The ones asking the questions, assumed that indeed they were all one question. In their mind I imagine they thought it was all the same event. The church was a yet unrevealed mystery, they had no idea that this present passage age would see Israel put in suspense , as well as a two thousand year period of church history. But in fact the answer is proof that the questions were not the same...They didn’t know what Jesus and the Father knew, but we do now. In 70 Ad the Jews didn’t say to Jesus, “Blessed is He that comes in the name of the LORD”, but they will when this age comes to an end. We are talking about two different perspectives, that of the ones asking the questions and the one answering them. I hope this helps, will elaborate if needed as able...
Again, I appreciate your reply. When you say, “the answer is proof that the questions were not the same...,” please permit me ask you further.
1. Jesus first used the term “these things” in Mt. 23.36, when he pronounced judgment on his generation of Jews in vindication of the martyrs.
2. He then used it in Mt. 24.2 to describe the destruction of the temple.
3. The disciples used it twice in their questions for a TIME and A SIGN when “these things” were going to be fulfilled.
4. Jesus used it in Mt. 24.6 when he said, “THESE THINGS
must needs come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Wasn’t he still using the term to describe the coming judgment on his generation of Jews?
5. Mt. 24.8 - “THESE THINGS are the beginning of travail” - again, isn’t this the same subject he introduced and the disciples asked for a TIME and SIGN of?
6. Mt. 24.33 - “when ye see ALL THESE THINGS, know he is nigh, even at the doors?” - Isn’t he still talking about the same things?
7. Mt. 24.34 - “This generation shall not pass away, until ALL THESE THINGS” be accomplished.”
Why doesn’t the expression “these things” apply to the destruction of the temple, bringing an end to the Mosaic age, all the way through this chapter? And as Jesus said, all of it was going to be fulfilled in his generation.
Thanks again for reading and considering.