In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Murray Smith of Christ College in Sydney, Australia about one of Jesus’ most debated teachings: the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24-25, Luke 21).

Murray gives us his take on the state of evangelical Christianity in Australia, and then we turn to discussing Murray’s recent book: Jesus’ Speech on the Mount of Olives: a 12-Week Study, which is designed to help Christians read this passage with clarity and hope.

Murray lays out the three major interpretive approaches (preterist / futurist / “both-and”), he explains why “full preterism” is outside of orthodox Christian confession, and then he walks us through why he believes Jesus speaks about both the destruction of Jerusalem and the final return of Christ.

Additionally, we discuss:

• Why this passage is so debated—and yet so important
• How Jesus’ cosmic “signs” function as accompanying realities of His coming
• What it means to “be ready” according to the parables in Matthew 24-25
• Why healthy eschatology produces hope, urgency, discipleship, and mission

Though Murray and I have differences in how we interpret this passage, we both hope that studying it will help believers recover a living, formative, and practical hope in the return of Jesus.

Passages referenced: Mark 13; Matthew 24–25; Luke 21; Daniel 7; 1 Thessalonians 4; 2 Peter 3; Revelation 21–22

Links to my recent messages on the Olivet Discourse:

1. ⁠The Great Tribulation & the King’s Return⁠
2. ⁠Living Ready for Jesus’ Return⁠
3. ⁠How to Prepare for the End of the World⁠
4. ⁠What to Expect on Judgment Day

Follow Theology for the People on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theologyforthepeople

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Olivet Discourse: Jesus’ Most Debated Sermon, and Why It Matters – with Murray Smith – Theology for the People

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady speaks with Murray Smith (Christ College, Sydney) to talk about one of Jesus’ most debated teachings: the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24–25, Luke 21).Murray gives a candid snapshot of the state of evangelical Christianity in Australia, and from there, the conversation turns to Murray’s book Jesus’ Speech on the Mount of Olives, a 12-week study designed to help Christians read this passage with clarity and hope. Murray lays out the three major interpretive approaches (preterist / futurist / “both-and”), he explains why “full preterism” is outside orthodox Christian confession, and then walks us through why he believes Jesus speaks about both the destruction of Jerusalem and the final return of Christ.Nick and Murray also discuss:Why this passage is so debated—and yet so importantHow Jesus’ cosmic “signs” function as accompanying realities of His comingWhat it means to “be ready" according to the parables in Matthew 24–25Why healthy eschatology produces hope, urgency, discipleship, and missionThough Nick and Murray have differences in how they view this passage, they both hope that studying it will help believers recover a living, formative, practical hope in the return of Jesus.Passages referenced: Mark 13; Matthew 24–25; Luke 21; Daniel 7; 1 Thessalonians 4; 2 Peter 3; Revelation 21–22Links to Nick's recent messages on the Olivet Discourse:The Great Tribulation & the King's ReturnLiving Ready for Jesus' ReturnHow to Prepare for the End of the WorldWhat to Expect on Judgment Day

I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here: