mention of judgments upon Jerusalem,
their minds reverted to that coming; and as they were gathered about the
Saviour upon the Mount of Olives, they asked: “When shall these things
be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the
world?” Verse 3.
The future was mercifully veiled from the disciples. Had they at that
time fully comprehend the two awful facts—the Redeemer’s sufferings
and death, and the destruction of their city and temple—they would have
been overwhelmed with horror. Christ presented before them an outline
of the prominent events to take place before the close of time. His words
were not then fully understood; but their meaning was to be unfolded
as His people should need the instruction therein given. The prophecy
which He uttered was twofold in its meaning; while foreshadowing the
destruction of Jerusalem, it prefigured also the terrors of the last great
day.
Jesus declared to the listening disciples the judgments that were to
fall upon apostate Israel, and especially the retributive vengeance that
would come upon them for their rejection and crucifixion of the Messiah.
Unmistakable signs would precede the awful climax. The dreaded hour
would come

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