Last updated on July 27, 2025
Imagine a world engulfed in chaos—nations trembling under the weight of deception, governments rising and falling, and darkness covering the hearts of people. In the midst of this turmoil, a few faithful voices cry out, proclaiming the truth of God’s kingdom. But suddenly, those voices are silenced. Their bodies lie in the streets while the world celebrates their downfall, unaware that their death marks the beginning of their greatest victory.
This haunting scene is not from a dystopian novel but from the pages of Scripture. It is the prophetic vision tied to one of Jesus Christ’s most mysterious statements: “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather” (Luke 17:37). What did the Lord mean by this cryptic parable? Who does this “dead body” represent? And what is the role of the “vultures” circling around it?
To understand this riddle, we must look closely at the Book of Revelation, where the vision of the “two witnesses” unveils the true meaning of the parable. This connection not only reveals the spiritual battle of the last days but also points directly to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Parable of the Dead Body
In Luke 17:37, the disciples asked Jesus a simple but urgent question: “Where, Lord?” He replied with a parable that seemed almost puzzling: “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.” This statement holds a profound prophetic meaning that ties directly to the end-time events described in Revelation.
The “dead body” here is not a random symbol but a reference to the body of Christ—Mount Zion—which will face severe persecution in the final days. To unlock this mystery, we must first understand the identity of the “two witnesses” mentioned in Revelation.
The Two Witnesses and the Body of Christ
Revelation 11:3 declares: “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” These two witnesses represent the faithful, prophetic body of Christ in the end times.
John describes them as “two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth” (Revelation 11:4). In Scripture, a lampstand symbolizes a church, as stated in Revelation 1:20: “The seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” Thus, the two witnesses are two congregations—Judah and Israel—who will stand as the voice of truth during the reign of the beast.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes this concept in Ephesians 5:23, where he writes: “Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.” This means the two witnesses are a direct representation of the body of Christ in the last days, and they are central to the events leading up to the second coming.
Birds of Prey: Vultures or Eagles?
The term “vultures” in this translation of the parable comes from the Greek word ἀετοί (aetoi), which is more accurately rendered as “birds of prey.” Depending on the Bible version you read, it may appear as “vultures” or “eagles,” but both convey the same idea—high flying predators that circle and watch their prey.
This symbolism aligns with Jeremiah 12:9, where God declares: “Is not My inheritance to Me like a speckled bird of prey with other birds of prey circling against her?” God’s inheritance—Judah and Israel—is likened to a bird of prey surrounded by others. These “birds” represent religious and spiritual powers rising against the faithful body of Christ in the last days.
The Death of the Two Witnesses
The two witnesses will not remain unharmed. Revelation 11:7 tells us, “When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.” This beast, along with the false prophet, symbolizes the religious and political systems that oppose God’s people (Revelation 19:20).
The death of the two witnesses will shock the world. Revelation 11:8 describes the chilling scene: “And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” The world will celebrate their silence, exchanging gifts as if their deaths were cause for joy.
The Resurrection and the Second Coming
Yet this apparent defeat will only set the stage for a divine display of power. Revelation 11:11 declares: “Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.” This resurrection is the event of Christ’s return, as He comes to gather His people and establish His kingdom.
When the two witnesses rise, it will be as though the body of Christ itself is resurrected from death to glory. Their victory will shatter the plans of the beast and false prophet, marking the beginning of the end for the forces of darkness.
A Call to Stand Ready
The parable of the dead body is not just a cryptic saying; it is a wake-up call for every believer. It warns us that the body of Christ—Mount Zion—will face its greatest trial. Yet, it also promises a glorious resurrection at the triumphant return of Jesus Christ.
We must ask ourselves: Are we prepared to be part of the two witnesses? Are we ready to stand boldly for the truth when the world turns against us? This calling is not for the faint-hearted. It is for those who will hold fast to their faith, even when surrounded by the “vultures” of deception, persecution, and compromise.
Now is the time to draw closer to the Lord, to strengthen our relationship with Him, and to stand unshaken in His Word. When the vultures gather, may they find us not as prey but as witnesses filled with the Spirit of God, ready to rise with Christ in victory.
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