Chapter 32 - Further Instruction to the Apostles

Prophecies and Background:
  - This chapter discusses prophecies relating to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Lord's future advent.
  - References to scripture:
    - Matthew 24:3-51
    - Mark 13:3-37
    - Luke 21:5-36
  - Comparison with the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith History 1.
Setting and Context:
  - Jesus, traveling from Jerusalem to Bethany, stops on the Mount of Olives.
  - Views in the late afternoon sun include the city and magnificent temple of Jerusalem.
  - Approached by Peter, James, John, and Andrew asking for explanations of his predictions about the temple's destruction.
The Apostles' Inquiry:
  - They ask:
    - When will these things happen?
    - What will be the sign of the Lord's coming and the end of the world?
  - The inquiry highlights a belief that the destruction of the temple is connected with the end times.

Focus on Events Rather Than Dates:
- The Lord's reply emphasizes events that herald the end, with a warning to avoid deception by false messiahs.
- "Take heed that no man deceive you" - a critical caution.
Warnings of Future Trials:
  - Before Christ's return:
    - Wars and conflicts: Nations rising against nations and kingdoms.
    - Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes across various places.
    - These conditions mark the beginning of sorrows.
Persecution of the Apostles:
  - Apostles warned they would face trials:
    - Persecution from individuals and authorities.
    - They would be brought before councils and rulers, even facing death for their testimony.
  - Assurance from Jesus: They would be guided by the Holy Ghost in their defense.

Instruction to Endure:
  - Apostles must possess their souls in patience through trials. (Luke 21:19).
  - Their mission is to preach the gospel to all nations amidst false prophets and family betrayals due to differing beliefs.
  - Love for the gospel would dwindle, and iniquity would increase. Only those who endure will be saved.
Signs Before Destruction:
- When the "abomination of desolation" appears, as spoken by Daniel, it's a sign to flee Jerusalem. (Daniel 9:27).
- Specific signs include armies surrounding Jerusalem.
Instructions for Escape:
- Those in Judea should flee to the mountains without delay.
- Women and mothers should pray for escape not in winter or on the Sabbath due to difficult conditions.

Consequences of Destruction:
  - The tribulations would be unprecedented in Israel's history.
  - Many would die by sword, others taken captive and scattered.
  - Jerusalem would be trodden down by Gentiles until their time is fulfilled.
  - Jesus predicts all these events would occur as foretold.
Deceptions After Destruction:
  - After these events, false prophets will deceive many, claiming knowledge of Christ’s location.
  - Instructions:
    - Do not believe these claims.
    - Jesus reassures His followers of His omniscient warning.

Unmistakable Coming:
- The Lord’s coming will be as evident as lightning shining from east to west (Matt 24:27).
- The gathering of Israel will be likened to eagles flocking to a carcass (comparison made in Doctrine and Covenants).
Expectations of the Apostles:
- There would be anticipation of persecutions, followed by destruction and the apostasy of many.
- Phenomena in nature will signal the coming, leading to the gathering of elect.

Metaphor of the Fig Tree:
- Jesus compares the budding of the fig tree to the nearing of the kingdom of God.
- This generation will not pass until all things are fulfilled.
Fulfillment of Prophecies:
- Jesus emphasizes the certainty of the fulfillment: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass." - References to similar assurances in the gospel.

No Man Knows the Day:
- The timing of Christ’s advent is unknown to all unless revealed by the Father (Mark 13:36).
- Comparison made to the state of affairs in Noah's time before destruction came.
Vigilance:
- Emphasis on the need for watchfulness — likened to a thief breaking into a house.

Parabolic Teachings:
- Illustrations of watchfulness were given in the parable of the steward.
- The inattentive steward is compared to the consequences of neglect when the master returns unexpectedly.

Description of the Parable:
- 10 virgins are waiting for the bridegroom with lamps.
- Five are wise and carry extra oil; five are foolish and do not.
Lesson from the Parable:
- The wise are prepared when the bridegroom comes, while the foolish miss out due to lack of readiness.
Symbolism and Interpretation:
- The bridegroom symbolizes Christ; the virgins symbolize those who profess faith in Him.
- The oil represents spiritual preparedness.

Unpreparedness Consequences:
- The foolish virgins inability to join the feast exemplifies that everyone is responsible for their own preparedness.
- Parallel to the teachings of the importance of individual readiness.

Parable of the Talents:
- A man went on a journey and entrusted his property to his servants according to their abilities.
- Successful servants are rewarded, while the unfaithful servant who buried his talent faces judgment.
Interpretation of the Parable:
- Emphasizes accountability for utilizing God-given talents.
- Spiritual growth must be intentional.

Summary of the Two Parables:
- Both parables illustrate diligence in waiting for the Lord's return and the importance of using talents responsibly.
- The surety of Christ's second coming is highlighted.

Final Judgment Teaching:
- Upon Christ's return, there will be a separation of the righteous from the wicked.
- Each will face the results of their actions while on earth.
Distinction of Righteous and Wicked:
- Righteous receive blessings of eternal life; the wicked receive condemnation.

Concept of Stewardship:
- Servants held responsibility to the master, highlighting the principle of stewardship over talents and resources.

Inner Perception:
- People's views of God often reflect their own qualities.

Reputation and Judgment:
- God's judgment will come from individual responsibility and actions rather than others' righteousness.

Unity of Teachings:
- The interconnected lessons from the parables emphasize availability of mercy and accountability on both sides of the gospel.

Prediction of Death:
- Following instructions, Jesus informs the apostles of His impending betrayal and crucifixion.
- Reference to the upcoming Passover.

Note 1: Early fulfillment of these prophecies fulfilled historically by Josephus and others.
Note 2: Distinction between the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming.
Note 3: Timing of Christ's advent not revealed.
Note 4: Refutation of supa irrigation doctrine discussed as fallacious.
Note 5: Meaning of generation as applicable to the Jewish race.