Luke 21

Summary

 

In Luke 21, Jesus speaks about the future, emphasizing the importance of readiness, endurance in faith, and the recognition of the signs that will precede significant events in God's plan.

 

  1. The Widow's Offering (Luke 21:1-4): Jesus observes a poor widow who gives a small offering, and he praises her sacrificial giving, highlighting the value of genuine, sacrificial generosity.

  2. Prophecy of the Temple's Destruction (Luke 21:5-6): Some people marvel at the grandeur of the temple, but Jesus predicts its destruction. This prophecy would later be fulfilled in 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the Jerusalem temple.
  3. Signs of the End Times (Luke 21:7-28): Jesus provides a discourse on the signs that will precede the end times, including false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, and persecutions. He encourages his followers not to be alarmed but to persevere in faith.
  4. Persecution and Witnessing (Luke 21:12-19): Jesus foretells persecution for his followers but assures them that their endurance will result in their salvation. He encourages them to stand firm and bear witness to him even in the face of opposition.
  5. The Coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:25-28): Jesus describes cosmic disturbances and signs in the heavens that will precede his return. He assures his disciples that when these things happen, they should lift up their heads because their redemption is drawing near.
  6. Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 21:29-33): Jesus uses the analogy of a fig tree to illustrate the recognition of signs indicating the coming of the kingdom of God. He emphasizes that just as the leaves on a fig tree indicate summer, these signs will indicate the fulfillment of God's kingdom.
  7. Exhortation to Watchfulness (Luke 21:34-38): Jesus concludes by urging his disciples to be watchful and ready for the events he has described, warning them against being weighed down by the cares of life.

 

(7-28)

"And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls."

 

 

References

 

1. Anyabwile T. M. (2018). Exalting Jesus in Luke. Holman Reference.