In this eye-opening message, Pastor Greg Laurie unpacks the “prophetic puzzle” found in Daniel chapter 9. Learn how this ancient prophecy predicted the exact arrival of the Messiah and outlined key events in the End Times—including the Rapture, the rise of the Antichrist, the Great Tribulation, and the Second Coming of Christ.

You’ll discover:

• How Daniel’s prayer sparked a divine revelation
• The timeline from Jerusalem’s rebuilding to Jesus’ arrival
• Why prayer and repentance still spark revival today
• The role of the Antichrist in future prophecy
• Encouragement for your personal future, no matter your past

The End Times Prophecy Puzzle UNLOCKED in Daniel 9

We’re in Daniel chapter 9. The title of my message is Making Sense of the Prophetic Puzzle.

How many of you like puzzles? Raise your hand. I am not one of you. I admire you—it seems like smart people like puzzles. My wife loves them. If we walk through someone’s home and there’s a puzzle on the table, she’ll sit down and start working on it. If we walk through a hotel lobby and there’s a puzzle, she’s on it immediately. Me? I just keep walking. To me it feels like a waste of time.

But here in Daniel chapter 9, before us is a prophetic puzzle—one we should not keep walking past. We need to stop and look at it carefully, because it is one of the most remarkable prophecies in the book of Daniel. In fact, I would even say it’s one of the most mind-blowing prophecies in the entire Bible. Why? Because this prophecy gives us the exact date of the arrival of the Messiah.

Not His second coming—we know that will happen at the end of the Tribulation. The Bible is very clear about that. The Second Coming takes place after the seven-year Tribulation, at the Battle of Armageddon. But here in Daniel 9, we’re shown the exact timing of Christ’s first coming—when He would appear publicly and begin His ministry.

End Times Timeline

Let me give you a quick flyover of prophetic events as I see them:

1. The next event on God’s prophetic calendar is the Rapture—when Christians are caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

2. The emergence of the Antichrist follows.

3. That begins the Great Tribulation—a seven-year period of unparalleled difficulty.

4. At the end of the Tribulation comes the Battle of Armageddon.

5. And then—the Second Coming of Christ.

Now, since the Rapture hasn’t happened yet, we don’t know when it will. And no, I don’t buy into the blood moon theories. Scripture does say the moon will turn to blood (Joel’s prophecy, quoted by Peter in Acts 2), but that refers specifically to the Tribulation period. We’re not there yet. Don’t get sidetracked—stick to what Scripture clearly says.

Power of Prayer and Repentance

So, when did God reveal this prophecy to Daniel? When he was praying.

Prayer changes things. The devil doesn’t want you to preach the Gospel—and he really doesn’t want you to pray. Why? Because prayer is powerful. As the old line goes, “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.”

Daniel not only prayed, but he repented. He said three of the hardest words anyone can say: “I have sinned.” Not “you have sinned,” but “I have sinned.” Even though we don’t know of a specific sin Daniel committed, he still humbled himself before God.

Revival always begins with prayer and repentance. In fact, one of the greatest revivals in America—the Great Prayer Revival—began in 1857 with a small prayer meeting in New York City led by Jeremiah Lanphier. At first, only a few people showed up. But soon, after a financial panic, thousands were gathering every day at lunchtime to pray. Within six months, 10,000 were meeting daily, and over 1 million people came to Christ.

God can do it again—and it could start with someone like you.

Interpreting Daniel’s Timeline

Daniel 9:25 says:

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself.”

In modern terms, that’s 483 years from the command to rebuild Jerusalem until the coming of the Messiah. And history records exactly how it played out.

King Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls in 445 BC. If you count forward 173,880 days (using the prophetic calendar of 360 days per year), you arrive at the very day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey—fulfilling prophecy to the letter.

Jesus’ Arrival and Sacrifice Foretold

On Palm Sunday, Jesus was declaring openly: “I am your Messiah.” The people waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” But instead of celebrating, Jesus wept. Why? Because He knew He would soon be “cut off”—crucified for the sins of the world.

At 33, most people say, “It’s just beginning.” But Jesus said, “It is finished.” His mission was complete.

After that moment, the prophetic clock paused—like a football game where the clock is stopped before the final play. It will start ticking again when the Antichrist is revealed.

The Antichrist and Tribulation

Daniel 9:27 describes a coming world leader—the Antichrist—who will confirm a covenant with Israel for seven years. Halfway through, he will break it, desecrate the temple with the “abomination of desolation” (as Jesus referenced in Matthew 24), and unleash terrible persecution.

But remember this: Scripture does not tell us to look for Antichrist. It tells us to look for Jesus Christ. “When these things begin to happen, look up, for your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).

Encouragement for Believers

So what about your personal future?

• Your future is bright. If you’re a Christian, no matter what happens, you’re going to heaven.

• Your future is good. Romans 8:28 promises that God works all things together for good to those who love Him.

• Your future is provided for. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Life may feel like a broken puzzle, missing a piece. But the missing piece is Jesus Christ. Only He can make you whole.

Communion and Call to Salvation

As we prepare for communion, remember: the bread represents Christ’s broken body, and the cup His shed blood. Communion is for believers. If you don’t yet believe in Jesus, the better step is to place your faith in Him right now—then join us in remembering what He has done.

Here’s how:

Pray sincerely, “Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner. But I believe You are the Savior who died for me and rose again. I repent of my sin and choose to follow You. Thank You for forgiving me and accepting me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to God’s family. Your missing piece has been found.