Who is Jesus speaking to in Matthew 24:15?
In Matthew 24:15, Jesus is speaking to the twelve disciples, and through them to the nation of Israel. The setting is Jesus alone with the twelve, but the context extends beyond them to Israel. The language is directed to Israel, not Gentiles, concerning the abomination of desolation.
Les explains that the setting for Matthew 24 is Jesus alone with the twelve. They asked Him what the signs of His coming would be and what Israel can look for at the appearance of her Messiah. At verse 15, Jesus speaks to the twelve, and His words go beyond the twelve but still to the nation of Israel. Les notes this is no Gentile language whatsoever. Jesus tells them that when they see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, the reader should understand. Les connects this to Daniel’s prophecy that in the middle of the seven years the Antichrist will move into Jerusalem, defile the temple, turn on the children of Israel, and bring the last three-and-a-half years of Tribulation. Then in verse 16 Jesus says when they see that happen, those in Judea should flee into the mountains.
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
More Questions
What is the abomination of desolation in Matthew 24?
The abomination of desolation is the Antichrist moving into the temple in Jerusalem and defiling it, probably in the way Antiochus the Syrian did back in the Old Testament.
Who are the escaping remnant of Israel in Matthew 24?
The Jews told to flee to the mountains in Matthew 24:15-16 are called the escaping remnant of Israel.