Jesus has been delivering a lot of specific information and instruction. He said within one generation not one stone of the temple would be left upon another, that His disciples would encounter false Christs, hear rumors of wars, know of earthquakes and famines, and then be delivered up death. When they would see the abomination that causes desolation—false worship in the temple like Daniel saw—then they should leave the city. But now He says no one knows the exact day or hour and therefor they must watch and be ready. Instead of telling believers to hightail it immediately to a serene country, He wants them to stick around and be faithful disciples in Jerusalem. Decades will pass and it will feel like nothing is happening, so He warns them to be vigilant. They must be ready to go when it’s time, but not before.