(Matt. 24:1-4)
Lets recall that the whole discourse on the signs of Christ’s second coming and of the end of the world stemmed from the disciples remark on the glory and magnificence of the temple buildings (Matt. 24:1). And when Jesus retorted that time was coming when no one stone of it would be left on top of the other, the disciples asked Him A…when shall these things be and what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?
The signs Christ talked about, particularly that of persecution, began to be fulfilled shortly after His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven (cp. Acts 4:1-3, 13-21; 5:17-18;7:54-60; 8:1-4; 12:1-4). And in AD 70, the temple of Jerusalem was razed down by the Romans and the Jewish nation was put out of existence as the Jews were scattered all over the world. But in 1948, the Jews returned to Palestine from all over the world and Israel, as a nation, was reborn. Since then, there has been constant struggle between the Israelis and the Palestinians over the land, particularly Jerusalem. The issue of Jerusalem and who controls it has dominated world history. David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, spoke for all Israel and said AWithout Jerusalem, there is no Israel (cp. Ps. 137:5. 6).
When Jerusalem was captured by the Israelis in 1967, a major pre-requisite for the end time scenario was met. Today, Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. But what is the significance of this to the second coming of Christ? The temple of Jerusalem will be the seat of the Anti-Christ’s government during the great tribulation (cp. Matt. 24:15,16; Dan. 12:11). And it is from the same Jerusalem that Christ will rule the whole world during the millennium ( cp. Zech. 14:1-4; Rev. 20:4-6).
Although, a Mosque is meanwhile standing in the place of the temple in Jerusalem, any moment from now, the temple (which is currently being constructed by pre-fabrication technology) would be set up in its place, and that will signal the conclusion of all arrangements for the return of the Master.