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Luke 21 Jesus' Teaching and Prophecies

1 The Widow’s Offering
As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.

3 “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

5 Signs of the End of the Age
Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,

6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.

13 This will result in your being witnesses to them.

14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.

15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.

17 All men will hate you because of me.

18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

19 By standing firm you will gain life.

20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.

21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.

22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.

23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.

24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.

26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.

27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.

30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.

31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

32 “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.

35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.

36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives,

38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

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Analysis of Luke Chapter 21

Luke Chapter 21 is a compelling and multifaceted chapter that encompasses various teachings and prophecies of Jesus Christ. Let us delve deeply into the chapter, exploring its themes, verses, and the nuanced messages within.

Verses 1-4: The Widow’s Offering

The chapter begins with Jesus observing people as they donate money to the temple treasury. Jesus highlights a poor widow who contributes two small copper coins. Despite the modesty of her offering, Jesus commends her, stating:

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:3-4, NIV)

This passage offers profound insights:

  • Sacrificial Giving: The widow’s offering is significant not because of its monetary value but due to the sacrifice she made. Jesus stresses that real generosity stems from sacrifice and sincerity, not the amount given.
  • True Faith and Trust: The widow’s act reflects her total dependence on God. She entrusted her livelihood to God, embodying sturdy faith and complete trust in divine provision.
  • Inner Wealth: Jesus underscores that God values the intention and heart behind the act over the material worth. The widow, though materially poor, is spiritually rich due to her selfless act.

Verses 5-7: The Prophecy of the Temple’s Destruction

The narrative transitions as some disciples marvel at the temple’s grandeur. Jesus then prophesies its destruction:

“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6, NIV)

This prophecy serves multiple purposes:

  • Impermanence of Earthly Institutions: Jesus highlights the transient nature of earthly structures, emphasizing that even the magnificent temple will one day perish, pointing to the temporary essence of worldly constructs.
  • Forewarning of Tribulation: Jesus prepares His followers for future hardships, urging them to remain spiritually vigilant and not entangled with earthly splendor.

Verses 8-19: Signs of the End of the Age

Jesus continues with a discourse on the signs heralding the end times, warning against deception and persecution:

“Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” (Luke 21:8, NIV)

Key takeaways from this passage include:

  • Discernment Against Deception: Jesus alerts his followers to remain cautious of false messiahs and deceptive proclamations. Discernment and spiritual vigilance are paramount.
  • Unwavering Faith in Persecution: Jesus assures His followers that despite inevitable persecution, their perseverance will lead to salvation. Strength and resilience in faith are crucial, demonstrated in verses 16-19.

Verses 20-24: The Destruction of Jerusalem

Jesus offers intricate details surrounding Jerusalem’s demise:

“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.” (Luke 21:20, NIV)

Insights from these verses include:

  • Historical Fulfillment: The prophecy was historically fulfilled during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, when the city and temple were decimated.
  • Divine Judgment: The destruction signifies God’s judgment against the city due to its spiritual infidelity and rejection of Jesus.

Verses 25-28: Signs in the Heavens

Jesus speaks of cosmic disturbances preluding His return:

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity…” (Luke 21:25, NIV)

  • Hope Amidst Chaos: These cosmic signs, while instigating fear, also signify the approaching redemption. Jesus encourages His followers to lift their heads, as their redemption draws near (v. 28).
  • Reaffirmation of Sovereignty: The celestial signs reaffirm God’s supreme power over creation, offering hope that despite impending chaos, God’s ultimate plan prevails.

Verses 29-33: The Parable of the Fig Tree

Jesus illustrates the necessity of recognizing and interpreting divine signs through the Parable of the Fig Tree:

“When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.” (Luke 21:30, NIV)

Key lessons from this parable include:

  • Awareness of Signs: Just as one discerns seasonal shifts through nature’s signs, believers must also interpret the signs of the times, recognizing indicators of Jesus’ return.
  • Promises Fulfilled: Jesus assures that His words are unchanging and eternal, offering a dependable foundation amidst temporal uncertainties (v. 33).

Verses 34-36: The Call to Watchfulness

Jesus warns of the need for constant vigilance:

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34, NIV)

  • Spiritual Preparedness: Jesus advocates for unwavering spiritual diligence, cautioning against distractions and sinful indulgences that may compromise watchfulness.
  • The Urgency of Prayer: Persistent prayer is emphasized as a means to fortify oneself against looming trials, ensuring readiness for the Son of Man’s return (v. 36).

Verses 37-38: Jesus’ Daily Teaching

The chapter concludes by depicting Jesus’ dedication to teaching at the temple, reflecting His commitment to enlightening and preparing His followers before His impending passion:

“Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives.” (Luke 21:37, NIV)

This concluding note accentuates:

  • Dedication to Ministry: Jesus’ unwavering dedication to teaching underscores the importance of spiritual instruction and guidance for His disciples.
  • Intimacy with God: Jesus’ retreat to the Mount of Olives for prayer symbolizes intimacy and reliance on the Father for strength and communion, a model for the followers’ prayer life.

Conclusion

Luke Chapter 21, replete with profound teachings and prophecies, challenges believers to embrace sacrificial giving, discern deception, persevere in faith amidst trials, and remain ever-vigilant in spiritual preparedness. Through vivid illustrations, Jesus not only forewarns of impending judgments but also imbues His followers with hope, asserting the promise of redemption and the reliability of His eternal words. The chapter culminates in exemplifying the balance of active ministry and contemplative prayer, serving as a holistic model for Christian discipleship.

In essence, Luke 21 invites readers to anchor their faith deeply in Christ, navigating through life’s transiences and tribulations with a steadfast hope and an unwavering dedication to spiritual readiness for the promised return of the Son of Man.