What were the disciples asking Jesus when they were on the Mount of Olives?
On the Mount of Olives, the disciples were asking Jesus about the coming Kingdom’s timing. They asked if He was ready then to put them in their respective places of authority over the twelve tribes and if they were ready to take up their thrones. They wanted to know when this would happen.
Les explains that the disciples were still thinking about Jesus’ earlier promise that they would sit on twelve thrones and rule the twelve tribes of Israel under Him. On the Mount of Olives, that same expectation was on their minds. They asked Jesus if He was now ready to put them in their respective places of authority over the twelve tribes and if they were ready to take up their thrones. Jesus did not refute their idea of a coming Kingdom; He only told them it was not for them to know the time. The fact that the Kingdom is coming is certain, but the when belongs to the Father alone. Les notes that even in His earthly ministry Jesus said only the Father knows the day and hour.