The passage in question refers to the disciples asking three distinct questions Christ answers all three. We need to be careful not misconstrue the answers nor the questions out of context.
- “not one stone left on the other”- referring to either or both the destruction of the Temple or His death-
which prompts them to ask:
1. “When will this ( no stone left upon the other)happen?”
2. “what will be the sign of your coming?”
3.”and of the end of the age?”
We can follow along easily for a bit, but then things seem to get complicated or out of sequence- but they are not.
Christ describes things leading up the each point of question-the destruction of the Hebrew temple- 70AD is a verifiable fact. Along with the several descriptive pictures of the terrors that would befall the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Next He describes the facts regarding His return- a hidden fact only known by the Father God. He admonishes us all to watch and be aware-until He comes. The faithful will be waiting with trimmed wicks and not asleep-even though many will say “here and there He is”.
Finally, the end of the age- I may be a bit obtuse on this point- but I think the destruction of the Temple and the “end of the age” are about the same over-arching topic- the end of the Mosaic method of temple worship- the end of the Jewish ( more appropriately called Hebrew)and the full on era or age of the Church period - not meaning the organized 501c3 stuff, but rather the literal body of Christ on earth.
Here it seems we depart the old covenant worship model and se the end of Temple offerings etc, and now enter the age of the believer as the living sacrifice via faith in the Righteousness of Christ.
To me all the rest of the eschatological (end times) discussion is moot- live for Christ and witness until he comes, or we go.
He gave us a mission and told us to persevere. When He gives us a new order, fine. Until then, execute the last known mission.
Amen.