The things to be seen refers to all the signs that have been mentioned in Matthew 24:4–26, not the return of Jesus Christ itself.1 These signs all serve to affirm that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. The desolation of the temple in particular is the final visible prerequisite before the cosmic signs of Jesus’ return.2 Once the Jerusalem Temple has been destroyed, Jesus’ return is so near that he can be said to be at the door.3
33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.