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Scripture reading – Luke 21
The opening verses of Luke 21 parallel an earlier study of Mark 12:41-44. Here was a poor widow who cast into the Temple treasury “two mites” that were, in Christ’s words, “more than they all” for “she of her penury [poverty] hath cast in all the living that she had” (Luke 21:3).
The Destruction of the Temple (Luke 21:5-7)
As Jesus and His disciples departed the Temple Mount (Matthew 24:1), some with Him spoke about the beauty of the Temple (Luke 21:5). Jesus, however, made the dire prediction that “the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Luke 21:6).
Having foretold the destruction of Jerusalem in an earlier setting (Luke 19:41-44), and now the Temple, the disciples asked, “Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?” (Luke 21:7; Mark 13:3-4; Matthew 24:3)
Matthew recorded that Jesus “sat upon the mount of Olives” (Matthew 24:3), which overlooked the city of Jerusalem, and began to teach His disciples those things that would precede His Second Coming. The verses then described the time the Scriptures identify as “the Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21, 29; Mark 13:24).
The Signs of Christ’s Second Coming (Luke 21:8-19)
Religious Charlatans (Luke 21:8)
Jesus cautioned the disciples to be on guard and “not deceived,” stating that there would be many who would come “saying, I am Christ” (Luke 21:8). Though Christ had a particular time of history in mind, nevertheless, the events that He described have been true of every age of human history. Yet, near Christ’s Second Coming, the following will increase and intensify.
International Unrest (Luke 21:9-10)
“Wars and commotions [i.e., insurrections]… Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Luke 21:9-10).
The apostle John foretold in the Book of Revelation that peace would be taken “from the earth” before the Second Coming of Christ. A time of violence would follow (Revelation 6:4). In the final battle of the Tribulation, “the kings of the earth and of the whole world” will gather at Armageddon to war against God’s people (Revelation 16:12-16).
Natural Disasters and Disease (Luke 21:11)
“And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” (Luke 21:11)
Other signs that point to the end of times are earthquakes, which occur in places that were never before known for them. There are warnings of food shortages and the fear of famine in the news. “Pestilences” were also a sign of when Christ should come. Once again, it seems that not a day passes without governments issuing dire warnings of pandemics, a new strain of COVID, or an increase in the virility of diseases we once boasted were conquered.
Fearful Sights and Signs in the Heavens (Luke 21:11)
Christ did not specify what sights and signs might be at the end of time; however, He described them as “fearful,” meaning terrifying and terrible to behold. John wrote in his revelation of “a great mountain burning with fire…the third part of the sea became blood…[and] a great star [falling] from heaven” (Revelation 8:8-10). Perhaps the great star will be a giant meteor or an asteroid that will strike the earth, poison the waters, and contribute to famine.
Religious Persecution (Luke 21:12-19)
Jesus foretold that a rise in religious persecution would accompany the days before His Second Coming. Today we are witnessing a surge in antisemitic sentiment unseen since the days of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II. There is also evidence of a growing intolerance for Biblical morals and values and open persecution of believers and churches worldwide.
Yet, the opportunity to testify of one’s faith and hope in Christ will avail (Luke 21:13). Jesus, therefore, urged His followers not to fear what they will say, trusting He will “give you a mouth and wisdom” and our “adversaries shall not be able to gainsay [contradict] nor resist [withstand; refute]” (Luke 21:14-15).
Tragically, betrayal and persecution will arise in believers’ households. Parents, siblings, and friends will betray. Some believers will “be put to death” (Luke 21:16). Hatred will boil over toward those who identify with Jesus Christ (Luke 21:17). Yet, Christ promised, “There shall not an hair of your head perish” (Luke 21:18). In other words, the wicked might take your life. Still, they cannot steal a believer’s salvation and security in Christ.
Closing thoughts –
Much more might be commented on in Luke 21, but I will conclude with a brief outline.
Luke 21:20-24 describes the Destruction that will attend Christ’s Second Coming (Luke 21:20-24). Luke 21:25-28 notes that there will be Signs in the Sky when Christ returns. Finally, believers were urged to watch, wait, and endure for the faith, knowing they would “stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:29-36).
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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