The inner circle of Christ’s disciples asked Him about what they had just heard. Jesus had just told them that the temple would be destroyed. They connect that destruction of the temple with the ushering in of His rule, of His kingdom, of the end of the age (Matthew 24:3).

They do not foresee two advents of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a time gap in between. So, sitting with Him on the mount of Olives, looking down upon the temple mount, THEY ASK TWO QUESTIONS.

They had a when question. When would these things be?
They had a what question. What will be the sign?
A timing question, and a recognition question.

Jesus answered both. And in answering both, He also gave us an outline of future events. He told us of the time leading up to a great tribulation (vs.3-13), and He told us about that great tribulation (vs.14-23), and He told us about what follows that great tribulation, namely His return in glory (vs.24-27). And He gives us signs for the great tribulation, and for the second coming.